What is the best biome to build your first shelter in Valheim?

The best biome to build your first shelter in Valheim is the Meadows biome. This biome is the starting area for most players and is the safest and most beginner-friendly environment. The Meadows is filled with abundant resources like wood, stone, and basic food items such as berries and mushrooms. Additionally, the enemies in this biome, such as Greylings and Boars, are relatively weak, making it easier to survive while you gather materials and establish your base.\n\nTo begin building your first shelter, start by gathering wood from nearby trees. Use your starter axe to chop down trees, and collect the wood and resin that drops. You will need at least 20 wood to craft a workbench, which is essential for building structures. Place the workbench in a flat, open area to ensure you have enough space to construct your shelter. The workbench also allows you to craft additional tools and building materials, such as a hammer, which is required for construction.\n\nOnce you have your workbench and hammer, start by building a simple structure. A 2x2 or 3x3 wooden floor is a good starting point. Use walls and a roof to enclose the space, ensuring it is fully covered to protect you from rain and enemies. A door is essential to keep out hostile creatures, and a bed will allow you to set a spawn point, ensuring you respawn at your shelter if you die. Make sure to place a campfire inside for warmth and light, but leave a hole in the roof or use a chimney to prevent smoke buildup.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is running out of stamina while gathering resources. To mitigate this, always carry food like berries or cooked meat, which can be obtained by hunting Boars. Eating food replenishes your stamina and health, making it easier to gather materials and build efficiently. Another tip is to avoid building too close to the Black Forest biome, as stronger enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls can pose a threat early in the game.\n\nAs you progress, you can expand your shelter into a more permanent base. Consider adding storage chests for organizing resources, a cooking station for preparing food, and a crafting area for upgrading tools and weapons. The Meadows biome is also ideal for farming, as you can plant seeds like carrots and turnips once you unlock the cultivator tool. This ensures a steady supply of food for your adventures.\n\nIn summary, the Meadows biome is the best location for your first shelter due to its safety, resource availability, and beginner-friendly environment. Focus on gathering wood, building a workbench, and constructing a basic shelter with a bed and campfire. Use food to manage stamina, and avoid venturing too close to dangerous biomes until you are better equipped. With these steps, you will have a solid foundation to survive and thrive in Valheim.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a backup weapon like a club or flint knife for emergencies. Use the hoe to level the ground before building to ensure a stable foundation. Finally, keep an eye out for abandoned structures in the Meadows, as they often contain valuable loot like leather scraps and flint.