What’s the fastest way to gather core wood for early-game crafting in Valheim?

Core wood is a crucial resource in Valheim, especially in the early game, as it is required for crafting essential items like the Finewood Bow, Stagbreaker, and reinforced structures. The fastest way to gather core wood is by chopping down pine trees, which are abundant in the Black Forest biome. Pine trees are distinct from regular trees due to their tall, straight trunks and dark bark, making them easy to identify. Unlike regular wood, core wood can only be obtained from these specific trees, so focusing on the Black Forest is key.\n\nTo efficiently gather core wood, you’ll need a Flint Axe or better. The Flint Axe is the earliest tool capable of chopping down pine trees and can be crafted using 4 wood and 6 flint. Flint is commonly found along riverbanks and shorelines in the Meadows biome, so gather this resource before venturing into the Black Forest. Once you have your axe, head to the Black Forest, which is typically located near the Meadows but can vary depending on your world seed. Be prepared for combat, as the Black Forest is home to hostile creatures like Greylings and Greydwarfs.\n\nWhen you arrive in the Black Forest, look for clusters of pine trees. These trees are tall and often grow close together, allowing you to maximize your efficiency by felling multiple trees in one area. To chop down a pine tree, aim for the base of the trunk and strike repeatedly until it falls. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can deal significant damage if they hit you or nearby structures. Once the tree is down, use your axe to break it into smaller logs, which will yield core wood. Each pine tree typically provides 4-6 core wood, so a small cluster can quickly fill your inventory.\n\nOne common challenge when gathering core wood is dealing with Greydwarfs, which are aggressive creatures that spawn frequently in the Black Forest. To mitigate this, consider bringing a shield and a weapon like a club or spear for self-defense. Additionally, avoid gathering core wood at night, as Greydwarfs and other enemies spawn more frequently in the dark. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area or build a small outpost with a workbench and campfire to regain health and stamina.\n\nFor experienced players looking to optimize their core wood gathering, consider using a Bronze Axe, which is faster and more durable than the Flint Axe. However, crafting a Bronze Axe requires access to bronze, which involves smelting copper and tin in a forge. This process is more time-consuming, so it’s best suited for mid-game players. Another tip is to use a cart to transport large amounts of core wood back to your base. Carts can be crafted with 20 wood and 10 bronze nails, allowing you to carry more resources in a single trip.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather core wood in Valheim is to equip a Flint Axe, head to the Black Forest biome, and chop down pine trees. Be prepared for combat, avoid gathering at night, and consider using a cart for efficient transportation. With these strategies, you’ll have plenty of core wood for early-game crafting in no time.