What’s the best way to farm ancient bark for dark wood structures?

Ancient bark is a crucial resource in Valheim for crafting dark wood structures, such as dark wood beams, dark wood gates, and other decorative or functional builds. It is primarily obtained from ancient trees found in the Swamp biome. To efficiently farm ancient bark, you need to understand the game mechanics, prepare the right tools, and follow a strategic approach.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the proper tools for harvesting ancient bark. A bronze axe or better is required to chop down ancient trees. If you are early in the game, prioritize upgrading your tools to at least a bronze axe, as flint or stone axes will not work. Ancient trees are large, gnarled trees with twisted trunks and dark bark, making them easy to spot in the Swamp biome. They are often surrounded by water, so be prepared for wet conditions and hostile enemies like Draugr and Leeches.\n\nWhen entering the Swamp biome, bring a rested buff, poison resistance mead, and a good weapon like a mace or sword to deal with enemies. Ancient trees are sturdy and require multiple hits to fell, so ensure your stamina is high before starting. Once you chop down an ancient tree, it will yield 10-15 ancient bark pieces, along with some core wood. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage you or nearby structures.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, focus on areas with dense clusters of ancient trees. Use a cart or portal to transport the bark back to your base, as carrying large quantities can be cumbersome. If you are far from your base, consider setting up a temporary outpost with a workbench and portal to streamline the process. This minimizes travel time and allows you to focus on gathering resources.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with the Swamp''s hostile environment. To mitigate this, clear the area of enemies before starting to chop trees. Use the terrain to your advantage by luring enemies into shallow water or using elevated ground to avoid Leeches. Additionally, always keep an eye on your stamina and health, as the Swamp can quickly drain both.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using a Lox or other tamed animals to help carry resources, though this requires advanced preparation. Alternatively, team up with other players to divide tasks—one person can focus on gathering bark while another handles enemy threats. This cooperative approach speeds up the process and makes it safer.\n\nIn summary, farming ancient bark efficiently requires preparation, the right tools, and a strategic approach. Focus on the Swamp biome, bring poison resistance mead, and clear the area of enemies before harvesting. Use carts, portals, or tamed animals to transport resources, and consider teaming up with other players for faster results. With these tips, you''ll have plenty of ancient bark for your dark wood structures in no time.