How do you craft a workbench and what materials are required?

Crafting a workbench in Valheim is one of the most essential early-game tasks, as it unlocks the ability to craft a wide range of tools, weapons, and structures. The workbench is your primary crafting station, and without it, you cannot progress in the game. To craft a workbench, you will need specific materials and a basic understanding of the game''s crafting mechanics.\n\nFirst, you must gather the required materials: 10 Wood and 2 Flint. Wood is the most basic resource in Valheim and can be obtained by chopping down trees with your fists or a basic axe. Flint, on the other hand, is found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, or the ocean. Look for small, shiny stones along the shoreline. Flint is essential for crafting early-game tools and the workbench itself.\n\nOnce you have gathered the materials, open your inventory by pressing Tab (default keybind). In the crafting menu, you will see the workbench recipe under the Crafting tab. Select the workbench and place it in your inventory. However, you cannot place the workbench directly from your inventory. Instead, you must equip the hammer (crafted using 3 Wood and 2 Stone) and select the workbench from the building menu.\n\nTo place the workbench, ensure you are in a suitable location. The workbench requires a flat, open area and must be sheltered to function properly. If you place it outdoors without a roof, it will not work. A simple solution is to build a small shelter using Wood or thatch roofing. This can be as basic as a 2x2 structure with a roof. Once the workbench is placed and sheltered, you can interact with it to access its crafting menu.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is not having enough Flint. If you are struggling to find Flint, explore the Meadows biome thoroughly, as it is the most beginner-friendly area. Flint spawns near water, so follow rivers or head to the coastline. If you are in a pinch, you can also use a crude bow and wooden arrows to hunt Greylings or Boars for Flint, as they sometimes drop it.\n\nAnother tip is to upgrade your workbench as soon as possible. Upgrading the workbench requires additional materials like Leather Scraps and Fine Wood, but it allows you to craft higher-tier items. To upgrade, place a chopping block (10 Wood) and a tanning rack (15 Wood, 5 Flint, 20 Leather Scraps) near the workbench. These upgrades are essential for crafting advanced gear and progressing through the game.\n\nFor experienced players, consider building multiple workbenches in strategic locations. This saves time when exploring or building large structures. For example, place a workbench near your mining outpost or a remote base to repair tools and craft on the go. Always ensure each workbench is sheltered and protected from enemy raids.\n\nIn summary, crafting a workbench in Valheim is straightforward but requires preparation. Gather Wood and Flint, build a shelter, and place the workbench using the hammer. Upgrade it as soon as possible to unlock advanced crafting options. With these steps, you will have a functional workbench to kickstart your Viking adventure.