How do you craft the Black Metal Shield, and what are its stats?

The Black Metal Shield is one of the most powerful shields in Valheim, offering excellent defense and parrying capabilities. To craft this shield, you must first progress to the late-game Plains biome, where you will face challenging enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. The Black Metal Shield requires a Forge and specific materials, including Black Metal, Fine Wood, and Chains. Black Metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, while Fine Wood comes from cutting down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains. Chains are typically found in Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome or dropped by Wraiths.\n\nTo craft the Black Metal Shield, you need to gather 10 Black Metal bars, 15 Fine Wood, and 4 Chains. Black Metal bars are crafted at a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Iron, Surtling Cores, and Stone. Once you have all the materials, head to a Forge and select the Black Metal Shield from the crafting menu. Ensure your Forge is upgraded to at least level 3 for optimal crafting efficiency.\n\nThe Black Metal Shield has impressive stats, making it a top-tier choice for defense. It provides 90 block armor and a 2.5x parry bonus, making it ideal for both blocking and parrying attacks. Parrying is a key mechanic in Valheim that allows you to stagger enemies when timed correctly, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. The shield''s high block armor ensures you can withstand heavy hits from powerful enemies like Fuling Berserkers or Lox.\n\nOne common challenge players face is obtaining Black Metal, as Fulings are tough opponents. To farm Black Metal efficiently, equip strong weapons like the Blackmetal Sword or Atgeir and wear high-tier armor such as Padded Armor. Use the terrain to your advantage by luring Fulings into narrow spaces or using ranged weapons to thin their numbers before engaging in melee combat. Additionally, always carry healing items like Cooked Lox Meat or Blood Pudding to sustain yourself during battles.\n\nAnother challenge is acquiring Chains, which can be scarce. If you''re struggling to find Chains in Sunken Crypts, consider farming Wraiths at night in the Swamp biome. Wraiths are easier to defeat than Crypts'' enemies and have a chance to drop Chains. Use a Silver or Frostner weapon to deal extra damage to Wraiths, as they are weak to spirit damage.\n\nOnce you have the Black Metal Shield, practice parrying to maximize its effectiveness. Parrying requires precise timing, so start by practicing on weaker enemies like Greydwarves or Skeletons. As you gain confidence, move on to tougher foes like Fulings or Trolls. Remember that parrying not only reduces incoming damage but also opens enemies up for critical hits, making it a valuable skill in combat.\n\nIn summary, the Black Metal Shield is a must-have for late-game players seeking superior defense and parrying capabilities. By gathering Black Metal, Fine Wood, and Chains, and mastering the art of parrying, you can dominate the Plains biome and beyond. Always prepare thoroughly before engaging in combat, and use the shield''s strengths to your advantage.