What’s the safest way to farm obsidian in the Mountains?

Farming obsidian in the Mountains biome is a critical step in Valheim, especially for crafting high-tier items like the Obsidian Arrow and Frostner. However, the Mountains are one of the most dangerous biomes, making a no-death run particularly challenging. To safely farm obsidian, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the biome''s mechanics, and execute a careful strategy.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-equipped before venturing into the Mountains. You will need a full set of Wolf Armor or at least Troll Armor for decent protection. A Draugr Fang bow or Huntsman bow is essential for ranged combat, as it allows you to deal with Drakes and Wolves from a safe distance. Additionally, bring Frost Resistance Mead, which can be crafted using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye. This mead provides 10 minutes of frost resistance, crucial for surviving the cold.\n\nBefore heading to the Mountains, scout the biome from a safe distance. Use a high vantage point, such as a nearby Black Forest hill, to identify obsidian deposits. Obsidian appears as dark, jagged rocks on the surface, often near cliffs or rocky outcrops. Mark these locations on your map to plan your route efficiently. Avoid areas with visible Drakes or Stone Golems, as these enemies can quickly overwhelm you.\n\nOnce you’ve identified a safe route, approach the obsidian deposits cautiously. Use your bow to eliminate any Drakes or Wolves in the vicinity before mining. Drakes are particularly dangerous as they can knock you off cliffs or into other enemies. Wolves, while fast, can be kited and taken down with well-placed arrows. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as running out in the Mountains can leave you vulnerable to attacks or freezing.\n\nWhen mining obsidian, use an Iron Pickaxe or better. Obsidian cannot be mined with lower-tier tools. Be mindful of your surroundings while mining, as the noise can attract nearby enemies. If you hear a Drake screech or Wolf howl, stop mining and prepare to defend yourself. It’s also a good idea to bring a shield, such as the Iron Buckler, to block incoming attacks if enemies get too close.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Stone Golems, which are immune to most ranged attacks. If you encounter one, avoid engaging it directly. Instead, use the terrain to your advantage by luring it away from the obsidian deposit or hiding behind large rocks. Stone Golems are slow, so you can often outmaneuver them. If you must fight, use a Mace or other blunt weapon, as they are weak to blunt damage.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. The Mountains are unforgiving, and even the best-prepared Vikings can find themselves in trouble. Carry a portal with you and place it in a safe location near the biome’s edge. This allows you to quickly retreat if things go wrong. Additionally, bring plenty of food, such as Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Carrot Soup, to maintain high health and stamina.\n\nIn summary, the safest way to farm obsidian in the Mountains involves thorough preparation, careful scouting, and strategic execution. Equip yourself with Frost Resistance Mead, high-tier armor, and a reliable bow. Scout the area beforehand, mark obsidian deposits, and eliminate threats before mining. Always be ready to defend yourself and have an escape plan in place. By following these steps, you can successfully farm obsidian without risking your no-death run.