How do you use the hoe to flatten terrain and save on materials?

The hoe is one of the most versatile tools in Valheim, especially when it comes to building and terrain manipulation. Using the hoe to flatten terrain can save you a significant amount of building materials, as it allows you to create a stable foundation without needing excessive wood or stone. To craft a hoe, you’ll need 5 wood and 2 stone, which are readily available in the Meadows biome. Once crafted, the hoe can be used to level the ground, raise terrain, or create paths, making it essential for efficient base construction.\n\nTo flatten terrain, equip the hoe and select the ''Level Ground'' option from the hoe''s action menu. This option allows you to adjust the height of the terrain to match the level of the area you’re targeting. Aim at the ground and click to level it. The game uses the height of the terrain where your cursor is pointed as the reference point, so it’s important to aim carefully. If the terrain is uneven, you may need to level multiple times to achieve a flat surface. This process is particularly useful when building large structures, as it ensures your floors and walls are even.\n\nOne common challenge when using the hoe is dealing with steep slopes or uneven terrain. In these cases, you may need to combine the ''Level Ground'' option with the ''Raise Ground'' option. Raising ground requires stone, which can be gathered from rocks or mined from stone deposits. By raising the lower areas to match the higher ones, you can create a more uniform surface. This is especially helpful in biomes like the Black Forest or Mountains, where the terrain is naturally rugged. However, be mindful of your stone supply, as raising ground can consume a lot of resources.\n\nAnother practical tip is to use the hoe to create terraces or stepped platforms on hillsides. This technique is particularly useful in the Plains biome, where the terrain is often uneven but ideal for farming. By flattening small sections of land at different heights, you can create multiple levels for crops or buildings. This not only saves materials but also maximizes the use of available space. Additionally, terraces can help prevent structures from being damaged by uneven terrain or water runoff.\n\nWhen flattening terrain near water, such as in the Swamp biome, be cautious of flooding. The hoe can lower terrain, but if you dig too close to water, it can flood your building area. To avoid this, always raise the ground slightly above the water level before flattening. This ensures your structures remain dry and stable. Similarly, in the Mountains biome, flattening terrain can help create safe pathways or platforms for building, but be prepared to deal with steep drops and rocky outcrops.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to practice using the hoe in the Meadows biome before tackling more challenging areas. Start by flattening small areas for your first base or farm. As you gain experience, you can apply these techniques to larger projects in other biomes. Experienced Vikings can use the hoe to create intricate builds, such as multi-level fortresses or terraced farms, by combining leveling and raising techniques.\n\nIn summary, the hoe is a powerful tool for efficient terrain manipulation in Valheim. By mastering the ''Level Ground'' and ''Raise Ground'' options, you can save on building materials and create stable foundations for your structures. Whether you’re building in the Meadows, Black Forest, or Mountains, the hoe is essential for creating flat, usable terrain. Always plan your builds carefully, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques to achieve the best results.