How do I craft a workbench and what materials are required?

Crafting a workbench in Valheim is one of the most essential early-game tasks, as it unlocks the ability to craft a wide range of tools, weapons, and structures. The workbench serves as the foundation for progression, allowing you to repair items, build better gear, and expand your base. To craft a workbench, you will need to gather specific materials and follow a straightforward process.\n\nFirst, you need to collect 10 Wood and 2 Flint. Wood is the most basic resource in Valheim and can be obtained by chopping down trees with your fists or a basic axe. Flint, on the other hand, is found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, or the coastline in the Meadows biome. Flint appears as small, shiny stones on the ground and can be picked up directly. These materials are relatively easy to gather, even for new players, making the workbench an accessible early-game item.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, open your inventory by pressing Tab (default keybind). Navigate to the Crafting tab, where you will see the workbench recipe. Click on the workbench icon to craft it. After crafting, the workbench will appear in your inventory. To place it, select it from your inventory and place it on the ground in a suitable location. Keep in mind that the workbench requires a flat surface and enough space around it to function properly.\n\nAfter placing the workbench, you will notice that it has a circular radius of influence. This radius determines where you can craft items and repair tools. To expand this radius, you can build additional workbenches or upgrade your existing one. Upgrading the workbench requires additional materials like Leather Scraps and Fine Wood, which are obtained from hunting boars and chopping Birch or Oak trees, respectively. Upgrades allow you to craft more advanced items, so prioritize improving your workbench as you progress.\n\nOne common challenge players face is protecting their workbench from enemy attacks. Workbenches can be destroyed by creatures like Greylings or Greydwarfs, especially if your base is not properly secured. To prevent this, build walls or a small shelter around your workbench. You can also place a campfire nearby to deter enemies, as they avoid fire. Additionally, placing a roof over your workbench will protect it from rain, which can degrade its durability over time.\n\nAnother tip is to strategically place workbenches near resource-rich areas. For example, if you are mining Copper in the Black Forest biome, consider setting up a temporary workbench nearby to repair your pickaxe and craft additional tools. This saves time and ensures you can continue gathering resources without returning to your main base. However, remember to dismantle temporary workbenches when you are done to recover some of the materials.\n\nIn summary, crafting a workbench in Valheim is a simple yet crucial step for survival and progression. Gather 10 Wood and 2 Flint, craft the workbench in your inventory, and place it in a safe, flat area. Upgrade it as you progress, protect it from enemies, and use it strategically to maximize efficiency. By mastering the workbench mechanics, you will unlock the full potential of crafting and building in Valheim.