How can I efficiently gather stone without a pickaxe early game?

Gathering stone efficiently in Valheim without a pickaxe early game is a common challenge, but it can be done with the right strategies. Stone is a critical resource for crafting tools, building structures, and progressing through the game. While a pickaxe is the most efficient tool for mining stone, early-game players can still collect it by leveraging the environment and game mechanics.\n\nOne of the easiest ways to gather stone without a pickaxe is by picking up loose stones scattered across the Meadows biome. These small, gray rocks are abundant and can be collected by simply walking over them and pressing the interact key (default ''E''). While each stone provides only one unit, this method is quick and requires no tools. Focus on areas with dense vegetation or near water, as these spots often have clusters of stones.\n\nAnother effective method is to destroy stone structures found in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Early-game players can use a basic club or axe to break down stone piles, which yield multiple stone units. Stone piles are small, stacked rocks that are common near abandoned structures or ruins. Simply attack them with your weapon until they break, and collect the stone that drops. This method is faster than picking up individual stones and provides a decent amount of resources.\n\nFor larger stone deposits, such as boulders, you can use the environment to your advantage. While you cannot mine boulders without a pickaxe, you can lure Greylings or Greydwarfs to attack them. These creatures will damage the boulder over time, eventually breaking it and dropping stone. This method requires patience and careful positioning, but it can yield a significant amount of stone without using tools.\n\nIf you have access to the Black Forest biome, you can also gather stone from Trolls. Trolls are large, aggressive creatures that can destroy trees and rocks with their attacks. By luring a Troll to a stone-rich area, you can let it break boulders and stone structures for you. Be cautious, as Trolls are dangerous and can deal significant damage. Use terrain features like trees or rocks to block their attacks while they work for you.\n\nFinally, consider using the terrain itself to gather stone. Cliffs and rocky outcrops often have loose stones that can be collected without tools. Explore the edges of biomes, as these areas tend to have more exposed stone. Additionally, digging with a hoe in rocky areas can sometimes reveal hidden stone deposits, though this method is less efficient without a pickaxe.\n\nTo maximize your stone-gathering efficiency, always carry a weapon for breaking stone piles and be prepared to defend yourself from enemies. Focus on areas with high stone density, such as near ruins or in the Black Forest. If you encounter a Troll, use it to your advantage by letting it break boulders for you. Over time, these strategies will help you gather enough stone to craft essential tools and progress in the game.\n\nIn summary, early-game stone gathering without a pickaxe relies on creativity and resourcefulness. Use loose stones, stone piles, and environmental destruction to collect stone efficiently. With these methods, you can build your first tools and structures, paving the way for further exploration and survival in Valheim.