*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 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.

Related: Valheim Stealth Mechanics Updated in New Patch

Due to its strength, only an Frost Arrows, Obsidian Arrows, and Poison Arrows. Here's how to find, mine, and use Obsidian in Valheim.

How To Mine Obsidian In Valheim

A player confronts a Wolf on a snowy mountaintop 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 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 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 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 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.

Valheim Guides: What is Valheim's Max Skill Level

Uses For Obsidian In ValheimA player stands in front of a Smelter at their base 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.

More Valheim Guides: How to Stack Chests in Valheim