How do you craft and use a stonecutter for advanced building?

The stonecutter is an essential tool in Valheim for advanced building, allowing you to craft and place stone structures. To unlock the stonecutter, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtain Hard Antlers. These antlers are used to craft an Antler Pickaxe, which is required to mine Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome. Once you have these materials, you can smelt them into Bronze at a Forge, which is necessary to craft the stonecutter.\n\nTo craft the stonecutter, you need 10 Wood, 2 Iron, and 1 Stone. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome, which requires a Bronze Pickaxe or better. Once you have the materials, place the stonecutter near your workbench. It must be within range of the workbench to function, so ensure both are placed in a sheltered area. The stonecutter unlocks a variety of stone-based building pieces, such as stone walls, floors, and arches, which are more durable than wood.\n\nUsing the stonecutter is straightforward. Open the crafting menu while near the stonecutter, and you’ll see new building options. Stone structures require Stone as the primary resource, which is abundant in most biomes. You can gather Stone by mining large boulders or picking up smaller rocks scattered across the landscape. Stone structures are ideal for fortifying your base, as they have higher durability and resistance to enemy attacks compared to wood.\n\nOne common challenge is transporting Iron from the Swamp biome to your base. Swamps are dangerous, filled with enemies like Draugr and Leeches. To mitigate this, consider building a portal near the Swamp to quickly transport Iron back to your base. Alternatively, you can create a temporary forge in the Swamp to smelt Iron on-site, reducing the need to carry heavy materials over long distances.\n\nAnother tip is to plan your stone structures carefully. Stone is heavy, and carrying large amounts can slow you down. Use carts or boats to transport Stone efficiently, especially if you’re building a large fortress. Additionally, stone structures require a solid foundation. Ensure the ground is level before placing stone pieces, as uneven terrain can cause placement issues.\n\nFor new players, focus on gathering resources and exploring the Black Forest and Swamp biomes to unlock the stonecutter. Experienced Vikings can use the stonecutter to create intricate designs, such as stone towers or fortified walls, to protect against raids. Remember to always keep your stonecutter and workbench in a safe, sheltered area to prevent them from being destroyed by enemies.\n\nIn summary, the stonecutter is a game-changing tool for advanced building in Valheim. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently craft and use the stonecutter to create durable and impressive stone structures. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Viking, mastering the stonecutter will elevate your building capabilities and help you survive the harsh world of Valheim.