What are the best locations to find large stone deposits in the Meadows?

Finding large stone deposits in the Meadows biome is essential for gathering stone, a key resource for crafting and building in Valheim. Stone is used for constructing structures, crafting tools, and upgrading your base. While the Meadows biome is the starting area and generally safer than other biomes, it still requires some strategy to efficiently locate and harvest large stone deposits.\n\nLarge stone deposits in the Meadows are typically found in clusters or as standalone boulders scattered across the landscape. These deposits are large, gray rocks that stand out against the grassy terrain. Unlike smaller stones that can be picked up by hand, large stone deposits require a pickaxe to mine. Crafting a basic pickaxe requires 10 wood and 1 hard antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have a pickaxe, you can begin mining these deposits.\n\nTo locate large stone deposits, explore the Meadows biome thoroughly. Look for elevated areas, rocky outcrops, or areas near water, as these are common spots where stone deposits spawn. Use the map to mark locations of large deposits for future reference. This is especially useful if you plan to build a base nearby or need to return for more stone later. Keep in mind that stone deposits do not respawn, so once mined, they are gone permanently.\n\nWhen mining large stone deposits, be prepared for the stamina cost. Mining consumes stamina, so bring food that boosts stamina regeneration, such as cooked meat or berries. Additionally, ensure your pickaxe is in good condition, as a broken tool will halt your progress. If you encounter enemies while mining, such as greylings or boars, deal with them quickly to avoid interruptions. Carrying a weapon like a club or bow can help you defend yourself while gathering resources.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prioritize gathering stone early in the game. Stone is used to craft essential items like the stone axe, which is more durable than the flint axe, and the charcoal kiln, which is necessary for producing coal. Experienced players can use stone to build more advanced structures, such as stone walls or foundations, which provide better durability and protection against raids.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of stone deposits in your immediate area. If this happens, consider exploring further into the Meadows or venturing into nearby biomes like the Black Forest, where stone deposits are more abundant. However, the Black Forest is more dangerous, so ensure you are well-equipped before venturing there. Alternatively, you can use the cartography table to share map markers with friends, making it easier to locate stone deposits in multiplayer games.\n\nIn summary, large stone deposits in the Meadows are best found in rocky or elevated areas and require a pickaxe to mine. Mark their locations on your map for future use, and always be prepared with food and weapons to handle any threats. Whether you’re a new player gathering stone for basic tools or an experienced Viking building a fortified base, efficient stone gathering is a key part of surviving and thriving in Valheim.