Valheim’s world is brimming with raw materials, and understanding how to gather and refine them is absolutely key to progressing from a humble hunter to a master craftsman. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ore and Scrap Metal – where to find them, how to process them, and what you can make with the resulting metals. Let’s get started!

Identifying Ore and Scrap Metal

Before you rush off to mine, it’s important to understand the difference between Ore and Scrap Metal. Ore is a naturally occurring mineral found in the world, while Scrap Metal is a byproduct of defeating enemies. Both are important for creating stronger tools, weapons, and armor. Let’s start with the source of the latter:

Scrap Metal – Enemy Drops

Scrap Metal is primarily obtained by defeating Fuling enemies – specifically, Fulings, Fuling Shamans, and Fuling Berserkers. These creatures are commonly found in the Swamp biome, particularly around the crumbling ruins and dense thickets. The amount of Scrap Metal dropped varies depending on the enemy type and their level, but consistently collecting these drops is a reliable way to build up your supply, especially early in the game. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed arrow – these enemies can be surprisingly aggressive!

Mining Glowing Metal in the Ashlands

The Ashlands biome is a challenging but rewarding area for acquiring Ore. This volcanic region is characterized by its dark, ashen ground and the presence of Glowing Metal nodes. These nodes are the source of Iron Ore, which is a vital ingredient for creating stronger tools and weapons.

Finding Glowing Metal Nodes

Glowing Metal nodes are relatively rare, so exploration is key. They appear as shimmering, purple-tinged rocks scattered throughout the Ashlands. You’ll need an Iron Pickaxe to successfully mine them. Lower-tier pickaxes will simply break upon contact, so investing in upgrading your tools is a high priority. Keep an eye out for areas with a higher concentration of the purple glow – these are often good spots to focus your mining efforts. The heat in the Ashlands can also be oppressive, so be sure to craft and equip appropriate armor to mitigate the damage.

Refining Ore and Scrap Metal – The Blast Furnace

Once you’ve gathered your Ore and Scrap Metal, you’ll need a Blast Furnace to refine them into usable metals. This crafting station is a bit of an investment, requiring a significant amount of resources.

Crafting the Blast Furnace

The Blast Furnace is created using an Artisan Table. You’ll need to defeat Moder, a powerful boss found in the Swamp biome, to acquire the two necessary Artisan Table components. Moder is a tough fight, so be prepared with a strong party and plenty of healing potions. Once you’ve claimed your Artisan Table, crafting the Blast Furnace is relatively straightforward – you’ll need Iron Ore and Scrap Iron. The process itself takes a few minutes, so be patient and don’t interrupt it. The Blast Furnace produces Iron Ingots and Scrap Iron Ingots, respectively.

Comparing Refining Methods & Material Yields

While both Ore and Scrap Metal contribute to your metal supply, they’re obtained through different methods and yield different results. Scrap Metal, while plentiful, results in Scrap Iron Ingots, which are useful but less durable than Iron Ingots. Mining Iron Ore directly yields Iron Ingots, providing a stronger and more versatile material.

Yield Considerations

Generally, mining Iron Ore will provide a more consistent and substantial amount of Iron Ingots over time compared to relying solely on enemy drops. However, consistently defeating Fulings offers a steady, if somewhat unpredictable, source of Scrap Metal, which can be important for early-game upgrades when Iron Ore is scarce. Experiment with both methods to find what works best for your playstyle and biome.

Settings and Tips for Efficient Gathering

A few in-game settings can significantly impact your efficiency when gathering Ore and Scrap Metal. Consider adjusting your movement speed to allow for quicker exploration and combat. Equipping a helmet with a “Visibility” enchantment can help you spot Glowing Metal nodes in the Ashlands more easily. Finally, remember to regularly check your inventory and prioritize crafting essential tools and equipment – a well-equipped player is a more effective gatherer. For those looking to share their discoveries and strategies, consider hosting a server with Blazing to coordinate with friends.

Valheim’s resource management is a core element of the game’s progression, and mastering the gathering and refining of Ore and Scrap Metal is essential for survival and success. By understanding where to find these materials, how to refine them, and optimizing your gameplay settings, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the best gear in the world.

What’s your favorite biome for gathering resources, and why?