What’s the most efficient way to gather ancient bark for dark wood builds?

Ancient bark is a crucial resource for crafting dark wood builds in Valheim, such as dark wood beams, gates, and furniture. It is primarily obtained by cutting down ancient trees, which are found in the Swamp biome. These trees are distinct due to their gnarled, twisted appearance and dark bark. To efficiently gather ancient bark, you’ll need a bronze axe or better, as lower-tier tools like stone or flint axes won’t work. The Swamp biome is dangerous, so preparation is key.\n\nBefore venturing into the Swamp, ensure you have the right gear and tools. A bronze axe is the minimum requirement, but an iron axe will speed up the process. Equip yourself with poison resistance mead, as the Swamp is filled with leeches and blobs that deal poison damage. Bring a shield and a weapon like a mace or sword to deal with Draugr and other hostile creatures. Additionally, wear armor such as troll hide or bronze to improve survivability. Always carry a rested buff to boost stamina regeneration, as chopping trees is stamina-intensive.\n\nOnce in the Swamp, locate ancient trees. These are easy to spot due to their unique appearance and are often clustered together. Use your axe to chop them down, and they will drop ancient bark and core wood. Each tree yields 4-6 pieces of ancient bark, so focus on areas with multiple trees to maximize efficiency. Be cautious of your surroundings, as enemies like Draugr and skeletons may attack while you’re chopping. Clear the area of threats before starting to harvest.\n\nA common challenge is the Swamp’s wet debuff, which reduces stamina regeneration. To counter this, build a small shelter or campfire near your harvesting area to dry off and regain stamina. You can also use portals to quickly return to your base for repairs or to drop off resources. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate to have one person guard while the other chops trees. This teamwork ensures safety and efficiency.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using a cart to transport large amounts of ancient bark and core wood. The Swamp’s uneven terrain can make this tricky, so clear paths and avoid waterlogged areas. Alternatively, use a boat to transport resources if your base is near the coast. Remember to repair your axe regularly, as it will degrade quickly from chopping ancient trees.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient way to gather ancient bark involves preparation, proper tools, and strategic harvesting. Focus on the Swamp biome, use a bronze or iron axe, and clear the area of enemies before chopping. Build temporary shelters or use portals to manage stamina and inventory. With these tips, you’ll have plenty of ancient bark for your dark wood builds in no time.