Which tool is best for harvesting barley in the Plains biome?

Harvesting barley in the Plains biome is a critical task for survival and progression in Valheim, as barley is a key ingredient for crafting high-tier foods and meads. The best tool for harvesting barley is the Atgeir, a polearm weapon that doubles as an efficient farming tool. Unlike other weapons or tools, the Atgeir has a wide sweeping attack that can harvest multiple barley plants in a single swing, making it the most effective option for large-scale farming.\n\nTo use the Atgeir for harvesting barley, you must first craft it. The Atgeir requires 10 Fine Wood, 8 Bronze, and 2 Leather Scraps. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Bronze is crafted at a Forge by combining Copper and Tin, which are mined in the Black Forest. Leather Scraps are dropped by boars or found in chests. Once crafted, equip the Atgeir and approach your barley field in the Plains biome.\n\nWhen harvesting barley, position yourself so that your Atgeir''s sweeping attack covers as many plants as possible. Stand in the center of a cluster of barley plants and perform a secondary attack (right-click on PC) to swing the Atgeir in a wide arc. This will harvest multiple barley plants at once, saving time and stamina compared to using a single-target tool like a knife or sword. Be cautious of nearby enemies, as the Plains biome is home to dangerous foes like Fulings and Deathsquitos.\n\nOne common challenge when harvesting barley is managing stamina. The Atgeir''s secondary attack consumes a significant amount of stamina, so it''s important to have a full stamina bar before starting. Consume stamina-boosting foods like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam before harvesting. Additionally, avoid harvesting during rain, as the Wet debuff reduces stamina regeneration. If you run out of stamina, retreat to a safe area and wait for it to replenish before continuing.\n\nAnother tip for efficient barley farming is to organize your fields in a grid pattern. Plant barley in rows with enough space between them to allow the Atgeir''s sweeping attack to hit multiple plants without missing any. This setup maximizes the number of plants harvested per swing and minimizes wasted effort. Use the Cultivator tool to prepare the soil and plant barley seeds, which can be obtained by looting Fuling villages or harvesting wild barley in the Plains.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for combat while farming in the Plains. Fulings and Loxes are common threats that can interrupt your harvesting. Carry a shield and a backup weapon to defend yourself if attacked. Building a small outpost or wall around your barley field can also provide a safe zone for farming. By following these steps and using the Atgeir effectively, you can harvest barley efficiently and ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource for your Viking adventures.