What’s the best strategy for farming silver without the Wishbone?

Farming silver in Valheim without the Wishbone is a challenging but achievable task, especially for speedrunners or players who want to progress quickly. The Wishbone, which is obtained by defeating Bonemass, is typically used to locate silver veins in the Mountains biome. However, there are alternative methods to find silver without it, relying on game mechanics, terrain features, and careful exploration.\n\nFirst, you need to understand the game mechanics behind silver deposits. Silver veins are only found in the Mountains biome, and they are buried underground. Without the Wishbone, you cannot detect them directly, but you can use visual cues and terrain features to locate them. Silver veins often generate near large rock formations or under flat, elevated areas in the Mountains. Look for areas where the ground appears unusually flat or where rocks are clustered together.\n\nTo begin your search, you will need to prepare adequately. Equip yourself with frost resistance mead or a Wolf Fur Cape to survive the cold temperatures in the Mountains. Bring a pickaxe (preferably an iron pickaxe or better) to mine the silver once you find it. Additionally, carry a stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer, as it can help you detect silver veins indirectly. The stagbreaker''s AoE (area of effect) damage can reveal hidden silver veins by displaying a ''Too Hard'' message when you hit the ground above a vein.\n\nStart by exploring the Mountains biome systematically. Look for areas with large rock formations or flat plateaus. Once you find a potential spot, use the stagbreaker to hit the ground repeatedly. If you see the ''Too Hard'' message, it indicates that a silver vein is buried beneath that spot. Mark the location with a marker on your map and start mining. Be cautious of enemies like wolves, drakes, and stone golems, as they can pose a significant threat while you are mining.\n\nAnother strategy is to look for exposed silver veins. Occasionally, silver veins can be partially visible above ground, especially near cliffs or steep slopes. These veins are rare but can save you time and effort. If you spot a glimmering, silvery rock protruding from the ground, mine it immediately. This method is less reliable than using the stagbreaker but can be a useful supplement to your search.\n\nCommon challenges include dealing with the harsh environment and hostile creatures. To mitigate these risks, always carry healing items like cooked food and meads. Build a small shelter or campfire near your mining site to recover health and warmth. If you encounter a stone golem, avoid engaging it directly unless you are well-equipped. Instead, use terrain features like rocks or cliffs to evade its attacks.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for efficient silver farming without the Wishbone. Always explore the Mountains during the day to avoid the increased danger of nighttime. Use the stagbreaker method in areas with flat terrain or near large rocks, as these are the most likely spots for silver veins. If you are playing with friends, divide the search area to cover more ground quickly. Once you find a vein, mine it completely and mark the location for future reference.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can successfully farm silver in Valheim without the Wishbone, allowing you to progress faster and craft powerful gear like the Wolf Armor and Draugr Fang bow. Patience, preparation, and careful exploration are key to mastering this challenging task.