What’s the best way to farm barley and flax in the Plains biome?

Farming barley and flax in the Plains biome is essential for crafting high-tier gear and food in Valheim. These crops are exclusive to the Plains and require careful planning and preparation to farm efficiently. To begin, you must first locate a Plains biome, which is identifiable by its golden grass, tar pits, and dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Ensure you are well-equipped with at least bronze or iron-tier armor and weapons before venturing into this biome, as the enemies here are significantly stronger than in earlier areas.\n\nOnce you’ve secured a safe location in the Plains, the next step is to establish a farming area. Barley and flax can only be planted and grown in the Plains biome, so you’ll need to clear a large, flat area of land. Use a cultivator to till the soil, which is crafted using bronze and core wood at a forge. Tilling the soil prepares it for planting, and you’ll need to ensure the area is free of rocks, trees, and other obstacles. Fencing off your farm with stake walls or other barriers is highly recommended to protect your crops from Fuling raids.\n\nTo obtain barley and flax seeds, you’ll need to raid Fuling villages. These villages are scattered throughout the Plains and are guarded by Fulings and sometimes Fuling Berserkers or Shamans. Clear the village of enemies and loot the chests and structures to find barley and flax seeds. Each seed can be planted in tilled soil, and both crops take approximately 2-3 in-game days to grow. Barley is used to craft bread and other high-tier foods, while flax is essential for crafting linen thread, which is used to make padded armor and other advanced items.\n\nOne common challenge when farming in the Plains is dealing with enemy spawns. Fulings and Deathsquitos can quickly destroy your crops if left unchecked. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near your farm with workbenches or other base structures. These structures suppress enemy spawns in their radius, reducing the risk of attacks. Additionally, placing torches or campfires around your farm can deter Deathsquitos, as they are attracted to light but will avoid areas with active flames.\n\nFor maximum efficiency, use a portal to connect your Plains farm to your main base. This allows you to quickly transport harvested barley and flax back to your base for processing. Barley can be processed into barley flour at a windmill, which is crafted using stone, wood, and iron nails. Flax is processed into linen thread at a spinning wheel, which requires fine wood and iron nails. Both structures are essential for turning your raw crops into usable materials for crafting.\n\nFinally, consider scaling up your farming operation by expanding your tilled area and planting more seeds. Barley and flax have a 100% seed return rate, meaning each plant yields one seed in addition to the crop itself. This allows you to exponentially increase your crop yield over time. With careful planning and preparation, you can establish a thriving Plains farm that provides a steady supply of barley and flax for all your crafting needs.\n\nPractical tips for farming in the Plains include always carrying a portal with you for quick escapes, using the hoe to level the ground for easier farming, and keeping a stockpile of food and healing items to handle unexpected enemy encounters. By following these steps, you’ll master farming in the Plains biome and secure the resources needed for late-game progression in Valheim.