What’s the best way to farm Ancient Bark in the Ocean biome?

Farming Ancient Bark in the Ocean biome is a crucial task for mid-to-late-game progression in Valheim, as this resource is essential for crafting high-tier items like the Draugr Fang bow and reinforced chests. Ancient Bark is obtained from Ancient Trees, which are primarily found in the Swamp biome. However, the Ocean biome plays a key role in accessing these trees efficiently, especially when traveling between islands or exploring distant Swamp biomes.\n\nTo begin farming Ancient Bark, you’ll need a reliable ship, such as the Karve or Longship, to navigate the Ocean biome safely. The Longship is recommended for its larger storage capacity and durability, which is vital for transporting large quantities of resources. Before setting sail, ensure you have a fully upgraded Bronze or Iron axe, as Ancient Trees require a strong tool to chop down. Additionally, bring a portal setup to establish a quick return point to your base, as well as food, potions, and armor to handle potential threats in the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce you’ve prepared your gear, sail to a Swamp biome located near the Ocean. Look for Ancient Trees, which are tall, dark, and have a distinct twisted appearance. These trees are scattered throughout the Swamp and are often surrounded by hostile creatures like Draugr and Leeches. Clear the area of enemies before chopping the trees to avoid interruptions. Each Ancient Tree yields 4-6 Ancient Bark, so focus on harvesting multiple trees to maximize efficiency.\n\nOne common challenge is the weight limit of your inventory, as Ancient Bark is relatively heavy. To address this, bring a cart or use your ship’s storage to transport the bark back to your base. If you’re farming in a remote Swamp biome, consider building a small outpost with a workbench and chests to store resources temporarily. This allows you to continue farming without making frequent trips back to your main base.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the Ocean biome as a transportation hub. If you’ve discovered multiple Swamp biomes across different islands, mark their locations on your map and plan a route to visit them sequentially. This approach minimizes travel time and ensures a steady supply of Ancient Bark. Additionally, keep an eye out for Leviathans in the Ocean biome, as these creatures can damage your ship if provoked.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that Ancient Bark farming is best attempted after establishing a strong foothold in the game. Ensure you’ve defeated the Elder boss to gain access to the Swamp Key, which is required to enter Sunken Crypts and obtain Iron. This will allow you to craft the Iron axe, making the process of chopping Ancient Trees much faster and more efficient.\n\nIn summary, the best way to farm Ancient Bark in the Ocean biome involves careful preparation, efficient navigation, and strategic resource management. Use a Longship for transportation, clear Swamp areas of enemies, and consider building outposts to store resources. By following these steps, you’ll be able to gather Ancient Bark effectively and progress smoothly through Valheim’s mid-to-late game content.