How can I gather flint without attracting Neck enemies?

Gathering flint in Valheim is essential for crafting tools, weapons, and other early-game items. Flint is primarily found along the shores of the Meadows biome, where it appears as small, shiny white stones scattered across the ground. However, these areas are also home to Neck enemies, small lizard-like creatures that can become aggressive if you get too close. To gather flint without attracting Neck enemies, you need to understand their behavior and use strategic approaches.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know that Neck enemies are passive unless provoked. They will only attack if you come within a certain range or if you attack them first. This means you can avoid conflict by maintaining a safe distance while gathering flint. When approaching a shoreline, scan the area for both flint and Neck enemies. If you spot a Neck, simply walk around it while keeping a reasonable distance. This allows you to collect flint without triggering their aggression.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use stealth. Crouching (default key: Ctrl) reduces your visibility and noise, making it harder for Neck enemies to detect you. This is particularly useful if you’re in an area with multiple Neck enemies. By crouching and moving slowly, you can gather flint without drawing attention. Additionally, wearing lighter armor or no armor at all can help reduce noise, further improving your stealth capabilities.\n\nIf you’re playing with friends, teamwork can make flint gathering safer and more efficient. One player can act as a lookout, keeping an eye on Neck enemies while the other gathers flint. This way, you can avoid surprises and focus on collecting resources. Alternatively, you can clear the area of Neck enemies before gathering flint. Use a bow or melee weapon to eliminate them from a distance, ensuring the shoreline is safe for resource collection.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading your tools can also help. A higher-tier pickaxe or axe allows you to gather flint faster, reducing the time you spend in potentially dangerous areas. Additionally, consider bringing a shield and weapon for self-defense in case you accidentally aggro a Neck. This ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected encounters.\n\nFinally, timing your flint gathering can make a difference. Neck enemies are more active during the day, so consider gathering flint at dawn or dusk when they are less likely to be present. Alternatively, you can explore less populated areas of the Meadows biome, where Neck enemies are fewer and farther between.\n\nIn summary, gathering flint without attracting Neck enemies requires a combination of awareness, stealth, and strategy. By maintaining a safe distance, using stealth mechanics, and leveraging teamwork or upgraded tools, you can efficiently collect flint while minimizing risks. Always be prepared for unexpected encounters, and consider timing your resource gathering to avoid peak Neck activity. With these tips, you’ll be able to gather flint safely and effectively in Valheim.