How can you use the Hammer to upgrade walls and roofs for better durability?

Upgrading walls and roofs in Valheim is essential for creating a durable and secure base that can withstand enemy raids and harsh weather conditions. The Hammer is your primary tool for building and upgrading structures, and understanding how to use it effectively is key to progressing in the game. To upgrade walls and roofs, you must first craft a Hammer using 3 Wood and 2 Stone, which are basic resources found in the Meadows biome. Once you have the Hammer, you can begin building and upgrading structures by selecting the appropriate building pieces from the Hammer''s crafting menu.\n\nTo upgrade a wall or roof, you need to select the Hammer and hover over the structure you want to improve. A prompt will appear showing the current level of the structure and the materials required to upgrade it. For example, a basic Wood Wall can be upgraded to a Reinforced Wood Wall using additional Wood. Each upgrade level increases the structure''s durability, making it more resistant to damage from enemies like Greydwarfs or environmental hazards like storms. Upgrading also improves the aesthetic of your base, giving it a more polished and fortified appearance.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of materials during the upgrade process. To avoid this, always gather more resources than you think you''ll need. For example, upgrading a Wood Wall to level 2 requires 2 Wood per section, while level 3 requires 4 Wood. If you''re building a large base, this can quickly deplete your Wood supply. To mitigate this, explore nearby biomes like the Black Forest, where you can find abundant Wood and other resources like Core Wood, which is used for more advanced structures. Additionally, consider planting and harvesting your own trees using Beech Seeds or Pine Cones to create a sustainable source of Wood.\n\nAnother important aspect of upgrading is understanding the different types of building materials and their strengths. For example, Stone Walls are significantly more durable than Wood Walls and are ideal for defending against stronger enemies like Trolls. However, Stone Walls require Stone and a Stonecutter, which is crafted using 10 Wood and 2 Iron. Iron is a mid-game resource found in the Swamp biome, so upgrading to Stone Walls may require some preparation and exploration. Similarly, Thatch Roofs can be upgraded to Shingle Roofs using Tar, a resource obtained from the Plains biome. These upgrades not only improve durability but also enhance the visual appeal of your base.\n\nWhen upgrading your base, it''s important to plan ahead and prioritize key structures. For example, focus on upgrading walls and roofs around your crafting stations, storage areas, and sleeping quarters first, as these are critical for survival and progression. Additionally, consider building a perimeter wall around your entire base to protect it from enemy raids. Upgrading this wall to the highest level possible will provide the best defense against threats like Fulings or Draugr.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your base''s structural integrity. Structures in Valheim rely on stability, which is determined by the number of support beams and foundations connected to them. If a wall or roof is too far from a support beam, it may collapse, wasting your resources. To avoid this, use Core Wood Beams or Iron Beams to reinforce your structures and ensure they remain stable even after multiple upgrades. By following these tips and strategies, you can create a durable and visually impressive base that will serve you well throughout your Valheim journey.