What is the best strategy for mining Silver in the Mountains?

Mining Silver in the Mountains is a crucial step in Valheim for crafting high-tier gear, but it requires careful preparation and strategy. Silver is found exclusively in the Mountain biome, and locating it requires the Wishbone, an item obtained by defeating Bonemass, the Swamp biome boss. The Wishbone emits a pulsing sound and green particles when you are near Silver deposits, making it essential for locating this valuable resource.\n\nBefore venturing into the Mountains, ensure you are well-equipped. Craft Frost Resistance Mead to survive the freezing temperatures, as the cold will rapidly drain your health without protection. You can brew this mead using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye at a Fermenter. Additionally, wear Wolf Armor or a Wolf Fur Cape, both of which provide frost resistance and are crafted using Silver, Wolf Pelts, and other materials. Bring a strong weapon like an Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow, as the Mountains are home to dangerous enemies like Wolves, Drakes, and Stone Golems.\n\nOnce you arrive in the Mountains, use the Wishbone to locate Silver. The deposits are buried underground, so you’ll need to dig through the snow and stone to reach them. Equip an Iron Pickaxe or better, as lower-tier tools will be inefficient. When you find a deposit, clear the area of enemies before mining to avoid interruptions. Wolves and Drakes are particularly aggressive, so stay alert and use terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees.\n\nMining Silver is a time-consuming process, so bring plenty of food to maintain your stamina. Cooked meat, sausages, and turnip stew are excellent choices. Additionally, consider building a small outpost nearby with a portal to your main base. This allows you to quickly transport Silver and other resources without risking long treks through dangerous terrain. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate roles—one person can mine while others guard against enemies.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with Stone Golems, which are immune to most damage types except pickaxes. If you encounter one, focus on dodging its attacks and strike with your pickaxe when it’s vulnerable. Alternatively, you can lure it away from the mining site to avoid confrontation. Drakes, on the other hand, can be taken down with arrows or melee weapons, but their frost attacks can slow you down, so prioritize eliminating them quickly.\n\nAfter mining Silver, smelt it in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Stone, Surtling Core, and Iron. Use the smelted Silver to craft powerful items like the Draugr Fang bow, Wolf Armor, and Frostner, a frost-based mace. These items will significantly improve your combat effectiveness and survivability in later biomes like the Plains.\n\nIn summary, mining Silver in the Mountains requires preparation, patience, and strategy. Equip frost resistance gear, bring strong tools and weapons, and use the Wishbone to locate deposits. Build a nearby outpost for convenience, and be ready to defend yourself against the biome’s hostile inhabitants. With these tips, you’ll efficiently gather Silver and craft the gear needed to conquer Valheim’s toughest challenges.