How do I manage inventory when preparing for a Frost Cave expedition?

Preparing for a Frost Cave expedition in Valheim requires careful inventory management due to the harsh conditions and limited space. Frost Caves are located in the Mountain biome, which is cold and dangerous, so you need to prioritize essential items while leaving room for loot. Start by crafting a Wolf Fur Cape or Lox Cape, as these provide frost resistance, which is critical for surviving the Mountain biome. Without frost resistance, your health will drain rapidly, making the expedition nearly impossible.\n\nNext, ensure you have a strong weapon and shield. A fully upgraded Silver Sword or Frostner is ideal for dealing with the enemies inside Frost Caves, such as Ulvs and Cultists. Pair this with a Black Metal Shield or Serpent Scale Shield for maximum defense. Additionally, bring a bow like the Draugr Fang and plenty of arrows, as ranged combat is often safer in tight cave spaces. Fire arrows are particularly effective against Cultists.\n\nFood is another critical consideration. Bring high-tier stamina and health foods like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding. These will keep your stats high during combat and exploration. Carry at least 10-15 of each food type to ensure you don’t run out. Also, bring a stack of healing mead (Medium Healing Mead) and stamina mead (Medium Stamina Mead) for emergencies. These can be crafted at the Fermenter using honey, blood bags, and other ingredients.\n\nInventory space is limited, so prioritize tools and items that are essential for the expedition. Bring a pickaxe to mine resources like Obsidian and Silver inside the caves. A hammer is also useful for repairing structures or breaking down obstacles. However, avoid carrying unnecessary items like extra building materials or low-tier weapons. Leave these in your base or a nearby portal-connected storage chest.\n\nTo optimize inventory space, consider setting up a portal near the Frost Cave entrance. This allows you to quickly return to your base to drop off loot or restock supplies. Name the portal something memorable, like ''FrostCave1,'' and bring portal materials (20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes) to set it up on-site. This strategy minimizes the need to carry everything at once and reduces the risk of losing items if you die.\n\nFinally, be prepared for the unexpected. Frost Caves are filled with traps, enemies, and environmental hazards. Carry a stack of wood and stone to build temporary shelters or campfires if needed. This can save your life if you’re caught in a blizzard or need to recover health and stamina. Additionally, bring a few stacks of resin or coal to fuel torches, as the caves are dark and visibility is crucial.\n\nIn summary, managing your inventory for a Frost Cave expedition involves prioritizing frost resistance gear, strong weapons, high-tier food, and essential tools. Use portals to optimize space and reduce risk, and always be prepared for emergencies. With careful planning, you can conquer the Frost Caves and return with valuable loot like Fenris Hair and Cultist trophies.