What is the most effective way to farm Black Metal in the Plains?

Farming Black Metal in Valheim''s Plains biome is a crucial step for progressing to endgame gear and weapons. Black Metal is a high-tier resource used to craft powerful items like the Black Metal Sword, Black Metal Atgeir, and Black Metal Shield. To farm it effectively, you must first understand the mechanics of acquiring it. Black Metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that inhabit the Plains. These enemies drop Black Metal Scraps, which can be smelted into Black Metal at a Blast Furnace.\n\nTo begin farming Black Metal, you need to prepare adequately. The Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim, so ensure you have strong armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and a reliable weapon like the Frostner or Porcupine. Bring healing meads, stamina meads, and food that boosts your health and stamina, such as Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding. Additionally, carry a bow and arrows for ranged combat, as Fulings can be challenging to deal with up close.\n\nOnce prepared, head to the Plains biome. Fulings are commonly found in Fuling Villages, which are small settlements with huts and campfires. These villages are often guarded by multiple Fulings, including Fuling Berserkers and Fuling Shamans, which are more dangerous than regular Fulings. Approach cautiously and use the terrain to your advantage. For example, you can lure Fulings into narrow spaces or behind obstacles to fight them one at a time.\n\nCombat is the primary way to obtain Black Metal Scraps. Fulings drop 1-2 Black Metal Scraps each, with Berserkers and Shamans dropping more. Use your bow to pick off weaker Fulings from a distance, and switch to melee weapons for tougher enemies. Be mindful of Fuling Shamans, as they can heal other Fulings and summon fireballs. Prioritize taking them out first to make the fight easier.\n\nAfter clearing a Fuling Village, search the area for additional loot. Fuling Villages often contain chests with valuable items like coins, resin, and sometimes even Black Metal Scraps. Additionally, you may find Fuling Totems, which are required for summoning the game''s final boss, Yagluth. These totems are rare, so collect them when you can.\n\nTo maximize your Black Metal farming efficiency, consider setting up a small outpost near a Fuling Village. Build a portal to connect the outpost to your main base, allowing you to quickly return for repairs and restocking. You can also build a Blast Furnace at the outpost to smelt Black Metal Scraps on-site, saving time and resources.\n\nOne common challenge when farming Black Metal is dealing with large groups of Fulings. If you find yourself overwhelmed, use hit-and-run tactics. Attack a Fuling, then retreat to a safe distance to recover stamina and health. Alternatively, use the terrain to your advantage by climbing onto rocks or structures where Fulings cannot reach you. This allows you to attack them safely with ranged weapons.\n\nFinally, remember that farming Black Metal is a long-term process. Fuling Villages are not infinite, so you may need to explore multiple Plains biomes to gather enough Black Metal for your needs. Use the Cartography Table to mark Fuling Villages on your map, making it easier to revisit them later.\n\nIn summary, the most effective way to farm Black Metal in the Plains involves preparation, strategic combat, and efficient resource management. Equip yourself with strong gear, use the terrain to your advantage, and consider setting up an outpost near Fuling Villages. With patience and persistence, you''ll gather enough Black Metal to craft powerful endgame gear and weapons.