What’s the best tool for mining copper in the Black Forest?

Mining copper in Valheim''s Black Forest is a crucial step in progressing through the game, as copper is a key resource for crafting bronze and upgrading your gear. The best tool for mining copper is the Antler Pickaxe, which is the first pickaxe you can craft in the game. To unlock the Antler Pickaxe, you must defeat Eikthyr, the first boss, in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are required to craft the pickaxe at a Workbench.\n\nOnce you have the Antler Pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome. Copper deposits are large, dark, and shiny rocks scattered across the forest floor. They are easy to spot due to their distinct appearance. Approach a copper deposit and start mining by equipping the pickaxe and left-clicking to strike the rock. Each strike will yield copper ore, which you can collect and store in your inventory.\n\nMining copper can be time-consuming, so it’s important to prepare properly. Bring a Hammer and enough Wood to build a Workbench near the mining site. This allows you to repair your Antler Pickaxe on the spot, saving you trips back to your base. Additionally, consider bringing a Cart to transport large amounts of copper ore efficiently. Carts can be crafted using Bronze Nails and Wood, but if you haven’t unlocked bronze yet, you can use your inventory and multiple trips to carry the ore.\n\nOne common challenge while mining in the Black Forest is dealing with hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. To mitigate this, clear the area of enemies before starting to mine. You can also build a small shelter or wall around your mining site to protect yourself. If you encounter a Troll, avoid engaging it directly unless you have strong gear. Instead, use ranged weapons like a Bow and Flinthead Arrows to take it down from a safe distance.\n\nAnother tip is to mine the entire copper deposit, not just the surface. Copper deposits extend deep underground, and you can dig around the deposit to uncover more ore. This requires patience and a bit of terraforming, but it maximizes your resource yield. Use the Hoe to level the ground and make mining easier, especially if the terrain is uneven.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to a Bronze Pickaxe is a significant improvement. The Bronze Pickaxe is faster and more durable than the Antler Pickaxe, making it ideal for large-scale mining operations. To craft it, you’ll need a Forge, which requires Copper and Tin. Tin can be found along the shores of the Black Forest biome and is mined using the Antler Pickaxe. Combine Copper and Tin at the Forge to create Bronze, then craft the Bronze Pickaxe.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is the best starting tool for mining copper in the Black Forest. Prepare by bringing repair materials, clearing the area of enemies, and using a Cart for transportation. For advanced players, upgrading to a Bronze Pickaxe will significantly improve efficiency. Always mine the entire deposit to maximize your copper yield and ensure you have enough resources for crafting and upgrades.