What’s the best way to use iron gates for added fort security?

Iron gates are a powerful tool for fort security in Valheim, offering durability and resistance to enemy attacks. To craft an iron gate, you need to unlock the Forge and gather Iron, which is found in the Swamp biome. Iron gates require 4 Iron bars and 2 Wood, making them a mid-to-late-game upgrade from wooden gates. Their high durability makes them ideal for protecting your base from raids, especially during events like the Fuling or Troll invasions.\n\nTo maximize the effectiveness of iron gates, place them at key entry points to your fort, such as the main gate or choke points in your walls. Pair them with stone walls or reinforced wooden walls for added protection. Iron gates can be opened and closed manually, but you can also use levers or switches to automate them, which is particularly useful for larger bases or when defending against multiple waves of enemies.\n\nOne common challenge is ensuring that your gates are not bypassed by enemies. To prevent this, build a moat or trench around your fort, forcing enemies to funnel through the gate. Alternatively, use raised earth walls or stone structures to create natural barriers. Iron gates work best when combined with other defensive structures like spike traps, ballistae, or archer towers, which can thin out enemy numbers before they reach the gate.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prioritize gathering Iron from the Swamp biome. Bring a pickaxe, a weapon for dealing with Draugr and Leeches, and plenty of food for stamina. Once you’ve secured enough Iron, upgrade your Forge to craft the gates. Experienced players can further enhance their defenses by layering multiple gates or creating kill zones where enemies are funneled into narrow passages lined with traps.\n\nIn terms of biome-specific strategies, iron gates are particularly useful in the Plains biome, where Fuling raids are frequent. Pair them with stone walls and ballistae to handle the high-damage attacks from Fuling Berserkers. In the Mountains, iron gates can help protect against Stone Golems and Drakes, though you’ll need to ensure your walls are tall enough to prevent Drakes from flying over.\n\nFinally, always keep a repair hammer handy to maintain your gates after raids. Iron gates are durable but not invincible, and regular maintenance will ensure they remain effective. By combining iron gates with smart fort design and layered defenses, you can create a nearly impenetrable stronghold in Valheim.\n\nPractical tips: Use iron gates in combination with stone walls for maximum durability. Automate gates with levers to save time during raids. Always repair gates after attacks to maintain their strength. Consider building multiple gates in a layered defense system to slow down enemy advances.