How can you use the stonecutter to save on wood for large builds?

The stonecutter is a powerful tool in Valheim that allows players to craft stone-based building materials, which can significantly reduce the need for wood in large-scale builds. To unlock the stonecutter, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtain Hard Antlers. These are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe, which is essential for mining stone and copper in the Black Forest biome. Once you have gathered enough stone and copper, you can smelt copper into bronze at a Forge, which is required to craft the stonecutter.\n\nTo craft the stonecutter, you will need 10 wood, 2 iron, and 4 stone. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome and smelting the scrap iron in a Blast Furnace. Once the stonecutter is placed, it unlocks a variety of stone-based building options, such as stone walls, floors, and arches. These materials are not only more durable than wood but also provide a more aesthetically pleasing look for your builds.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to save on wood is to use stone for structural elements like walls and foundations. Stone walls are much stronger than wooden walls, making them ideal for defending against raids or harsh weather conditions. For example, instead of building a wooden perimeter wall around your base, you can use stone walls to create a more robust defense. This reduces the need for constant repairs and saves wood for other purposes, such as crafting furniture or tools.\n\nAnother practical example is using stone floors in place of wooden floors for large buildings. Stone floors are fire-resistant, which is particularly useful in areas prone to fire hazards, such as near Forges or Campfires. Additionally, stone floors can be used to create multi-level structures without the need for extensive wooden supports. This not only saves wood but also allows for more creative and complex designs.\n\nWhen building large structures, it''s important to plan ahead and gather resources efficiently. For instance, you can set up a mining outpost in the Black Forest biome to collect large quantities of stone and copper. Transporting these materials back to your main base can be made easier by using a Cart or building a portal network. Portals are especially useful for quickly moving between resource-gathering locations and your base, saving time and effort.\n\nA common challenge players face is the initial resource investment required to craft the stonecutter and gather enough stone for large builds. To mitigate this, focus on gathering stone early in the game by mining boulders and rocks in the Meadows biome. Once you have a steady supply of stone, you can gradually transition to using stone-based materials for your builds. This approach allows you to conserve wood for essential items like tools, weapons, and smaller structures.\n\nIn summary, the stonecutter is an invaluable tool for saving wood in Valheim. By using stone for structural elements, you can create durable and aesthetically pleasing builds while conserving wood for other purposes. Plan ahead, gather resources efficiently, and take advantage of the stonecutter''s capabilities to optimize your building process. With these strategies, you can create impressive structures without depleting your wood supply.