What’s the best way to avoid wasting time on unnecessary upgrades?

In Valheim, speedrunning requires efficient resource management and avoiding unnecessary upgrades to save time. The key is to focus on essential upgrades that directly impact your progression, while skipping those that don''t provide immediate benefits. For example, upgrading tools and weapons to the minimum required level for biome progression is crucial, but over-investing in gear for biomes you won''t explore soon is a waste.\n\nStart by prioritizing upgrades for your workbench and forge. These stations are essential for crafting better gear, but only upgrade them to the level needed for your current biome. For instance, in the Meadows biome, a level 2 workbench is sufficient for crafting basic tools and weapons. Avoid spending resources on higher levels until you reach the Black Forest, where you''ll need a level 3 workbench for bronze tools.\n\nWhen it comes to gear, focus on crafting items that provide the most utility for your current objectives. For example, in the early game, a Flint Axe and Crude Bow are essential for gathering wood and hunting, but upgrading them beyond level 2 is unnecessary until you reach the Black Forest. Similarly, leather armor is sufficient for the Meadows and early Black Forest, so avoid crafting troll armor unless you plan to tackle tougher enemies immediately.\n\nResource management is critical to avoiding unnecessary upgrades. Gather only the materials you need for your next biome or boss fight. For example, in the Meadows, focus on collecting wood, stone, and leather scraps, but avoid hoarding resources like resin or feathers unless you''re actively crafting arrows. This approach ensures you don''t waste time gathering materials for upgrades you won''t use.\n\nAnother strategy is to skip certain upgrades entirely if they don''t align with your speedrunning goals. For instance, if you''re rushing to defeat Eikthyr, you don''t need to craft a full set of leather armor. Instead, focus on a shield and a weapon like the Flint Spear, which can be crafted quickly and provides enough damage to defeat the boss. This saves time and resources for more critical upgrades later.\n\nIn the Black Forest, prioritize bronze tools and weapons, but avoid over-investing in bronze armor. A bronze axe and pickaxe are essential for gathering resources, but a full set of bronze armor is unnecessary unless you''re struggling with combat. Instead, focus on upgrading your shield and weapon to handle the biome''s tougher enemies.\n\nFinally, plan your upgrades around biome progression. For example, in the Swamp biome, iron tools and weapons are essential, but upgrading them beyond level 2 is unnecessary until you reach the Mountains. Similarly, in the Mountains, silver gear is critical, but avoid over-investing in upgrades until you''re ready to tackle the Plains biome.\n\nBy focusing on essential upgrades and avoiding unnecessary ones, you can save valuable time and resources during your speedrun. Always prioritize upgrades that align with your current objectives and biome progression, and skip those that don''t provide immediate benefits. This approach ensures you stay efficient and focused on your ultimate goal: defeating the game''s bosses as quickly as possible.