What’s the quickest way to gather Ancient Bark in the Swamp?

Ancient Bark is a crucial resource in Valheim, primarily used for crafting high-tier weapons, tools, and structures. It is obtained by chopping down Ancient Trees, which are found exclusively in the Swamp biome. To gather Ancient Bark quickly, you need to prepare adequately and understand the mechanics of the Swamp biome.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools. Ancient Trees require a Bronze Axe or better to chop down. If you''re new to the Swamp biome, prioritize crafting a Bronze Axe by smelting Copper and Tin in a Smelter and forging it at a Forge. Upgrading your axe will speed up the process, so gather extra materials to improve it. Additionally, bring a Workbench with you to repair your axe on the go, as chopping Ancient Trees can quickly wear it down.\n\nNext, prepare for the Swamp''s hostile environment. The biome is filled with dangerous enemies like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs, as well as environmental hazards like waterlogged terrain. Equip yourself with poison resistance mead, crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, and Neck Tails. This will protect you from poison damage, which is common in the Swamp. Wear armor like Troll Hide or Bronze for added protection, and bring a shield and weapon to fend off enemies.\n\nWhen entering the Swamp, look for Ancient Trees, which are tall, gnarled trees with a distinct appearance. They are often clustered together, making it easier to gather large amounts of Ancient Bark in one trip. Clear the area of enemies before starting to chop, as interruptions can slow you down. Use the terrain to your advantage; stand on higher ground or behind obstacles to avoid enemy attacks while chopping.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, bring a Cart or Portal materials. A Cart allows you to transport large amounts of Ancient Bark back to your base, while a Portal lets you quickly return for repairs or to drop off resources. If you''re speedrunning, consider setting up a temporary base near the Swamp with a Portal linked to your main base. This minimizes downtime and keeps you focused on gathering.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with the Swamp''s waterlogged terrain, which slows movement and makes it harder to escape enemies. To mitigate this, use the Hoe to level the ground around Ancient Trees, creating a safer and more accessible area to work. This also helps you avoid getting stuck in deep water, which can be deadly if enemies are nearby.\n\nFinally, always be aware of your stamina. Chopping Ancient Trees consumes a lot of stamina, so bring plenty of food like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam to keep your stamina bar high. If you run out of stamina mid-chop, you''ll be vulnerable to attacks, so manage it carefully.\n\nIn summary, the quickest way to gather Ancient Bark involves preparation, efficient resource management, and strategic use of tools and terrain. Equip a Bronze Axe or better, bring poison resistance mead, and clear the area of enemies before chopping. Use a Cart or Portal to streamline resource transport, and level the ground with a Hoe to avoid waterlogged terrain. With these tips, you''ll gather Ancient Bark efficiently and safely, even in the challenging Swamp biome.