What’s the optimal amount of coal required to smelt a stack of ore?

In Valheim, smelting ore into usable metal bars is a critical step in progressing through the game. To smelt a full stack of ore (which is 30 units), you need to understand the game mechanics of the Charcoal Kiln and Smelter. Coal is the primary fuel source for the Smelter, and knowing the optimal amount required ensures efficient resource management.\n\nFirst, let’s break down the mechanics. The Smelter consumes 1 coal to smelt 1 ore into 1 bar. This means that for a stack of 30 ore, you will need 30 coal to fully process it. However, this is just the baseline calculation. In practice, you’ll need to account for the time it takes to produce coal and the efficiency of your setup.\n\nTo produce coal, you’ll need a Charcoal Kiln, which converts wood into coal. Each piece of wood yields 1 coal, but the process takes time. For example, if you’re smelting a stack of 30 copper ore, you’ll need 30 wood to produce the required coal. This means you’ll need to gather wood in addition to mining ore, which can be time-consuming.\n\nOne common challenge is managing the flow of resources between the Charcoal Kiln and the Smelter. If you’re smelting large quantities of ore, you’ll need to ensure a steady supply of coal. A practical solution is to build multiple Charcoal Kilns to speed up coal production. For example, having 2-3 Kilns running simultaneously can significantly reduce downtime and keep your Smelter operational.\n\nAnother consideration is the type of ore you’re smelting. Different ores have varying smelting times. For instance, copper ore takes longer to smelt than tin ore. This means that while the coal requirement remains the same (1 coal per ore), the overall time investment increases. To optimize this, you can build multiple Smelters to process ore in parallel, reducing the total time required.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that coal production and smelting are best done in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, where wood is abundant. Early-game players should focus on gathering wood and building a Charcoal Kiln before venturing into mining. Experienced Vikings, on the other hand, can optimize their setups by placing Kilns and Smelters near resource-rich areas to minimize travel time.\n\nIn summary, the optimal amount of coal required to smelt a stack of 30 ore is 30 coal. However, efficient gameplay involves planning for coal production, managing multiple Kilns and Smelters, and optimizing your base layout. By following these steps, you can ensure a steady supply of metal bars for crafting and progression.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep a surplus of coal to avoid interruptions in smelting. Build Kilns and Smelters near your base for easy access. Use carts to transport large quantities of ore and wood efficiently. Finally, consider upgrading to higher-tier fuels like Surtling Cores in the late game for faster smelting.