What’s the best method to track which resources I need for upcoming upgrades?

Tracking resources for upcoming upgrades in Valheim is essential for efficient progression and avoiding unnecessary backtracking. The game does not provide an in-built checklist, so players must rely on external tools or manual tracking methods. The best approach combines in-game exploration, crafting station previews, and external tools like spreadsheets or apps to ensure you gather the right materials at the right time.\n\nFirst, familiarize yourself with the crafting station previews. When interacting with a workbench, forge, or other crafting stations, you can hover over items to see their crafting requirements. This is particularly useful for planning upgrades to weapons, armor, and tools. For example, upgrading a bronze axe to level 3 requires bronze, wood, and leather scraps. By checking these requirements early, you can prioritize gathering specific resources during your exploration.\n\nNext, explore biomes systematically to gather resources efficiently. Each biome in Valheim contains unique materials required for upgrades. For instance, the Black Forest biome is rich in copper and tin, which are essential for crafting bronze. The Swamp biome provides iron scrap, while the Mountains offer silver. Plan your expeditions based on the resources you need. For example, if you need fine wood for a finewood bow, focus on exploring Meadows and Black Forest biomes to chop down birch and oak trees.\n\nUse external tools like spreadsheets or Valheim-specific apps to track your progress. Many players create spreadsheets listing all crafting recipes and mark off the resources they have collected. Apps like Valheim Plus or online resource trackers can also help automate this process. These tools are especially useful for tracking rare or hard-to-find materials, such as dragon tears or black metal.\n\nAnother practical method is to create a dedicated storage system in your base. Organize chests by resource type and label them clearly. For example, have separate chests for metals, wood, and food. This makes it easy to check your inventory before heading out on resource-gathering trips. Additionally, keep a list of upcoming upgrades near your crafting stations for quick reference.\n\nFinally, prioritize upgrades based on your current needs. For example, if you are preparing to explore the Swamp biome, focus on upgrading your armor and weapons to handle the tougher enemies. This ensures you are always prepared for the challenges ahead. By combining these methods, you can efficiently track and gather the resources needed for upgrades, saving time and effort in your Valheim journey.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a pickaxe and axe when exploring to gather resources on the go. Use portals to quickly return to your base and deposit materials. And remember, some resources like iron and silver require specific tools (antler pickaxe or iron pickaxe) to mine, so plan accordingly.