What’s the best biome to prioritize for early-game resource gathering?

In Valheim, the best biome to prioritize for early-game resource gathering is the Black Forest. This biome is rich in essential resources like copper, tin, and fine wood, which are critical for crafting better tools, weapons, and armor. The Black Forest is also home to core materials like core wood and resin, which are necessary for building and upgrading your base. Unlike the Meadows, which is safer but lacks advanced resources, the Black Forest offers a balanced mix of challenge and reward, making it ideal for early-game progression.\n\nTo efficiently gather resources in the Black Forest, start by crafting a bronze axe and pickaxe. Copper and tin are found in large deposits and small nodes, respectively, and can be smelted into bronze at a forge. Copper deposits are large, rocky formations that require a pickaxe to mine, while tin nodes are smaller and found near water. Prioritize mining these resources as soon as you have a pickaxe, as they are essential for upgrading your gear and crafting better tools.\n\nOne common challenge in the Black Forest is dealing with hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. Greydwarfs are relatively weak but can overwhelm you in numbers, while Trolls are much stronger and require careful strategy to defeat. To mitigate this, always carry a shield and a weapon like a flint spear or club. Use the environment to your advantage by kiting enemies around trees or rocks, and avoid engaging multiple enemies at once. Building a small outpost near resource-rich areas can also provide a safe retreat if needed.\n\nAnother key resource in the Black Forest is core wood, which is obtained by chopping down pine trees. Core wood is used to craft stronger building materials and tools, such as the finewood bow, which is a significant upgrade from the crude bow. To maximize efficiency, bring a bronze axe and focus on clearing clusters of pine trees. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage you or attract nearby enemies.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prepare adequately before venturing into the Black Forest. Ensure you have a rested bonus, which increases stamina regeneration, and bring plenty of food like cooked meat and berries to sustain your health and stamina. Experienced Vikings can optimize their runs by marking resource locations on the map and planning efficient routes to minimize backtracking.\n\nIn summary, the Black Forest is the best biome for early-game resource gathering due to its abundance of copper, tin, and core wood. By crafting the right tools, managing enemy encounters, and preparing adequately, you can efficiently gather the resources needed to progress in Valheim. Focus on mining and logging, and always be ready to adapt to the challenges of this biome.