What materials are needed to craft the Banded Shield in Valheim?

The Banded Shield is one of the most reliable mid-tier shields in Valheim, offering excellent protection and parrying potential. To craft this shield, you will need to gather specific materials and have access to a Forge. The Banded Shield requires 10 Iron, 4 Fine Wood, and 4 Leather Scraps. These materials are relatively easy to obtain once you have progressed past the early game and explored the Black Forest and Swamp biomes.\n\nTo begin crafting the Banded Shield, you must first gather Iron. Iron is primarily found in the Swamp biome, inside Sunken Crypts. These crypts are guarded by Draugr and other hostile creatures, so ensure you are well-equipped with weapons, armor, and healing items. Inside the crypts, you will find Muddy Scrap Piles, which can be mined with a Bronze or Iron Pickaxe to yield Scrap Iron. Smelt the Scrap Iron in a Smelter to produce Iron Bars, which are used for crafting.\n\nFine Wood is another essential material for the Banded Shield. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, which are found in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. You will need a Bronze Axe or better to harvest these trees. Once you have the Fine Wood, store it in your inventory or a chest near your Forge for easy access during crafting.\n\nLeather Scraps are the final material required for the Banded Shield. Leather Scraps are obtained by hunting Boars in the Meadows biome or by dismantling Deer Hides at a Workbench. Boars are relatively easy to hunt, especially with a bow or melee weapon. Once you have enough Leather Scraps, you are ready to craft the shield.\n\nTo craft the Banded Shield, you must have a Forge. The Forge is a crafting station that requires 6 Copper, 4 Stone, 4 Coal, and 10 Wood to build. Ensure your Forge is upgraded to at least level 2, as this is necessary for crafting the Banded Shield. Once your Forge is ready, interact with it and navigate to the Shields tab. Select the Banded Shield and craft it using the required materials.\n\nThe Banded Shield is an excellent choice for players looking to improve their defensive capabilities. It has a high block power of 60 and a parry force multiplier of 2x, making it ideal for countering enemy attacks. Parrying is a game mechanic that allows you to stagger enemies by blocking their attacks at the right moment. To parry effectively, time your block just before an enemy''s attack lands. This will stagger the enemy, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.\n\nOne common challenge players face when crafting the Banded Shield is gathering enough Iron. The Swamp biome can be dangerous, especially for unprepared players. To mitigate this, ensure you have a strong weapon, such as a Bronze or Iron Mace, and wear armor like Troll Hide or Bronze Armor. Bring plenty of healing items, such as Cooked Meat or Honey, and consider using Poison Resistance Mead to counteract the Swamp''s toxic environment.\n\nIn summary, the Banded Shield is a powerful mid-tier shield that requires 10 Iron, 4 Fine Wood, and 4 Leather Scraps to craft. Gather these materials by exploring the Swamp, Meadows, and Black Forest biomes, and use a Forge to craft the shield. With its high block power and parry potential, the Banded Shield is a valuable asset for any Viking looking to survive Valheim''s challenges. Always prepare thoroughly before venturing into dangerous biomes, and practice your parrying skills to maximize the shield''s effectiveness.