What is the best way to farm Ancient Bark for The Elder’s altar?

Farming Ancient Bark for The Elder’s altar is a crucial step in progressing through Valheim, as it is required to summon the second boss. Ancient Bark is obtained by chopping down Ancient Trees, which are found exclusively in the Swamp biome. These trees are large, dark, and have a twisted appearance, making them easy to spot. To efficiently farm Ancient Bark, you’ll need a Bronze Axe or better, as lower-tier tools like the Flint Axe or Stone Axe cannot damage Ancient Trees.\n\nBefore venturing into the Swamp biome, ensure you are well-prepared. The Swamp is a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs. Equip yourself with upgraded armor, such as Troll Hide or Bronze, and bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Additionally, carry a Poison Resistance Mead to counter the poison damage from Blobs and Leeches. A shield and a reliable weapon, such as a Bronze Mace or Sword, are also essential for survival.\n\nTo locate the Swamp biome, explore your world map for dark, murky areas near the Black Forest or Meadows. Once you’ve found a Swamp, mark it on your map for easy navigation. Ancient Trees are scattered throughout the biome, often near water or in clusters. When you find one, equip your Bronze Axe and start chopping. Each Ancient Tree yields 4-6 Ancient Bark, so you’ll need to chop down multiple trees to gather the 30 Ancient Bark required for The Elder’s altar.\n\nOne common challenge is the Swamp’s hostile environment. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the Swamp biome. This outpost can serve as a safe haven to rest, repair tools, and store resources. Place a Workbench and a Portal inside the outpost for quick travel back to your main base. This strategy saves time and reduces the risk of losing progress if you die.\n\nAnother tip is to farm Ancient Bark during the day. The Swamp is significantly more dangerous at night, with increased spawns of powerful enemies like Wraiths. If you must farm at night, bring a torch or campfire to light your surroundings and improve visibility. Additionally, avoid fighting unnecessary battles by sneaking past enemies or using the terrain to your advantage.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough Ancient Bark, return to The Elder’s altar location. The altar is typically found in the Black Forest biome and resembles a large stone structure with glowing runes. Place the 30 Ancient Bark and 3 Elder Trophy items (obtained from Greydwarf Brutes and Shamans) on the altar to summon The Elder. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as The Elder is a formidable boss with powerful ranged and melee attacks.\n\nIn summary, farming Ancient Bark requires preparation, the right tools, and a strategic approach to navigating the Swamp biome. By following these steps, you can efficiently gather the resources needed to summon The Elder and continue your journey in Valheim.