How do you unlock the Stonecutter to upgrade your base with stone structures?

To unlock the Stonecutter in Valheim, you must first progress through the game''s crafting tiers and gather specific resources. The Stonecutter is essential for building stone structures, which are more durable and aesthetically pleasing than wood. However, unlocking it requires defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and exploring the Black Forest biome to gather key materials.\n\nFirst, you need to 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 crucial for mining Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome. Without it, you cannot gather the materials needed to progress further in the game. Defeating Eikthyr also unlocks the ability to craft a Forge, which is necessary for smelting metals.\n\nOnce you have the Antler Pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome. This biome is identifiable by its dense pine trees, rocky terrain, and hostile creatures like Greydwarfs. In the Black Forest, you will find Copper deposits embedded in large rocks and Tin deposits near water sources. Mine these materials using your pickaxe and transport them back to your base. Smelt the Copper and Tin in a Smelter to create Bronze, which is used to craft the Stonecutter.\n\nTo build a Smelter, you need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once you have a Smelter, place Copper Ore and Tin Ore inside to create Bronze Bars. You will need 2 Copper Bars and 1 Tin Bar to craft the Stonecutter.\n\nAfter gathering the required Bronze Bars, you can craft the Stonecutter at your Workbench. The Stonecutter requires 10 Wood and 2 Stone to build. Once placed, it allows you to craft stone structures such as walls, floors, and pillars. These structures are more resistant to damage from enemies and environmental hazards, making them ideal for fortifying your base.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Copper and Tin deposits in the Black Forest. Copper deposits are often hidden beneath the ground, so look for large, moss-covered rocks. Use your pickaxe to mine them. Tin deposits, on the other hand, are found near water sources like rivers or lakes and appear as small, shiny rocks. Mark these locations on your map to make resource gathering more efficient.\n\nAnother challenge is defending your base while gathering materials. The Black Forest is home to dangerous enemies like Trolls and Greydwarfs. To mitigate this risk, bring a shield, a weapon, and plenty of food for stamina and health regeneration. Consider building a small outpost near your mining area to store resources and respawn if needed.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Stonecutter involves defeating Eikthyr, crafting an Antler Pickaxe, mining Copper and Tin in the Black Forest, smelting Bronze, and building the Stonecutter at your Workbench. Stone structures provide superior durability and aesthetics, making them a worthwhile investment for any Viking base. Plan your resource-gathering trips carefully, and always be prepared for combat in the Black Forest biome.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when exploring the Black Forest to quickly return to your base. Use carts to transport large amounts of ore efficiently. Upgrade your Workbench and Forge to unlock additional crafting options and improve your gear. Finally, consider building a perimeter wall around your base using stone structures to protect against raids and enemy attacks.