Progression in Valheim is closely tied to the biomes you explore and the bosses you defeat. This creates a rewarding loop—each boss unlocks new tools or crafting materials that help you survive in the next biome and prepare for the next challenge. Knowing what and where to mine ahead of time can give you a big advantage. Here’s a quick Valheim mining guide to help you get started.
Mining Copper and Tin
The first major ores you’ll need are copper and tin. After defeating Eikthyr, the game’s first boss, you’ll be rewarded with Hard Antlers, which you can use to craft your first pickaxe: the Antler Pickaxe.
- Copper is found in the Black Forest biome, embedded in large mossy boulders with greenish veins. These deposits yield both copper ore and occasionally stone.
- Tin is also located in the Black Forest, typically near rivers and along the shoreline. Tin deposits are smaller and appear as shiny, silver-black rocks.
Once you collect both ores, you’ll need to build a smelter to create copper and tin bars, then combine them in a forge to craft bronze bars. Bronze unlocks many key tools and weapons early on.
Mining Iron
Next, you’ll want to pursue iron, which becomes available after defeating The Elder, the second boss. This unlocks access to Swamp Crypts, which require a Swamp Key (dropped by The Elder) to enter.
- Iron comes from Scrap Iron, found inside Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. Look for Muddy Scrap Piles in the crypt walls and floors.
- Scrap Iron can also appear in chests inside crypts or occasionally in muddy piles outside crypts (though this is rarer).
Scrap Iron is smelted in a smelter to produce iron bars, allowing you to craft iron gear and weapons. Both the Antler Pickaxe and Bronze Pickaxe can mine scrap iron.
Mining Silver
Silver is found in the Mountain biome, and becomes accessible after defeating Bonemass, who drops the Wishbone—a tool that detects buried silver veins.
- Most silver is found underground and is only detectable with the Wishbone.
- Occasionally, small silver deposits may appear above ground, but they are rare.
You’ll need at least an Iron Pickaxe to mine silver. Once smelted, silver bars can be used to craft powerful gear like the Wolf Armor set and Frostner.
Mining Obsidian
Also located in the Mountain biome, obsidian appears in small black rock formations above ground, usually on steep slopes or near mountain peaks.
- Obsidian is used to craft arrows and certain upgraded items.
- You’ll need an Iron Pickaxe or better to mine it.
Obsidian cannot be smelted; it is used directly in recipes at the workbench or forge.
Black Metal
Black Metal isn’t mined—it’s obtained by defeating Fuling enemies, which are found in the Plains biome.
- Black Metal Scraps drop from Fulings and are used to craft end-game weapons and shields.
- After defeating Yagluth, Fulings may also appear in other biomes like the Meadows and Black Forest, adding risk and loot to early-game zones.
To smelt Black Metal Scraps, you’ll need to build a Blast Furnace, which is unlocked after defeating Moder, the fourth boss.
Mining Flametal
Flametal Ore is currently found only in the Ashlands biome, which is a volcanic, high-difficulty area located at the southern edge of the map.
- Flametal ore comes from Glowing Metal Piles, which resemble red-hot volcanic rocks.
- An Iron Pickaxe or better is required to mine Flametal.
Smelt Flametal ore in the Blast Furnace to produce Flametal Bars, used in crafting end-game weapons (note: crafting options may expand as the Ashlands update rolls out in full).
This guide offers a roadmap for mining progression in Valheim, giving you an overview of what ores to target, where to find them, and what tools you’ll need. Remember that each boss you defeat not only opens up new areas but also unlocks essential resources and crafting possibilities.
Gear up, plan your expeditions, and get mining—your Viking legacy awaits!
