How do you unlock the Antler Pickaxe and what are its benefits?

The Antler Pickaxe is one of the first essential tools in Valheim, allowing players to mine valuable resources like Tin, Copper, and Stone. To unlock the Antler Pickaxe, you must first defeat Eikthyr, the first boss in the game. Eikthyr is found in the Meadows biome and can be summoned by placing two Deer Trophies on its altar. Deer Trophies are obtained by hunting deer, which roam the Meadows biome. Once you defeat Eikthyr, it will drop Hard Antlers, a key crafting material for the Antler Pickaxe.\n\nTo craft the Antler Pickaxe, you will need a Workbench and the following materials: 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler. Wood is easily gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Once you have the materials, open the crafting menu at the Workbench and select the Antler Pickaxe. This tool is a significant upgrade from the basic Flint Axe, as it allows you to mine ore deposits, which are critical for progressing in the game.\n\nThe Antler Pickaxe is particularly useful in the Black Forest biome, where you can find Copper and Tin deposits. These ores are essential for crafting Bronze, which is used to create stronger tools, weapons, and armor. Without the Antler Pickaxe, you cannot progress beyond the early game, as it is the first tool capable of mining these resources. Additionally, the Antler Pickaxe can be used to mine Stone, which is necessary for building structures and crafting other items like the Stone Cutter.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is locating Eikthyr''s altar. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune stone, which can be found in the Meadows biome. If you are having trouble finding deer for Deer Trophies, try exploring the edges of the Meadows biome near the Black Forest, as deer tend to spawn more frequently in these areas. Once you have the Antler Pickaxe, prioritize mining Copper and Tin in the Black Forest to craft Bronze tools and weapons, which will make surviving in Valheim much easier.\n\nIn terms of durability, the Antler Pickaxe has a base durability of 100, which means it will eventually break after extensive use. To repair it, simply interact with a Workbench and select the repair option. This does not require additional materials, making it a cost-effective tool for early-game mining. However, as you progress, you will want to upgrade to stronger pickaxes like the Bronze Pickaxe, which has higher durability and mining efficiency.\n\nFor experienced players, the Antler Pickaxe remains useful even in the mid-game for quick mining tasks or when exploring new biomes. It is lightweight and easy to craft, making it a reliable backup tool. Additionally, if you are playing with friends, consider crafting multiple Antler Pickaxes to speed up resource gathering. This is especially helpful when mining large Copper deposits, which can take a significant amount of time to fully extract.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is a crucial tool for early-game progression in Valheim. To unlock it, defeat Eikthyr in the Meadows biome, gather the required materials, and craft it at a Workbench. Use it to mine Copper, Tin, and Stone in the Black Forest biome, and prioritize upgrading to stronger tools as you progress. With proper planning and resource management, the Antler Pickaxe will serve as a reliable companion throughout your Viking adventures.