How do you craft the Black Metal Sword, and what are its benefits?

The Black Metal Sword is one of the most powerful weapons in Valheim, ideal for mid-to-late game combat in the Mountain and Plains biomes. To craft this weapon, you will need to progress through the game, defeat specific enemies, and gather rare materials. The Black Metal Sword requires a Forge, which is a crafting station you can build after acquiring Bronze and Iron. You will also need to unlock the recipe by obtaining Black Metal scraps, which drop from Fulings in the Plains biome.\n\nTo craft the Black Metal Sword, you need the following materials: 20 Black Metal, 5 Fine Wood, and 3 Linen Thread. Black Metal is obtained by smelting Black Metal scraps in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Iron, Stone, and Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which grows in the Plains biome and must be processed at a Spinning Wheel.\n\nOnce you have all the materials, head to your Forge and craft the Black Metal Sword. This weapon has a base damage of 95, making it one of the strongest swords in the game. It also has a fast attack speed and a decent knockback effect, making it highly effective against tough enemies like Fulings, Lox, and even bosses like Moder or Yagluth. Its durability is also high, ensuring it lasts through extended battles.\n\nOne of the key benefits of the Black Metal Sword is its versatility. It is effective against both single targets and groups of enemies, thanks to its sweeping attack animation. This makes it a great choice for exploring the Plains biome, where you will often face multiple Fulings or Deathsquitos. Additionally, the sword''s high damage output allows you to quickly dispatch enemies before they can overwhelm you.\n\nA common challenge when crafting the Black Metal Sword is gathering Black Metal scraps. Fulings are aggressive and can be difficult to defeat, especially in groups. To make this easier, consider using a bow to pick off Fulings from a distance or setting up a small base with defensive structures like walls and spikes. Another tip is to bring a shield and parry their attacks, as this will stagger them and allow you to deal critical damage.\n\nAnother challenge is farming Flax for Linen Thread. Flax only grows in the Plains biome and is often guarded by Fuling camps. To safely gather Flax, scout the area during the day when Fulings are less active, and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Once you have Flax, plant it in a secure area near your base and use a Cultivator to grow more. This will ensure a steady supply of Linen Thread for crafting.\n\nIn terms of game mechanics, the Black Metal Sword benefits from skill upgrades in the Swords category. The more you use the sword, the higher your skill level will become, increasing its damage and effectiveness. Additionally, you can upgrade the sword at the Forge using more Black Metal and Linen Thread, further boosting its stats. Upgrading the sword to its maximum level will make it even more powerful, allowing you to tackle the toughest challenges in Valheim.\n\nPractical tips for using the Black Metal Sword include pairing it with a strong shield for defense and parrying. The Black Metal Shield is an excellent choice, as it offers high block power and durability. Additionally, always carry healing items like Mead or cooked food to sustain yourself during battles. Finally, consider using the sword in combination with other weapons, such as a bow for ranged attacks or a hammer for crowd control, to maximize your combat effectiveness.\n\nIn summary, the Black Metal Sword is a top-tier weapon in Valheim, offering high damage, versatility, and durability. Crafting it requires progression through the Plains biome, defeating Fulings, and gathering rare materials like Black Metal and Flax. With proper preparation and strategy, you can unlock this powerful weapon and dominate the challenges of the Mountain and Plains biomes.