How do you craft a Black Metal Shield and what’s its advantage?

Crafting a Black Metal Shield in Valheim is a significant milestone for players looking to enhance their defensive capabilities in the late game. This shield is one of the strongest in the game, offering high block power and durability, making it ideal for facing tough enemies like Fulings and Lox in the Plains biome. To craft this shield, you need to progress through the game, gather specific resources, and unlock the necessary crafting station.\n\nFirst, you must defeat Moder, the fourth boss in Valheim, to obtain the Dragon Tear. This item is essential for crafting the Artisan Table, which is required to process Black Metal. The Artisan Table allows you to create a Blast Furnace, where Black Metal Scraps can be smelted into Black Metal. Black Metal Scraps are primarily dropped by Fulings in the Plains biome, so you’ll need to venture into this dangerous area to gather enough materials.\n\nOnce you have the Blast Furnace, smelt your Black Metal Scraps into Black Metal bars. You’ll also need Fine Wood and Chains to craft the Black Metal Shield. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes, while Chains are typically found in Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome or dropped by Wraiths. Ensure you have a fully upgraded Forge to craft the shield, as it requires a high-level crafting station.\n\nThe Black Metal Shield has a base block power of 90, which can be increased further with upgrades. This makes it one of the best shields in the game, capable of absorbing significant damage from powerful enemies. Its knockback resistance is also high, allowing you to maintain your position in combat. Compared to other shields, the Black Metal Shield is particularly effective against the fast and aggressive Fulings, who are common in the Plains biome.\n\nOne common challenge players face is gathering enough Black Metal Scraps. Fulings can be tough to defeat, especially in groups. To make this easier, consider using a bow to pick off Fulings from a distance before engaging in melee combat. Additionally, setting up a small base near a Fuling camp can help you respawn quickly if you die during combat. Always bring healing mead and stamina mead to ensure you can survive prolonged fights.\n\nAnother tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. Fulings are less dangerous when you can funnel them into narrow spaces or use obstacles to block their attacks. If you’re struggling with Wraiths in the Swamp biome, try fighting them during the day when they are less active. Chains can also be found in chests in Sunken Crypts, so bring a pickaxe to break through muddy scrap piles and explore thoroughly.\n\nIn summary, crafting a Black Metal Shield requires defeating Moder, gathering Black Metal Scraps from Fulings, and obtaining Fine Wood and Chains. The shield’s high block power and durability make it an excellent choice for late-game combat, especially in the Plains biome. By using ranged attacks, strategic positioning, and proper preparation, you can efficiently gather the necessary resources and craft this powerful shield to enhance your survival in Valheim.