What’s the best way to handle shared farming of flax?

Shared farming of flax in Valheim is a crucial activity for multiplayer groups, as flax is essential for crafting high-tier armor and weapons. Flax can only be grown in the Plains biome, making it a late-game resource that requires careful planning and coordination. To start, players must first locate and secure a Plains biome, as this is the only environment where flax can be cultivated. Once a suitable area is found, the group should establish a base or outpost nearby to protect the farm from hostile creatures like Fulings and Deathsquitos.\n\nTo plant flax, players need a Cultivator, which is crafted using Bronze (2 Bronze and 5 Core Wood). The Cultivator allows players to till the soil and plant flax seeds. Flax seeds are obtained by defeating Fulings in the Plains biome, as they drop them occasionally. Once the seeds are acquired, designate a farming area within the Plains biome and till the soil using the Cultivator. Each flax plant requires ample space to grow, so ensure that the plots are spaced out appropriately.\n\nIn a multiplayer setting, communication is key to efficient flax farming. Assign roles to each player to streamline the process. For example, one player can focus on tilling the soil, another on planting the seeds, and a third on harvesting the mature flax. This division of labor ensures that the farm is maintained efficiently and reduces the risk of overlapping tasks. Additionally, designate a storage area near the farm to store harvested flax and seeds, making it easier for everyone to access resources.\n\nProtecting the flax farm is critical, as Plains biome enemies can destroy crops if they wander too close. Build defensive structures such as stake walls or raised earth walls around the farm to keep enemies at bay. Placing workbenches or other crafting stations nearby can also prevent enemy spawns within the farm area. If resources allow, consider building a portal near the farm for quick access from your main base.\n\nHarvesting flax requires careful timing. Flax takes approximately two in-game days to grow, and it must be harvested manually. Once harvested, each flax plant yields one flax and one flax seed, allowing for sustainable farming. To maximize efficiency, stagger planting times so that crops mature at different intervals. This ensures a steady supply of flax without overwhelming the group with a single large harvest.\n\nFor larger groups, consider creating multiple flax farms in different Plains biomes to distribute the workload and reduce the risk of losing all crops to an enemy raid. Use portals to connect these farms to your main base, ensuring quick travel between locations. Additionally, assign a dedicated player to monitor the farms and replant seeds immediately after harvesting to maintain continuous production.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for unexpected challenges. Fuling raids can occur at any time, so ensure that all players are equipped with strong weapons and armor. Stockpile food and healing items near the farm to handle emergencies. By following these steps and maintaining clear communication, your group can efficiently manage shared flax farming and ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource.