What are the best early-game weapons for surviving in the Meadows biome?

Surviving in the Meadows biome, the starting area of Valheim, requires a solid understanding of early-game weapons and how to craft them. The Meadows is relatively safe compared to other biomes, but it still has threats like Greylings, Boars, and the occasional Neck. To thrive, you need to prioritize crafting weapons that are effective, easy to make, and resource-efficient.\n\nYour first weapon should be the **Crude Bow**, which is essential for ranged combat. To craft it, you need 10 Wood and 8 Leather Scraps. Wood is easily gathered by chopping trees, while Leather Scraps can be obtained by hunting Boars or looting abandoned structures. The Crude Bow allows you to take down enemies from a distance, reducing the risk of taking damage. Pair it with Wood Arrows, which require 8 Wood per 20 arrows, to maximize its effectiveness.\n\nFor melee combat, the **Club** is a reliable early-game weapon. It requires 6 Wood and 4 Stone to craft, both of which are abundant in the Meadows. The Club is particularly effective against Greylings and Necks due to its blunt damage, which these enemies are weak against. It also has a low stamina cost, making it ideal for prolonged fights. Upgrade it at a Workbench using additional Wood to increase its damage output.\n\nAnother excellent early-game weapon is the **Flint Knife**, which deals high slashing damage and is quick to use. To craft it, you need 4 Wood, 2 Flint, and 2 Leather Scraps. Flint can be found along riverbanks or shorelines in the Meadows. The Flint Knife is great for quick, precise strikes and is particularly effective against Boars and Necks. Its fast attack speed also makes it useful for parrying enemy attacks.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough resources, consider crafting the **Flint Spear**. This weapon requires 5 Wood, 2 Flint, and 2 Leather Scraps. The Flint Spear has a longer reach than the Club or Knife, making it safer to use against enemies. It’s especially useful for kiting enemies or keeping them at bay while dealing consistent damage. However, it requires more skill to use effectively due to its slower attack speed.\n\nTo maximize your survivability, always carry a mix of ranged and melee weapons. For example, use the Crude Bow to weaken enemies from a distance, then switch to the Club or Flint Knife for close-quarters combat. This strategy minimizes damage taken and conserves stamina. Additionally, always repair your weapons at a Workbench to maintain their effectiveness.\n\nFinally, don’t underestimate the importance of upgrading your weapons. Upgrades require additional resources but significantly increase damage output. For example, upgrading the Club to level 2 requires 10 Wood, which is a small investment for a noticeable improvement. Prioritize upgrading your primary weapon first, then focus on secondary options like the Crude Bow or Flint Spear.\n\nIn summary, the best early-game weapons for surviving in the Meadows biome are the Crude Bow, Club, Flint Knife, and Flint Spear. Each weapon has its strengths and is suited for different combat scenarios. By crafting and upgrading these weapons, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the challenges of the Meadows and progress to more dangerous biomes like the Black Forest.