How do I craft a workbench and what materials are needed?

Crafting a workbench in Valheim is one of the most essential early-game tasks, as it unlocks the ability to craft a wide range of tools, weapons, and structures. The workbench is your primary crafting station, and without it, you cannot progress beyond basic survival. To craft a workbench, you will need to gather specific materials and follow a straightforward process.\n\nFirst, you need to collect 10 Wood. Wood is one of the most basic resources in Valheim and can be obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, which is the starting area for most players. Use your starter axe to chop down small trees or branches on the ground. Each tree or branch will yield a few pieces of Wood, so gather enough to meet the requirement. If you don’t have an axe yet, you can craft one using 5 Wood and 4 Stone at the starting crafting menu.\n\nOnce you have 10 Wood, open your inventory by pressing Tab (default keybind). In the crafting menu, navigate to the Crafting tab and locate the workbench. The workbench requires 10 Wood to craft, and once you have the materials, simply click on the workbench icon to create it. After crafting, the workbench will appear in your inventory as a placeable item.\n\nTo use the workbench, you must place it in a suitable location. The workbench requires a flat surface and enough space around it to function properly. It’s a good idea to place it inside or near a basic shelter to protect it from the elements and enemies. To place the workbench, equip it from your inventory and left-click on the ground where you want to position it. Once placed, you can interact with it to access its crafting menu.\n\nOne important mechanic to note is that the workbench has a radius of functionality. If you move too far away from it, you won’t be able to craft items. Additionally, the workbench can be upgraded later in the game using additional materials like Flint, Leather Scraps, and Bronze. These upgrades increase its durability and unlock more advanced crafting options.\n\nA common challenge new players face is running out of Wood or not having enough space to place the workbench. To avoid this, always gather extra Wood when exploring the Meadows biome. If you’re struggling to find a flat surface, consider using the Hoe tool to level the ground. The Hoe requires 5 Wood and 2 Stone to craft and is invaluable for creating a stable base.\n\nFor experienced players, the workbench is the foundation for more advanced crafting stations like the Forge and the Stonecutter. These stations require materials from the Black Forest biome, such as Core Wood and Bronze. However, the workbench remains a critical tool throughout the game, so it’s worth investing time in upgrading and maintaining it.\n\nIn summary, crafting a workbench in Valheim is a simple but vital step in your survival journey. Gather 10 Wood, craft the workbench in your inventory, and place it in a safe, flat location. Use it to craft tools, weapons, and structures, and consider upgrading it as you progress. With a workbench, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of Valheim’s vast world.