How do you safely 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 it a high-risk activity during a no-death run. To safely farm obsidian, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the biome''s mechanics, and execute a careful strategy.\n\nFirst, ensure you are adequately equipped before venturing into the Mountains. You will need a full set of Wolf Armor or at least Troll Armor for decent protection and mobility. A Draugr Fang bow or Huntsman bow is essential for dealing with Drakes, the flying enemies that patrol the area. Additionally, bring Frost Resistance Mead to counteract the freezing effect, which can quickly drain your health. A pickaxe is mandatory for mining obsidian, so ensure you have an Iron Pickaxe or better.\n\nBefore entering the Mountains, scout the biome from a safe distance. Use the Wishbone, obtained by defeating Bonemass, to locate obsidian deposits. Obsidian nodes are black, shiny rocks often found on steep slopes or near cliffs. Mark these locations on your map to plan a safe route. Avoid areas with high enemy density, such as Stone Golems or packs of Wolves, as they can quickly overwhelm you.\n\nWhen farming obsidian, always prioritize safety over speed. Start by clearing the area of Drakes using your bow. Drakes are weak to fire and pierce damage, so Fire Arrows or Needle Arrows work well. Once the area is secure, approach the obsidian node and begin mining. Keep an eye on your stamina, as mining consumes a significant amount. If your stamina runs low, retreat to a safe spot to recover before continuing.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Wolves, which are fast and deal high damage. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the obsidian deposit. Use wooden walls or stake walls to create a barrier, and place a campfire inside to keep warm. This outpost can serve as a temporary shelter to recover health and stamina. Alternatively, use the terrain to your advantage by luring Wolves into narrow spaces where you can fight them one at a time.\n\nAnother strategy is to farm obsidian during the day. Wolves and Drakes are less aggressive during daylight hours, reducing the risk of ambushes. If you must farm at night, bring a shield and melee weapon to defend yourself against surprise attacks. Parrying with a shield can stun Wolves, giving you an opportunity to counterattack.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. If you are overwhelmed, use Eikthyr''s power to sprint away quickly. Alternatively, carry Portal materials to create an emergency exit. Place the Portal in a safe location near the Mountains biome, such as a nearby Black Forest or Meadows, to ensure a quick retreat if needed.\n\nIn summary, safely farming obsidian in the Mountains requires preparation, caution, and strategic planning. Equip yourself with the right gear, scout the area beforehand, and use the terrain to your advantage. By following these steps, you can minimize risks and successfully gather obsidian for your crafting needs.