What is the best way to gather core wood in the Black Forest?

Gathering core wood in the Black Forest is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures in Valheim. Core wood is obtained by chopping down pine trees, which are tall, thin trees with dark bark found exclusively in the Black Forest biome. Unlike regular wood, core wood requires a bronze axe or better to harvest, as flint or stone axes are ineffective. This makes it a mid-tier resource that becomes available after you’ve progressed beyond the Meadows biome and acquired bronze tools.\n\nTo gather core wood efficiently, you’ll need to prepare properly. First, ensure you have a bronze axe, which requires crafting at a forge. To craft a bronze axe, you’ll need bronze (made by combining copper and tin at a forge), wood, and leather scraps. Once you have your bronze axe, head to the Black Forest biome. Pine trees are abundant here, and they are easily identifiable by their towering height and straight trunks. Be cautious, as the Black Forest is home to hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls.\n\nWhen chopping down pine trees, position yourself carefully to avoid being crushed by falling trees. Pine trees are much taller than regular trees in the Meadows, and their falling trunks can deal significant damage or even kill you if you’re not careful. Stand to the side of the tree and watch its falling direction. After the tree falls, use your bronze axe to chop the trunk into core wood logs. Each pine tree typically yields 10-15 core wood, making it a highly efficient resource.\n\nOne common challenge players face is dealing with hostile mobs while gathering core wood. Greydwarfs are particularly troublesome, as they often spawn in groups and can overwhelm unprepared players. To mitigate this, consider bringing a shield and a weapon like a bronze sword or spear. Additionally, you can build a small outpost near the Black Forest with a workbench and a fire to provide a safe zone for resting and repairing tools. This also helps reduce the time spent traveling back and forth between your main base and the forest.\n\nAnother tip is to clear the area around pine trees before chopping them down. This prevents Greydwarfs from interrupting your work and ensures you have a clear escape route if a Troll appears. Trolls are rare but extremely dangerous, so always be prepared to run or fight if necessary. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your efforts to gather core wood more efficiently while keeping each other safe.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using a cart to transport large amounts of core wood back to your base. Carts are crafted using bronze nails and wood, and they allow you to carry significantly more resources than your inventory alone. However, be mindful of the terrain in the Black Forest, as carts can be difficult to maneuver through dense trees and uneven ground. Alternatively, you can build a portal near your gathering site to quickly transport core wood back to your base without the need for long trips.\n\nIn summary, gathering core wood in the Black Forest requires preparation, caution, and strategy. Equip a bronze axe, watch out for falling trees, and be ready to defend yourself against hostile mobs. By following these steps and using practical solutions like building outposts or using carts, you can efficiently gather core wood and progress further in Valheim.