What is the fastest way to gather wood for your first shelter?

Gathering wood quickly for your first shelter in Valheim is essential for survival, especially during the early game when resources are scarce and threats like Greylings and the environment loom. The fastest way to gather wood involves understanding the game mechanics, optimizing your tools, and knowing where to focus your efforts. Start by crafting a Stone Axe, which is the first tool you can make for chopping trees. To craft it, you need 5 Wood and 4 Stone, which can be gathered by picking up branches and small rocks scattered around the Meadows biome.\n\nOnce you have your Stone Axe, head to the nearest cluster of trees. Focus on smaller trees like Beech or Birch, as they require fewer hits to fell and drop a decent amount of wood. Larger trees like Pine or Oak take more time and stamina to chop down, so avoid them initially unless you have no other options. When chopping trees, aim for the base of the trunk and be mindful of the falling direction. Trees can damage or kill you if they fall on you, so always step back after the final swing.\n\nAfter felling a tree, chop the logs into smaller pieces to collect wood. Each log can yield multiple wood pieces, so make sure to break them down completely. If you’re low on stamina, consider eating food like Raspberries or Mushrooms, which are easy to find in the Meadows biome. Stamina management is crucial, as running out of stamina mid-chop can slow you down significantly.\n\nA common challenge for new players is dealing with Greylings, small hostile creatures that spawn in the Meadows. They can interrupt your wood-gathering efforts, so always keep an eye on your surroundings. If a Greyling attacks, use your Stone Axe to defend yourself. Alternatively, you can build a small workbench near your chopping area to create a safe zone, as enemies tend to avoid areas with player-built structures.\n\nFor experienced players, consider upgrading to a Flint Axe as soon as possible. This requires 4 Wood and 6 Flint, which can be found along riverbanks or shorelines in the Meadows. The Flint Axe chops trees faster and is more efficient for gathering large amounts of wood. Additionally, if you’re playing with friends, divide tasks to speed up the process. One player can focus on chopping trees while another gathers food or defends against enemies.\n\nFinally, always plan your shelter location near a dense forest to minimize travel time. Avoid areas with too many rocks or uneven terrain, as these can make building more difficult. Once you’ve gathered enough wood, prioritize building a basic shelter with walls, a roof, and a door to protect yourself from the elements and enemies. A workbench inside your shelter will allow you to craft additional tools and upgrades, further improving your efficiency.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather wood for your first shelter involves crafting a Stone Axe, focusing on smaller trees, managing stamina, and defending against Greylings. Upgrade to a Flint Axe when possible, and consider teaming up with friends for faster progress. With these tips, you’ll have a sturdy shelter in no time, ready to face the challenges of Valheim.