*March 13th, 2023: Updated for the Xbox Launch to include more relevant information as well as links to related guides.
As players explore the massive, procedurally-generated world of Valheim and begin to encounter new resources and tougher enemies, they will require stronger, more durable weapons and tools. Some stronger items, like the Iron Sword or Bronze Axe, can be made with metals. However, some items, including most of the best arrows currently available require a different material to craft: Obsidian. Obsidian is a strong variety of stone, and, to mine it, players are going to need to wait until they find Iron.
Due to its strength, only an Iron Pickaxe or better can help players extract Obsidian, so players will need to wait until later in the game to mine it. Obsidian is also very rare in the wilderness of Valheim and only available in the Mountains biome. It is easy to see, however, as the dark stone contrasts well with the white snow. Obsidian is used to craft Frost Arrows, Obsidian Arrows, and Poison Arrows. Here’s how to find, mine, and use Obsidian in Valheim.
How To Mine Obsidian In Valheim
Before players set out for Obsidian, they will need to make some preparations first. Players are going to need to build a Smelter, Charcoal Kiln, and Forge first. The Smelter will help turn metal ore, including Scrap Iron, into pure Iron bars that can be used in crafting. The Charcoal Kiln makes Coal, which is required to run the Smelter and the Forge. The Forge will allow players to craft using metals.
Players will need to gather Iron next. They will need to defeat the second boss, The Elder, and get the Swamp Key, then travel to the Swamp biome and use the key to enter Sunken Crypts. Inside these dungeons, players will find Scrap Iron in Muddy Scrap Piles and chests. Players will need to smelt the Scrap Iron and use Iron to craft an Iron Pickaxe.
Because the items players can craft with Obsidian require an upgraded Workbench, players will need to remember to craft a few special buildings to place near the Workbench and get it to Level 3 or higher. The buildings players can use include the Chopping Block, the Tanning Rack, the Adze, and the Tool Shelf.
Finally, players will want to be sure they have enough supplies to survive the Mountains. The Mountain biome in Valheim is a frosty tundra, and the cold can easily freeze an unsuspecting player to death. To avoid this, players will need to build a trail of campfires they can return to in order to warm up, or they will need to stockpile Frost Resistance Mead, which requires a Fermenter to make. Eventually, players will be able to mine Silver and craft the Wolf Armor, one of the strongest armor sets in the game. The Cape for this set will help prevent the player character from freezing to death in colder environments.
Uses For Obsidian In Valheim
The three varieties of Arrows players can make with Obsidian don’t require very much of it, but each recipe only makes about 20 Arrows at a time. The more players can stock up, the better.
The recipes for each item made from Obsidian appear below:
- Frost Arrows: 8 Wood, 2 Feathers, 4 Obsidian, 1 Freeze Gland
- Obsidian Arrows: 8 Wood, 2 Feathers, 4 Obsidian
- Poison Arrows: 8 Wood, 2 Feathers, 4 Obsidian, 2 Ooze
- Tool Shelf: 4 Iron, 10 Fine wood, 4 Obsidian
It is possible more crafting recipes that require Obsidian will become available over time, so players should make sure to mine this resource often and hold onto any extra they have until the next updates.
