How do I build a stonecutter and what materials are required?

Building a Stonecutter in Valheim is essential for advancing your base-building capabilities, as it allows you to craft and place stone structures. To unlock the Stonecutter, you must first defeat the second boss, The Elder, in the Black Forest biome. Defeating The Elder grants you the Swamp Key, which is necessary for accessing the Swamp biome, where you can find Iron. Iron is a critical resource for crafting the Stonecutter.\n\nTo build a Stonecutter, you need to gather specific materials: 2 Iron, 4 Wood, and 10 Stone. Iron is obtained by smelting Scrap Iron, which is found in Muddy Scrap Piles within Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. You’ll need a Wishbone, dropped by Bonemass (the third boss), to locate these crypts efficiently. Once you have Scrap Iron, smelt it in a Smelter using Coal as fuel to produce Iron bars. Wood and Stone are more straightforward to gather; Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, and Stone is found by mining rocks or picking up small stones scattered across the landscape.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, you can craft the Stonecutter at a Workbench. Place the Stonecutter near your base, as it must be within range of a Workbench to function. The Stonecutter unlocks a variety of stone-based building pieces, such as stone walls, floors, and arches, which are significantly more durable than wood structures. This makes them ideal for defending against raids or building more permanent structures.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Iron in the Swamp biome. The Swamp is a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs. To make this process easier, ensure you have upgraded armor, a strong weapon, and plenty of healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Additionally, bring a Portal with you to quickly transport Iron back to your base without risking long, dangerous trips.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize building a Forge near your Stonecutter. The Forge allows you to repair tools and weapons, which is crucial when gathering and crafting stone materials. Stone structures require a lot of Stone, so consider setting up a mining operation in the Meadows or Black Forest biome to gather large quantities efficiently. Use a Cart to transport heavy loads of Stone back to your base.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that the Stonecutter cannot be used until you’ve progressed far enough to defeat The Elder and gather Iron. Focus on building a strong base with wood and upgrading your gear before tackling the Swamp biome. Experienced players can optimize their Stonecutter usage by planning large-scale stone fortresses or decorative builds, as stone structures are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.\n\nIn summary, the Stonecutter is a game-changing tool for advanced base building in Valheim. By defeating The Elder, gathering Iron in the Swamp, and crafting the Stonecutter, you unlock durable and versatile stone structures. Prepare thoroughly for the Swamp biome, and use the Stonecutter to create a fortified and impressive Viking base.