What are the best strategies for farming black metal in the Plains biome?

Farming black metal in Valheim''s Plains biome is a crucial step for progressing to endgame content, as black metal is used to craft powerful weapons, shields, and tools. The Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, so preparation is key. Black metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that roam the Plains. These enemies drop black metal scraps, which can be smelted into black metal bars at a blast furnace. To maximize your farming efficiency, you''ll need to understand the biome''s mechanics, prepare the right gear, and employ effective strategies.\n\nBefore venturing into the Plains, ensure you have the best possible gear. A fully upgraded set of padded armor is highly recommended, as it provides excellent defense against Fuling attacks. Additionally, equip a strong weapon like Frostner, the Porcupine, or a black metal weapon if you already have some. A powerful bow, such as the Draugr Fang, is also essential for dealing with Fuling Berserkers and Shamans from a distance. Bring plenty of healing mead, stamina mead, and poison resistance mead, as Fulings can deal significant damage and some use poison attacks.\n\nWhen entering the Plains, scout the area carefully. Fulings often travel in groups, and their camps are heavily guarded. Use the terrain to your advantage by positioning yourself on higher ground or behind natural barriers to avoid being overwhelmed. If you encounter a Fuling camp, consider using a bow to pick off enemies one by one before engaging in melee combat. Fuling Shamans can heal their allies, so prioritize taking them out first. Fuling Berserkers are tanky and deal heavy damage, so kite them and use hit-and-run tactics.\n\nTo farm black metal efficiently, focus on Fuling patrols and camps. Patrols are small groups of Fulings that roam the Plains, while camps are larger settlements with multiple enemies and structures. Both yield black metal scraps, but camps often have chests containing additional loot. Clear camps systematically, starting with ranged enemies and Shamans. After defeating the enemies, loot their bodies and any chests in the area. Be cautious of Lox, as they are neutral unless provoked but can be dangerous if you accidentally aggro them.\n\nOnce you''ve collected black metal scraps, return to your base to smelt them into bars. You''ll need a blast furnace, which requires 20 fine wood, 10 iron, 4 chains, and 5 surtling cores to craft. Place the scraps into the blast furnace along with coal to produce black metal bars. These bars are used to craft high-tier weapons like the Blackmetal Sword, Blackmetal Atgeir, and Blackmetal Shield, as well as the Blackmetal Knife and Blackmetal Axe.\n\nA common challenge when farming black metal is dealing with the Plains'' other threats, such as Deathsquitos and Lox. Deathsquitos are fast and deal high damage but have low health. Use a bow to take them out before they reach you. Lox are slow but hit hard, so avoid engaging them unless necessary. If you''re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer biome and regroup. Building a small outpost near the Plains with a portal can help you quickly return to your base for repairs and restocking.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up a dedicated black metal farming route. Mark Fuling camps and patrol locations on your map, and revisit them after a few in-game days when the enemies respawn. This allows you to farm black metal consistently without having to explore new areas each time. Additionally, using a Lox mount can make traversing the Plains safer and faster, as Lox are immune to Deathsquito attacks and can help you escape dangerous situations.\n\nIn summary, farming black metal in the Plains biome requires preparation, strategy, and caution. Equip the best gear, use ranged weapons to thin out enemy numbers, and prioritize high-threat targets like Shamans and Berserkers. Build a blast furnace to smelt your scraps into bars, and consider setting up a farming route for consistent black metal income. With these strategies, you''ll be well-equipped to tackle the Plains and craft powerful endgame gear.