Which tools should I prioritize crafting first for resource gathering?

In Valheim, prioritizing the right tools for resource gathering is essential for efficient progression and survival. The first tool you should craft is the Stone Axe, which is crucial for chopping down trees and gathering wood. Wood is the backbone of early-game crafting, used for building shelters, crafting benches, and other essential tools. To craft a Stone Axe, you need 5 Wood and 4 Stone, which can be gathered from the ground or by breaking small rocks. This tool is your gateway to gathering resources and establishing a foothold in the game.\n\nNext, prioritize crafting the Flint Axe as soon as you find Flint in the Meadows biome. Flint is commonly found near water sources like rivers and lakes. The Flint Axe is a significant upgrade over the Stone Axe, allowing you to chop down trees faster and gather Fine Wood from Birch and Oak trees. Fine Wood is required for advanced crafting recipes, such as the Finewood Bow and better building materials. To craft a Flint Axe, you need 4 Wood and 6 Flint. This tool will significantly speed up your resource gathering and prepare you for tougher challenges.\n\nAnother essential tool is the Pickaxe, which unlocks access to valuable resources like Copper and Tin in the Black Forest biome. To craft a Pickaxe, you need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. The Pickaxe allows you to mine ore nodes, which are critical for crafting bronze tools and weapons. Without a Pickaxe, you cannot progress beyond the early game, so prioritize defeating Eikthyr as soon as possible to unlock this tool.\n\nFor farming and food sustainability, the Cultivator is a must-have tool. It allows you to plant seeds and grow crops like Carrots and Turnips, which are essential for crafting better food items. To craft a Cultivator, you need 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. Core Wood is obtained by chopping down Pine trees in the Black Forest, and Bronze is crafted by smelting Copper and Tin in a Forge. The Cultivator ensures a steady supply of food, which is vital for maintaining stamina and health during exploration and combat.\n\nFinally, the Antler Pickaxe is a temporary but useful tool for mining Stone and Copper before you can craft a Bronze Pickaxe. It is crafted using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, the same materials as the basic Pickaxe. While it has lower durability, it can help you gather enough resources to upgrade to better tools. Always carry a backup tool or repair your tools at a Workbench to avoid being stranded without the means to gather resources.\n\nIn summary, prioritize crafting the Stone Axe, Flint Axe, Pickaxe, Cultivator, and Antler Pickaxe in that order. These tools will ensure you can gather essential resources efficiently and progress through the game. Always keep an eye on your tool durability and repair them regularly to avoid interruptions in your resource gathering. By following this guide, you will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Valheim and thrive as a Viking survivor.