How can I optimize inventory space when farming in the Plains for barley?

Optimizing inventory space while farming barley in the Plains biome of Valheim is crucial for efficient resource gathering and minimizing trips back to your base. The Plains biome is home to dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos, so reducing the time spent there is essential. Barley is a valuable crop used to craft bread and barley flour, which are key for late-game food recipes. To maximize your inventory efficiency, you need to plan your farming trips carefully and utilize storage solutions effectively.\n\nFirst, prepare your inventory before heading to the Plains. Equip a Cultivator to plant barley and a Bronze or Iron Atgeir for harvesting. Bring a stack of food, such as cooked meat or sausages, to maintain your health and stamina. Additionally, carry a portal-building kit (10 Fine Wood, 20 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores) to create a quick escape route. Leave unnecessary items like ores or heavy materials at your base to free up space for barley and other Plains resources.\n\nWhen farming barley, focus on clearing a safe area first. Fulings and Loxes can disrupt your farming, so eliminate nearby threats before planting. Use the Cultivator to till the soil and plant barley seeds. Each barley plant yields two barley, so prioritize planting in large, open fields. Harvesting with an Atgeir is faster than using your hands, saving time and stamina. Collect the barley and store it in your inventory, but be mindful of your weight limit.\n\nTo optimize inventory space, consider bringing a cart or a Longship. A cart can be pulled behind you and holds up to 18 slots of items, making it ideal for transporting large quantities of barley. However, carts are slower and harder to maneuver in the Plains, so use them cautiously. A Longship, on the other hand, is faster and can store up to 18 slots of items, but it requires access to water. If your Plains farm is near the coast, dock a Longship nearby for quick storage and transport.\n\nAnother strategy is to set up a temporary storage outpost in the Plains. Build a small, fortified shelter with a chest to store excess barley. This allows you to unload your inventory periodically and continue farming without returning to your main base. Use workbenches or stonecutters to repair your tools and weapons on-site, ensuring you stay prepared for combat. Place a portal inside the shelter for quick access to your base when needed.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using mods or console commands to increase inventory space. While this is not part of the vanilla game, it can significantly improve farming efficiency. However, this approach may reduce the challenge and immersion of the game, so use it sparingly.\n\nFinally, always prioritize safety when farming in the Plains. Bring a shield and a strong weapon to defend against Fulings and Deathsquitos. Use the terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid ranged attacks. If you are overwhelmed, retreat to your portal or Longship and regroup.\n\nIn summary, optimizing inventory space when farming barley in the Plains requires careful planning and resource management. Prepare your inventory, use carts or Longships for storage, and set up temporary outposts to maximize efficiency. Stay vigilant against enemies and prioritize safety to ensure a successful farming trip. With these strategies, you can gather large quantities of barley while minimizing risks and maximizing your inventory space.