How do you gather flint without a pickaxe in the early game?

Gathering flint in Valheim without a pickaxe is a common challenge for new players in the early game. Flint is a crucial resource for crafting tools like the Flint Axe and Flint Arrows, which are essential for progressing through the game. Since flint cannot be mined with a pickaxe, players must rely on other methods to collect it. Flint is primarily found in the Meadows biome, scattered along the shores of rivers, lakes, and the ocean. It appears as small, shiny, white stones that stand out against the ground.\n\nTo gather flint, you simply need to walk along the water''s edge in the Meadows biome and look for these small white stones. When you spot one, approach it and press the interact key (default ''E'') to pick it up. Flint is a surface resource, meaning it does not require any tools to collect. This makes it accessible even for players who have just started the game and have not yet crafted a pickaxe. However, flint spawns randomly, so you may need to explore a significant stretch of shoreline to gather enough for your needs.\n\nOne common challenge is the limited spawn rate of flint in certain areas. If you find yourself struggling to locate enough flint, consider exploring different parts of the Meadows biome. Flint tends to spawn more frequently near larger bodies of water, such as the ocean or wide rivers. Additionally, flint respawns over time, so revisiting previously explored areas after a few in-game days can yield more resources. This mechanic is tied to the game''s world regeneration system, which refreshes certain resources periodically.\n\nAnother practical tip is to mark flint-rich areas on your map. Use the map (default ''M'') to place markers where you find clusters of flint. This will save you time when you need to gather more in the future. For example, if you discover a stretch of shoreline with multiple flint nodes, mark it as ''Flint Shore'' or something similar. This way, you can return to the same location later without having to search extensively again.\n\nWhile flint is most commonly found in the Meadows biome, it can occasionally appear in other biomes near water sources. However, the Meadows is the safest and most reliable location for early-game flint gathering, as it lacks hostile creatures like Greylings and Greydwarfs. If you venture into other biomes, such as the Black Forest, be prepared to defend yourself against stronger enemies. Always carry a weapon, such as a crude bow or a club, to fend off any threats while gathering resources.\n\nIn summary, gathering flint without a pickaxe in Valheim is straightforward but requires patience and exploration. Focus on the Meadows biome, search along shorelines, and mark productive areas on your map. Remember that flint respawns over time, so revisit known locations periodically. By following these steps, you can efficiently gather flint and craft the tools you need to progress in the game. As you advance, you''ll unlock more efficient methods for resource gathering, but flint remains a valuable material throughout your Viking journey.