What are the key resources to gather in the Plains biome?

The Plains biome in Valheim is one of the most dangerous yet rewarding areas in the game, offering unique resources essential for late-game progression. To survive and thrive here, you must prepare adequately and understand the key resources to gather. The Plains biome is home to powerful enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox, so ensure you have upgraded gear, such as padded armor, and a strong weapon like the black metal sword or atgeir before venturing in.\n\nOne of the most critical resources in the Plains is Black Metal. This material is dropped by Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that roam the biome. To gather Black Metal, you must defeat Fulings and collect their drops. However, raw Black Metal cannot be used directly; it must be smelted in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Iron, Stone, and Surtling Cores. Once smelted, Black Metal is used to craft powerful weapons and tools, making it a must-have resource for late-game Vikings.\n\nAnother essential resource is Flax, a plant that grows in the Plains and is used to craft Linen Thread. Flax is vital for creating high-tier armor like the Padded Armor set and crafting durable items such as the Black Metal Shield. To gather Flax, look for tall, golden plants scattered across the Plains. However, be cautious, as Fuling villages often guard these plants. Use stealth or clear the area of enemies before harvesting. Once collected, Flax can be processed into Linen Thread using a Spinning Wheel, which requires Fine Wood and Iron.\n\nBarley is another key resource found in the Plains, primarily in Fuling villages. Barley is used to craft high-quality food items like Bread and Lox Meat Pie, which provide significant health and stamina boosts. To gather Barley, raid Fuling villages and search for crops growing in their fields. Like Flax, Barley requires a Spinning Wheel to process into Barley Flour, which is then used in cooking recipes. Always be prepared for a fight when raiding villages, as Fulings will aggressively defend their territory.\n\nLox are massive, docile creatures found in the Plains that drop Lox Meat and Lox Pelts. Lox Meat is a high-tier food item that can be cooked for substantial health and stamina boosts, while Lox Pelts are used to craft the Lox Cape, a warm and durable piece of armor. To hunt Lox, use a powerful bow or melee weapon and aim for their weak spots. Be cautious, as Lox can deal significant damage if provoked. Once defeated, harvest their drops and use them to enhance your survival capabilities.\n\nFinally, Tar is a unique resource found in Tar Pits scattered across the Plains. Tar is used to craft Darkwood building pieces, which add a sleek, dark aesthetic to your structures. To gather Tar, approach Tar Pits carefully, as they are guarded by Growths, dangerous enemies that can quickly overwhelm you. Use ranged weapons to defeat Growths from a safe distance, then mine the Tar using a pickaxe. Tar can also be used to craft the Tarred Arrow, a powerful ammunition type that deals fire damage over time.\n\nTo maximize your efficiency in the Plains, always bring a portal with you to quickly return to your base and unload resources. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the Plains to store materials and craft essential items on the go. By focusing on gathering Black Metal, Flax, Barley, Lox drops, and Tar, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the Plains biome and progress further in Valheim.