What is the best way to gather Core Wood for Longship construction?

Gathering Core Wood for Longship construction in Valheim is a crucial step for players looking to explore the vast oceans and distant biomes. Core Wood is a mid-tier resource obtained from Pine Trees, which are primarily found in the Black Forest biome. Unlike regular Wood, Core Wood is thicker and requires a Bronze Axe or better to harvest efficiently. This guide will walk you through the best methods to gather Core Wood, including biome selection, tools, and strategies to maximize efficiency.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools for the job. Core Wood can only be harvested from Pine Trees, and these trees require at least a Bronze Axe to chop down. To craft a Bronze Axe, you’ll need to smelt Copper and Tin in a Forge, then combine them to create Bronze. Once you have your Bronze Axe, head to the Black Forest biome, as this is where Pine Trees are most abundant. If you’re new to the game, the Black Forest is the second biome you’ll encounter after the Meadows, and it’s identifiable by its dense, dark trees and occasional Greydwarf enemies.\n\nWhen harvesting Core Wood, focus on Pine Trees, which are taller and have a distinct, straight trunk compared to other trees in the Black Forest. Each Pine Tree yields 4-6 Core Wood logs, making it a highly efficient source. To maximize your haul, bring a Cart or Portal with you. A Cart allows you to transport large amounts of Core Wood back to your base, while a Portal can instantly teleport you and your resources if you’ve set one up in advance. This is especially useful if your base is far from the Black Forest.\n\nOne common challenge players face is dealing with enemies while gathering Core Wood. The Black Forest is home to Greydwarfs, Skeletons, and occasionally Trolls, which can interrupt your resource gathering. To mitigate this, bring a shield and a weapon like a Flint Spear or Bronze Sword for defense. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the Black Forest with a Workbench and a fire to provide a safe zone for resting and repairing your tools. This will save you time and reduce the risk of losing your progress.\n\nAnother tip is to clear a large area of Pine Trees at once. This not only speeds up the gathering process but also reduces the chances of enemies spawning nearby. After felling a Pine Tree, chop it into smaller logs to collect the Core Wood. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage you or destroy nearby structures. Always position yourself carefully and avoid standing directly in the path of a falling tree.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using a Stagbreaker or other area-of-effect weapons to clear Greydwarf nests quickly. These nests continuously spawn enemies, so destroying them will make your resource gathering safer and more efficient. Additionally, if you’ve unlocked the Cultivator, you can plant Pine Tree seeds in a controlled area near your base, creating a renewable source of Core Wood. This is a long-term strategy that pays off as you progress further in the game.\n\nIn summary, gathering Core Wood for Longship construction requires preparation, the right tools, and a solid strategy. Focus on the Black Forest biome, use a Bronze Axe or better, and bring a Cart or Portal for efficient transportation. Defend yourself against enemies, clear large areas of Pine Trees, and consider planting your own Pine Trees for a sustainable source of Core Wood. With these tips, you’ll be sailing the seas in your Longship in no time.