Is mining/loging/foraging important to level?

[Yeldo]

I have guides about trade skills but how important are they? they mainly just mention that you need some wood/ore for stronghold, there's only like 2-3 matts you can get from each so there's not much variety, i cant see these being usefull? Maybe foraging for potions later on but not the other two?

[Mykiz]

You need all for Potions, Grenades, and other support items. So yes, if you don’t have access to unlimited gold, you need it.

[Septimus Prime]

Archaeology for example is very important bcos it allows u to craft Secret Dungeons maps later! From Legendary Maps you get good amount of loot and upgrade materials to sell (for example saw someone got 1200 gold worth of mats per 1 dungeon).
Also when u seek for archaeology relics, they may drop you rare extra chests with also alot stuff!

[Ironwu]

Cannot progress your Stronghold without mats.
Cannot craft without your Stronghold progressed nor without mats.

Pretty much End-Game requires Stronghold progression for Crafting.

If you are just interested in the progression to as high as you can get solo and in loose groups? Then no. Don't need the Stronghold or Crafting. :)

Good Luck!
Do what's fun for you.