How do you build a chimney to vent smoke from your shelter?

Building a chimney in Valheim is essential for venting smoke from your shelter, especially when using a fire source like a campfire or hearth. Smoke buildup can cause health damage to your character, so proper ventilation is critical. The key to building a chimney is understanding how smoke behaves in the game and using the right materials and design to guide it outside.\n\nFirst, you need to gather the necessary materials. For a basic chimney, you will need wood, which can be obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome. You may also want to use stone later for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing design. To start, craft a workbench and place it near your shelter. This will allow you to build and repair structures within its radius.\n\nNext, create a fire source inside your shelter. This could be a campfire or a hearth, depending on your progression. Place the fire near the center of your room, but leave enough space above it for the smoke to rise. Smoke in Valheim rises vertically and spreads horizontally if it hits an obstruction, so you need to create a clear path for it to escape.\n\nTo build the chimney, start by removing a section of the roof directly above the fire. This will serve as the exit point for the smoke. Use wooden beams or walls to create a vertical shaft that extends from the fire to the roof opening. Make sure the shaft is at least two tiles wide to allow smoke to flow freely. If the chimney is too narrow, smoke may get trapped and fill your shelter.\n\nOnce the vertical shaft is complete, you can add a roof cap to prevent rain from entering. Use angled roof pieces to create a small overhang at the top of the chimney. This will keep the interior dry while still allowing smoke to escape. If you want a more advanced design, consider using stone walls and a stone hearth for a sturdier and more visually appealing chimney.\n\nA common challenge players face is smoke leaking back into the shelter. This usually happens if the chimney is not tall enough or if there are obstructions blocking the smoke''s path. To fix this, ensure the chimney extends at least two tiles above the highest point of your roof. Additionally, avoid placing walls or beams too close to the chimney opening.\n\nIn colder biomes like the Mountains, you may need to adjust your chimney design to account for snow buildup. Make the chimney taller and use stone materials to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. For larger shelters with multiple fire sources, consider building multiple chimneys or a single large chimney with multiple vents.\n\nFinally, always test your chimney design by lighting the fire and observing the smoke flow. If smoke escapes properly, your chimney is working as intended. If not, make adjustments to the height or width of the shaft. With practice, you can create efficient and stylish chimneys that enhance both the functionality and appearance of your Valheim shelter.\n\nPractical tips: Use the hammer''s snapping feature to align beams and walls precisely. Experiment with different materials like core wood or stone for unique designs. Always prioritize functionality over aesthetics when starting out, and upgrade your chimney as you progress in the game.