How do you prepare for the Ashlands’ lack of friendly NPCs?

The Ashlands biome in Valheim is one of the most hostile environments in the game, characterized by its fiery terrain, aggressive enemies, and lack of friendly NPCs. Preparing for this biome requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic gameplay. Unlike other biomes where you can rely on NPCs like Haldor for trading or Eikthyr for buffs, the Ashlands offers no such support. This means you must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing everything you need to survive and thrive.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the best gear possible before venturing into the Ashlands. This includes fully upgraded armor and weapons. The Black Metal set is highly recommended due to its durability and resistance to fire damage, which is prevalent in the Ashlands. Crafting Black Metal gear requires Black Metal scraps, which are dropped by Fulings in the Plains biome. Additionally, equip a Draugr Fang bow or a similar high-tier ranged weapon to deal with enemies from a distance, as melee combat in the Ashlands can be risky due to the high damage output of its inhabitants.\n\nStockpile essential resources before heading to the Ashlands. This includes food, potions, and building materials. Cooked Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding are excellent food choices for their high health and stamina boosts. Bring plenty of Healing and Stamina meads to sustain yourself during prolonged battles. For building, carry a substantial amount of stone, wood, and iron to construct temporary shelters or portals. Portals are especially crucial for quick escapes or resupply trips back to your main base.\n\nPrepare for the lack of friendly NPCs by setting up a forward base near the Ashlands. This base should include a portal linked to your main base, a workbench, and a forge for repairs. Since the Ashlands is an ocean biome, you will likely arrive by boat. Park your ship in a safe location, preferably hidden behind natural barriers like rocks or cliffs, to avoid enemy attacks. Use the forward base as a staging area for your expeditions into the Ashlands, ensuring you have a safe retreat point if things go wrong.\n\nCombat in the Ashlands is relentless, with enemies like Surtlings and Charred Skeletons posing significant threats. Surtlings are particularly dangerous due to their fire-based attacks. To counter this, equip fire resistance potions or the Fenris armor set, which provides fire resistance and increased mobility. Use the terrain to your advantage by luring enemies into narrow passages or using elevated positions to gain the upper hand. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as running out in the middle of a fight can be fatal.\n\nFinally, plan for long-term survival by establishing a sustainable resource loop. The Ashlands lacks trees and other natural resources, so bring seeds for crops like barley and flax if you plan to stay for extended periods. Use the resources you gather to craft additional gear, repair tools, and maintain your base. Remember, the Ashlands is unforgiving, and even small mistakes can lead to significant setbacks. Stay vigilant, plan ahead, and always have an escape route ready.\n\nIn summary, preparing for the Ashlands requires top-tier gear, ample resources, and a well-thought-out strategy. Build a forward base, stockpile essential items, and equip fire-resistant gear to counter the biome''s challenges. Use ranged weapons and terrain to your advantage in combat, and always have a portal ready for quick escapes. By following these steps, you can conquer the Ashlands and survive its harsh environment despite the lack of friendly NPCs.