How do you unlock the stonecutter for advanced building?

Unlocking the stonecutter in Valheim is a crucial step for advancing your building capabilities, allowing you to craft and place stone structures. To unlock the stonecutter, you must first defeat the second boss, The Elder, in the Black Forest biome. This boss drops a key item called the Swamp Key, which grants access to the Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. Inside these crypts, you will find Iron Scrap, a vital resource for crafting the stonecutter.\n\nTo begin, you need to locate The Elder''s summoning altar in the Black Forest. This requires finding and reading Vegvisir runestones, which reveal the boss''s location. Once you have the location, gather three Ancient Seeds from Greydwarf nests or by defeating Greydwarf Brutes and Shamans. Place these seeds on The Elder''s altar to summon and defeat the boss. After defeating The Elder, you will receive the Swamp Key, which unlocks the Sunken Crypts.\n\nNext, venture into the Swamp biome, a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr and Leeches. Locate a Sunken Crypt, which is identifiable by its green torches and iron gate. Use the Swamp Key to unlock the gate and explore the crypt. Inside, you will find Muddy Scrap Piles that can be mined with a Bronze Pickaxe or better to obtain Iron Scrap. Collect at least 10 Iron Scrap to smelt into Iron Bars at a Smelter.\n\nOnce you have Iron Bars, you can craft the stonecutter. To do this, you need to build a Forge, which requires 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. Place the Forge near your base and interact with it to craft the stonecutter. The stonecutter itself requires 2 Wood, 4 Stone, and 10 Iron. Once crafted, place it near your base to unlock advanced stone building options, such as stone walls, floors, and decorative pieces.\n\nA common challenge players face is surviving in the Swamp biome while gathering Iron Scrap. To overcome this, ensure you have upgraded armor, such as Bronze or Troll Hide, and bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Additionally, use a Stagbreaker or Iron Mace to deal with groups of enemies effectively. Always carry a Poison Resistance Mead to counteract the Swamp''s toxic environment.\n\nUnderstanding the game mechanics is essential for success. The stonecutter is tied to the Forge, meaning you must have a Forge nearby to use it. Additionally, stone structures require a solid foundation, so plan your builds carefully. Stone is heavier than wood, so ensure your base''s structural integrity by using core wood or iron beams for support.\n\nFor new players, focus on progressing through the game''s bosses in order. Defeating Eikthyr, the first boss, grants access to Bronze tools, which are necessary for mining Iron Scrap. Experienced Vikings can optimize their resource gathering by marking Sunken Crypt locations on their map and using portals to transport Iron Scrap back to their base efficiently.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the stonecutter involves defeating The Elder, gathering Iron Scrap in the Swamp biome, and crafting the stonecutter at a Forge. Prepare thoroughly for the Swamp''s challenges, and use the stonecutter to create durable and impressive stone structures. With these steps, you''ll be well on your way to mastering advanced building in Valheim.