What’s the best way to farm core wood for building upgrades?

Core wood is a vital resource in Valheim, used for crafting advanced building materials like core wood beams, poles, and reinforced structures. It is obtained by chopping down pine trees, which are primarily found in the Black Forest biome. Unlike regular wood, core wood requires a bronze axe or better to harvest, making it a mid-game resource. To efficiently farm core wood, you’ll need to prepare properly and understand the game mechanics.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools. A bronze axe is the minimum requirement for cutting down pine trees, but upgrading to an iron axe will significantly speed up the process. To craft a bronze axe, you’ll need bronze, which is made by combining copper and tin at a forge. Copper is mined from copper deposits in the Black Forest, while tin is found along the shores of the same biome. Once you have your axe, head to the Black Forest to begin farming.\n\nPine trees are tall, thin, and have a distinct dark bark texture, making them easy to spot. When chopping them down, be cautious of their falling direction, as they can cause significant damage if they hit you or nearby structures. To maximize efficiency, focus on areas with dense clusters of pine trees. This reduces the time spent running between trees and allows you to gather large amounts of core wood quickly.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with enemies in the Black Forest, such as Greydwarfs and Trolls. To mitigate this, bring a shield and a weapon like a spear or sword for defense. Alternatively, consider building a small outpost near your farming area with a workbench and a campfire. This allows you to repair your tools and rest for the rested bonus, which increases stamina regeneration. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate to have one person guard while the other chops trees.\n\nAnother tip is to use a cart to transport large amounts of core wood back to your base. Carts are crafted using 20 wood and 10 bronze nails at a workbench. They can carry a significant amount of resources, but be mindful of the terrain. The Black Forest is often hilly, so plan your route carefully to avoid getting stuck. If you’re playing solo, consider building a portal near your farming area to quickly transport core wood back to your base.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using the Elder boss power, which increases woodcutting speed. This power is unlocked by defeating the Elder, the second boss in Valheim. Activating it before a farming session can save a lot of time. Additionally, if you’ve progressed to the Plains biome, you can use a Lox to help carry resources, though this requires taming and is more advanced.\n\nFinally, always plan ahead. Core wood is used in large quantities for building upgrades, so it’s wise to stockpile it whenever possible. Store excess core wood in chests near your crafting stations to streamline your building process. By following these steps, you’ll have a steady supply of core wood for all your construction needs.\n\nIn summary, farming core wood efficiently requires the right tools, preparation, and strategy. Focus on the Black Forest biome, use a bronze or iron axe, and consider building an outpost or portal for convenience. Defend yourself against enemies, use a cart for transport, and take advantage of boss powers if available. With these tips, you’ll master core wood farming and enhance your Valheim base-building experience.