Shahrukh Sial is a gaming content writer at Sparked Host. He covers game guides, tips, and updates to help players improve their skills and enjoy a better gaming experience.

How To Craft And Upgrade a Workbench In Valheim

If you are looking to survive the harsh world of the forest of Valheim, you must learn to master your tools. The workbench in Valheim is the most important crafting station you will ever build for your long-term success.

I am here to help you understand how this game works so you can thrive. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran of favourite survival titles, mastering the workbench level is the key to unlocking better gear.

Building and improving your workbench in Valheim is a journey that takes you through every biome. I am going to show you the easiest way to upgrade your workbench so you can fight bigger monsters and build structures.

Crafting the Workbench

To start your journey in the early game, you need to gather necessary materials from the meadows biome. The first thing you should do is gather wood by collecting branches or using a stone axe on small trees. Once you have at least 10 wood, you can use your hammer to open the build menu and select the workbench.

A workbench in Valheim will not work unless it has a roof and walls to protect it from the weather. I am telling you now that you must build a shelter around it before the on-screen prompt allows you to use the crafting menu. Simply placing it on the ground is not enough for the Valheim workbench to function.

  • Gather 10 wood from branches or birch trees.

  • Equip your hammer and choose the crafting tab.

  • Select the workbench and place it.

  • Build walls and a roof to create a sheltered crafting station.

Upgrading the Workbench

To get a higher workbench level, you need to build specific items near your station. Each workbench improvement adds one level to your Valheim workbench, which shows up in the crafting menu. When you place an upgrade, a dotted line will appear to show it is in range of the workbench.

The first workbench improvement is the chopping block, which requires 10 wood and 10 flint. Next, you will need the tanning rack for more workbench upgrades. As you progress to the swamp biome, you will need to smelt scrap iron to create even more complex tools for your base.

  • Chopping Block (Level 2): Requires 10 wood and 10 flint found near water.

  • Tanning Rack (Level 3): Requires 10 wood, 15 flint, 20 leather scraps, and 5 deer hide.

  • Adze (Level 4): Requires 10 fine wood and 3 bronze. You must craft bronze at a forge.

  • Tool Shelf (Level 5): Requires 10 fine wood, 4 iron, and 4 obsidian. This is the last upgrade.

Benefits of Upgrading

When you upgrade your workbench, you unlock the ability to craft bronze tools and iron gear. A higher workbench level is required to repair your items as they become more advanced. You cannot repair a high-tier stone axe or iron pickaxe without a matching workbench level.

Increasing your workbench level to level 5 allows you to create the best weapons and armor in the game. This workbench improvement is necessary if you plan to survive the mountain biome. Without these upgrades, you will find it impossible to survive raids or explore burial chambers safely.

  • Unlock higher-tier recipes for weapons and tools.

  • Repair the advanced gear to keep it from breaking.

  • Build structures that are more durable and complex.

  • Access the tool shelf to reach the maximum workbench level.

Tips for Efficient Workbench Setup

When you plan your building, ensure you have enough space for all workbench upgrades around the station. I am recommending that you place the workbench in the center of your room so the chopping block and tanning rack fit nearby. If you are tight on space, the tool shelf can be hung on the walls to save room on the ground.

Organizing your crafting station area helps you quickly navigate the crafting tab during gameplay. You should place your forge near your workbench so you can easily access all your resources in one spot. This is the best way to manage your fine wood and scrap iron while you upgrade the workbench.

  • Keep all upgrade items within two meters of the workbench.

  • Use the tool shelf on walls to save floor space for chests.

  • Place the workbench in a central location to prevent enemies from spawning nearby.

  • Plan your building to accommodate the chopping block and tanning rack early.

Conclusion

I hope these Valheim guides help you understand how to upgrade the workbench for your survival. Building a workbench in Valheim is just the start of your journey to becoming a powerful Viking. By collecting materials like deer hide and fine wood, you can reach a high workbench level and craft the best tools.

Always remember to keep your station under a roof and stay safe in the meadows biome. Now go out there, collect fine wood, and upgrade your workbench to level 5 today.