How do you unlock the stonecutter for building farm structures?

Unlocking the stonecutter in Valheim is essential for building durable farm structures like stone walls, floors, and decorative elements. The stonecutter allows you to craft stone-based building pieces, which are far more resistant to damage compared to wood. To unlock the stonecutter, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and progress through the game to acquire the necessary materials and crafting station.\n\nTo begin, you must defeat Eikthyr, the first boss found in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are required to craft the Antler Pickaxe. This pickaxe is your first tool for mining stone and other resources like copper and tin. Without it, you cannot gather the materials needed to progress further. After defeating Eikthyr, craft the Antler Pickaxe at a workbench using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler.\n\nNext, you need to venture into the Black Forest biome to find and mine Tin and Copper. These metals are essential for crafting Bronze, which is required to build the stonecutter. Use your Antler Pickaxe to mine Copper deposits (large, greenish rocks) and Tin deposits (smaller, silvery rocks near water). Smelt these ores in a Smelter, which requires 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores. Surtling Cores can be found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or from Surtlings in the Ashlands biome.\n\nOnce you have Copper and Tin bars, craft a Forge using 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. The Forge is necessary to create Bronze, which is made by combining 2 Copper bars and 1 Tin bar. With Bronze in hand, you can now craft the stonecutter. The stonecutter requires 10 Wood and 2 Stone, but it can only be placed near a Workbench. Ensure your Workbench is upgraded with a roof and walls to maximize its functionality.\n\nAfter placing the stonecutter, you can start crafting stone-based building pieces. These include stone walls, floors, and arches, which are ideal for creating sturdy farm structures. Stone structures are highly resistant to weather and enemy attacks, making them perfect for protecting your crops and livestock. For example, you can build a stone perimeter wall around your farm to keep out Greydwarfs and other hostile creatures.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Surtling Cores for the Smelter. If you''re struggling to find them, explore multiple Burial Chambers in the Black Forest. These dungeons often contain 2-4 Surtling Cores each. Additionally, Surtlings in the Ashlands biome drop Cores when defeated, though this biome is more dangerous and better suited for experienced players.\n\nTo optimize your farming setup, consider combining stone and wood structures. For instance, use stone for the foundation and walls of your farmhouse but wood for the roof and interior. This approach balances durability with resource efficiency. Also, place your stonecutter near your farm to minimize travel time when building or repairing structures.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the stonecutter requires defeating Eikthyr, mining Copper and Tin in the Black Forest, and crafting Bronze at a Forge. Once unlocked, the stonecutter enables you to build robust farm structures that withstand environmental and enemy threats. By following these steps and tips, you can create a secure and efficient farming area in Valheim.