Originally posted by Trike:

I need a buddy for these cause I can't even get copper without getting mobbed by everything.

I ONLY play solo vanilla and have cleared the game several times up through the plains, but it means you have to adapt and come up with creative ways to do things...

Instead of mining on the surface, where all the baddies show up, find an edge of the copper node, and dig straight down as far as it lets you... This should leave a hole that mobs won't jump into (same principal as "moats" around bases)...

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2908211198

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858958865

Once you dig down as far as it lets you, then start mining into the node... This creates a safe place to mine, rest, sleep, even process the ores on-site, while all the baddies have no idea you are under there.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858960285

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858959032

Later on, when you go to the swamps... build an outpost way up in the indestructible trees, where it IS possible to place fires / hearth, and/or coal kiln, smelter, up out of harm's way, while you process Iron, etc.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2661983674

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2908647883