What is the best way to gather Tar for Longship decorations?

Gathering Tar for Longship decorations in Valheim requires venturing into the Plains biome, where Tar Pits are found. Tar is a valuable resource used to craft Longship decorations like the Dragon Head and Tail, which enhance the ship''s appearance and provide a sense of Viking pride. However, obtaining Tar can be challenging due to the dangerous enemies and environmental hazards in the Plains biome. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can gather Tar efficiently and safely.\n\nFirst, you must prepare for the journey to the Plains biome. This biome is home to powerful enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox, so proper gear and weapons are essential. Equip yourself with at least Iron-tier armor, a strong shield, and a reliable weapon like the Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow. Bring healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads to counter the environmental hazards and enemy attacks. Additionally, carry a pickaxe, as Tar is mined from Tar Pits using this tool.\n\nOnce you''re prepared, locate the Plains biome. It is typically found near other biomes like the Black Forest or Swamp, but it can also appear as isolated islands. Use a Longship or Karve to explore the coastline, as Tar Pits are often found near water. When you spot a Tar Pit, approach cautiously. Tar Pits are surrounded by Growths, which are hostile enemies that shoot tar projectiles. These projectiles slow you down and deal damage over time, so prioritize eliminating Growths before mining Tar.\n\nTo mine Tar, equip your pickaxe and target the black, bubbling pools within the Tar Pit. Each swing will yield 4-6 Tar, and a single Tar Pit can provide a substantial amount of this resource. However, be mindful of your surroundings. Fulings and other enemies may attack while you''re mining, so stay alert and ready to defend yourself. If you''re overwhelmed, retreat to a safe distance and use ranged weapons to thin out the enemy numbers before resuming mining.\n\nAfter gathering Tar, return to your base to craft Longship decorations. Tar is used in the Artisan Table, which requires a level 5 Forge to build. Once the Artisan Table is set up, you can craft the Dragon Head and Tail decorations. These items not only enhance the Longship''s appearance but also serve as a symbol of your Viking prowess. To attach the decorations, interact with the Longship while holding the Dragon Head or Tail and place them on the ship''s bow or stern.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to note that the Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. If you''re not adequately prepared, consider teaming up with other players or building a small outpost near the Plains biome to store supplies and respawn if needed. Experienced Vikings can optimize their Tar-gathering runs by using portals to quickly travel between the Plains biome and their base, reducing the risk of losing resources during long journeys.\n\nIn summary, gathering Tar for Longship decorations involves careful preparation, exploration, and combat. By equipping the right gear, understanding the Plains biome''s dangers, and using efficient mining strategies, you can collect Tar safely and enhance your Longship with impressive decorations. Remember to stay vigilant, use ranged weapons to handle Growths, and always have an escape plan in case of overwhelming enemy encounters.