What are the essential materials needed to build your first shelter in Valheim?

Building your first shelter in Valheim is a critical step in surviving the harsh world of the game. Your shelter protects you from weather, enemies, and provides a safe space to craft, sleep, and store items. To begin, you’ll need to gather essential materials: wood, stone, and possibly thatch for roofing. These materials are readily available in the Meadows biome, which is the safest starting area for new players. Start by punching trees or using a stone axe to collect wood, and pick up stones scattered on the ground.\n\nOnce you have enough wood, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and craft a Workbench. The Workbench is the foundation of all building projects and must be placed on flat ground. To build a basic shelter, you’ll need walls, a roof, and a door. Use the Hammer tool (crafted at the Workbench) to access the building menu. Select the Wood Wall or Wood Floor pieces to create the structure. A simple 2x2 or 3x3 square is a good starting size for your first shelter.\n\nFor the roof, use Thatch Roof pieces, which are crafted from wood. Ensure the roof fully covers your shelter to prevent rain from entering, as rain can lower your comfort level and damage unprotected items. To add a door, craft a Wood Door and place it in one of the wall sections. Doors are essential for keeping enemies like Greylings and Boars out while allowing you easy access. Don’t forget to add a Campfire inside your shelter for warmth and light, but ensure it’s placed on a non-flammable surface like stone or dirt to avoid accidental fires.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is running out of materials before completing their shelter. To avoid this, gather extra wood and stone before starting construction. If you’re struggling to find flat ground, use the Hoe tool to level the terrain. Another tip is to build near a water source, as it provides easy access to fish and reduces travel time for resources. Additionally, consider building a small storage chest early on to store excess materials and tools.\n\nGame mechanics like structural integrity also play a role in building. Wooden structures require support, so avoid building too high without adding pillars or beams. If your shelter collapses, it’s likely due to insufficient support. To fix this, add Wood Beams or Wood Poles to reinforce the structure. Finally, always prioritize upgrading your Workbench by crafting a Chopping Block and Tanning Rack, as these allow you to craft better tools and materials for more durable shelters.\n\nPractical tips for new players include building near the starting spawn point for easy access to resources and respawn safety. Experienced Vikings can experiment with larger, multi-room shelters or even incorporate stone for added durability. Remember, your first shelter doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to keep you alive and safe as you explore the world of Valheim.