What are the best materials to use for a durable shelter in Valheim?

Building a durable shelter in Valheim is essential for survival, as it protects you from enemies, harsh weather, and provides a safe space to craft, sleep, and store resources. The best materials for a durable shelter depend on your progression in the game, but early-game options like wood and core wood are great starting points, while stone and iron become ideal for mid-to-late game structures.\n\nIn the early game, wood is the most accessible material for building. You can gather wood by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, which is the safest starting area. To craft a basic shelter, you’ll need a workbench, which requires 10 wood and can be placed on flat ground. Once the workbench is built, you can craft walls, roofs, and floors using wood. A simple shelter should include a roof to prevent rain damage, walls to block enemies, and a door for entry and exit. Be sure to add a bed inside to set your spawn point.\n\nAs you progress, you’ll unlock core wood, which is stronger than regular wood. Core wood is obtained by chopping down pine trees in the Black Forest biome. Core wood beams and poles provide better structural integrity, allowing you to build taller and more complex structures. However, be cautious when venturing into the Black Forest, as it is home to dangerous enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls. Bring a shield and weapon for protection.\n\nFor mid-to-late game durability, stone is the best material. Stone can be gathered by mining rocks in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes using a pickaxe. Stone walls and floors are fireproof and highly resistant to enemy attacks, making them ideal for fortifying your base. To build with stone, you’ll need to craft a stonecutter, which requires 10 wood and 2 iron. Iron is found in the Swamp biome, so you’ll need to prepare for a challenging expedition. Bring poison resistance mead and a strong weapon to deal with the Swamp’s hostile creatures.\n\nIron-reinforced wood is another excellent option for durability. This material combines wood and iron nails, which are crafted at a forge using iron bars. Iron-reinforced wood is stronger than regular wood and can be used for walls, beams, and doors. It’s a great choice for players who want a balance between strength and aesthetics.\n\nWhen building your shelter, consider the terrain and biome. Flat ground is easier to build on, but elevated areas like hills or cliffs provide natural defenses against enemies. Avoid building too close to hostile biomes like the Swamp or Mountains, as enemies may raid your base. Additionally, always include a chimney or ventilation system if you plan to use a fire indoors, as smoke buildup can cause damage to your character.\n\nTo summarize, start with wood for a basic shelter, upgrade to core wood for better stability, and transition to stone or iron-reinforced wood for maximum durability. Always prioritize safety by building in secure biomes and fortifying your base against raids. With these tips, you’ll create a durable shelter that can withstand the challenges of Valheim’s harsh world.