What’s the best way to manage inventory space in co-op?

Managing inventory space in Valheim co-op is crucial for efficient gameplay, especially when exploring, gathering resources, or preparing for boss fights. Valheim’s inventory system is limited, with each player having 32 slots, including equipped items. This can quickly fill up when collecting materials like wood, stone, ore, and food. To optimize inventory space, players must use a combination of personal organization, shared storage, and strategic planning.\n\nOne of the first steps to managing inventory is setting up a shared storage system. Crafting chests early in the game is essential. Chests can be made using 10 wood each and are relatively cheap to produce. Place multiple chests in your base and label them for specific resources, such as wood, stone, ore, and food. This allows players to deposit items quickly and keep their personal inventory free for essential gear like weapons, tools, and potions. For example, after a mining trip in the Black Forest, players can deposit copper and tin ore into designated chests, freeing up space for other tasks.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to assign roles within the co-op group. For instance, one player can focus on gathering wood and stone, while another specializes in hunting and cooking. This reduces the need for everyone to carry every type of resource, streamlining inventory management. Additionally, players can use carts and boats to transport large quantities of materials. Carts, crafted with 20 wood and 10 bronze nails, are ideal for overland transport, while boats like the Karve or Longship are perfect for moving heavy loads across water.\n\nWhen exploring dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Mountains, inventory space becomes even more critical. Players should prioritize carrying essential items like healing mead, frost resistance mead, and weapons. Leave non-essential materials at the base or in a temporary outpost chest. For example, when venturing into the Swamp to collect iron, players should deposit excess wood and stone in a chest near the biome entrance to maximize space for iron scraps and other valuable loot.\n\nCrafting and upgrading gear also play a role in inventory management. Higher-tier tools and weapons, such as the bronze axe or iron pickaxe, are more efficient and reduce the need to carry multiple tools. Additionally, upgrading your gear at the forge or workbench can free up inventory slots by consolidating materials. For example, upgrading a bronze sword to level 3 requires fewer materials than crafting multiple lower-tier swords.\n\nFinally, communication and coordination are key in co-op. Use in-game chat or voice communication to discuss inventory needs and resource distribution. If one player is running low on space, others can help by carrying extra items or organizing a return trip to the base. By working together and planning ahead, players can overcome inventory challenges and focus on conquering Valheim’s vast world.\n\nPractical tips for managing inventory in co-op include: always carry a portal for quick returns to base, use carts and boats for heavy loads, and regularly organize shared chests. With these strategies, players can maximize efficiency and enjoy a smoother co-op experience in Valheim.