As in many survival games, success in stronger, more durable tools will be needed. For that, players will need metal. One of the more plentiful metals players can find is Copper, either in the form of Copper Bars or Copper Ore.
Copper weapons and tools are a step up from crude wooden and stone tools that players will need to make when they first start the game. They are stronger, more durable, and capable of helping the player access more materials and resources. Copper is one of the two metals players will need to upgrade their Workbench and eventually their Forge. Copper can also be mixed with Tin to craft Bronze, which is also needed for improved tools and crafting stations. To find Copper, players will need to make several trips through the Black Forest biomes. Here's how to get more copper in Valheim, and what players can craft once they find it.
How to Find More Copper in Valheim
There are two main ways players can access pure Copper in Valheim. The first, and most reliable, is to extract Copper Ore from the Black Forest biomes. Locations for the Black Forests will vary, as each player's map is randomly generated. Players should exercise caution in the Black Forest, as it is home to Greydwarfs, Skeletons, and the occasional Troll.
Copper deposits in the Black Forest often appear as large, moss-covered boulders with shiny veins. Players can use a pickaxe to extract Copper Ore. They will only be able to carry about 20 Copper Ore at a time, as they are very heavy. They will want to drop these off at a base to avoid needing to drag them around for too long.
Players can also get pure Copper Bars from looting some chests during exploration. Because this is a random drop, it is a little less reliable than looking for Copper Ore.
Copper Bars can be used as they are, but Copper Ore will need to be smelted. Players will need a Charcoal Kiln to get Coal, which is needed for smelting and to run a Forge. They will also need to build a Smelter.
Players can cook Copper Ore in the Smelter to get more Copper Bars. Copper is required if players intend to build a Forge. Copper can also be combined with Tin in the Smelter to create Bronze, which is needed for stronger weapons like the Bronze Sword and Knife and armor like the Bronze Helmet or Horned Bronze Helmet.
Players need a Forge if they want to build the only currently available Copper weapon, a Copper Knife. This item is a fairly good early-game melee weapon and will likely be more effective against various enemies than the Stone Axe from early in the game.
Valheim is in Steam Early Access and is available for PC.
