How do I use the workbench to repair tools and save on crafting materials?

In Valheim, the workbench is a crucial tool for repairing damaged equipment, saving you valuable crafting materials and time. Unlike many survival games, Valheim allows you to repair tools, weapons, and armor for free as long as you have access to a workbench. This mechanic is especially useful for conserving resources like wood, stone, and metals, which are often needed for crafting new items or building structures.\n\nTo repair items, you must first build a workbench. This requires 10 wood, which can be gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, the starting area of the game. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and select the workbench. Place it in a suitable location, ensuring it is sheltered and has enough space to function. The workbench requires a roof and at least two walls to operate, so build a small shelter around it if necessary.\n\nOnce the workbench is set up, approach it and interact with the hammer icon in the crafting menu. This will open the repair interface. Here, you can see all the damaged items in your inventory that are eligible for repair. Simply click on the item you want to repair, and it will be restored to full durability without consuming any materials. This feature is particularly useful for high-tier tools and weapons, such as bronze or iron gear, which require rare resources to craft.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of durability mid-exploration, especially in dangerous biomes like the Black Forest or Swamp. To address this, consider carrying a portal kit (10 fine wood and 2 greydwarf eyes) to quickly return to your base for repairs. Alternatively, you can build a temporary workbench in the field using minimal resources. This strategy is especially helpful when mining copper or tin in the Black Forest, as your pickaxe will degrade quickly.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize repairing over crafting duplicates. For example, if your bronze axe breaks, repairing it at the workbench is far more efficient than crafting a new one, which requires 4 bronze and 2 wood. This approach saves valuable bronze, which is time-consuming to smelt from copper and tin. Similarly, repairing armor like the troll hide set or bronze plate set ensures you stay protected without wasting materials.\n\nFor advanced players, upgrading your workbench with additional stations like the chopping block and tanning rack can unlock higher-tier repairs and crafting options. These upgrades require specific materials, such as flint and deer hide, but they are worth the investment for long-term efficiency. Always keep your workbench upgraded to match your gear progression.\n\nIn summary, the workbench is an essential tool for maintaining your equipment and conserving resources in Valheim. By repairing items instead of crafting new ones, you can save time and materials, allowing you to focus on exploration and building. Whether you''re a new player in the Meadows or an experienced Viking venturing into the Mountains, mastering the workbench repair mechanic is key to thriving in the world of Valheim.