Originally posted by Yakumo_2020:

The mods I won't play without;

BepInEX mod engine. was easy to install and use

QuockConnect; connect to shared servers with a single mouse click from main menu
https://www.nexusmods.com/valheim/mods/193
https://valheim.thunderstore.io/package/bdew/QuickConnect/

Better Exploration; area revealed by exploration increased
https://www.nexusmods.com/valheim/mods/1204

FarmGrid; never plant your onions too close together ever again.
https://www.nexusmods.com/valheim/mods/449
https://valheim.thunderstore.io/package/Nexus/FarmGrid/

BlastFurnaceFix; blast furnace can process ALL metals as it should
https://www.nexusmods.com/valheim/mods/142

UnrestrictedPortals; metals through portals, all or just user defined
https://valheim.thunderstore.io/package/xAfflict/UnrestrictedPortals/
https://www.nexusmods.com/valheim/mods/61

Makes later game Iron grinding MUCH less grindy. I already did my penence and played the game through to Yagluth twice without the Portal mod so I feel zero guilt at using the mod now for solo replay.

NOTE: all these mods are client side but will work on shared servers without the server being modded last I checked.

If Iron Gate ever makes the game so I can't use the above mods I will stop playing.

I hope this was useful :D Good Hunting o/

Just to let you know, all of those mods can be eliminated by using ValheimPlus. It is hands down the absolute GOAT of all mods in Valheim. You can turn on/off every feature of the mod and change every bit of it. You can do with that one mod what more than 20 mods do and it is by far the most updated and stable mod as well.