How do I design a fort to protect against Skeletons and Draugr?

Designing a fort to protect against Skeletons and Draugr in Valheim requires a combination of strategic planning, understanding enemy behavior, and utilizing the right materials and structures. Skeletons and Draugr are common threats in the Black Forest and Swamp biomes, respectively, and both can deal significant damage if your defenses are inadequate. To create a defensible fort, you need to focus on walls, traps, and strategic layouts that minimize enemy access while maximizing your ability to counterattack.\n\nStart by choosing a location that provides natural advantages. Elevated terrain, such as hills or cliffs, can limit enemy approaches and make it easier to defend. Avoid building too close to Swamp or Black Forest biomes unless you are prepared for frequent attacks. Once you have a location, use the Hoe tool to level the ground and create a flat foundation for your fort. This ensures your walls and structures are stable and prevents enemies from exploiting uneven terrain.\n\nWalls are your first line of defense. Use core wood or stone to build sturdy walls, as these materials are more resistant to damage than wood. Core wood can be obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest, while stone is abundant in most biomes. For maximum protection, build a double-layered wall with a gap between the layers. This creates a kill zone where you can attack enemies while they are trapped between the walls. Add a moat around your fort by digging a trench with the Pickaxe. Moat depth should be at least two meters to prevent Skeletons and Draugr from jumping over.\n\nGates and doors are critical weak points in your fort. Reinforce them with iron or bronze if you have access to these materials. Place workbenches or other crafting stations near your gates to prevent enemies from spawning inside your walls. Additionally, consider adding spike traps or defensive structures like stake walls around your perimeter. These can deal passive damage to enemies as they approach, giving you more time to prepare for combat.\n\nLighting is another important factor. Skeletons and Draugr are more active at night, so place torches or campfires around your fort to improve visibility and deter spawns. If you are in the Swamp biome, use surtling cores to craft standing braziers, which provide brighter light and last longer than regular torches. This will help you spot enemies from a distance and reduce the risk of surprise attacks.\n\nFinally, consider adding a watchtower or elevated platform inside your fort. This gives you a vantage point to shoot arrows or throw spears at enemies while staying out of their reach. Equip yourself with a bow and plenty of arrows, as ranged combat is highly effective against Skeletons and Draugr. For close-quarters combat, craft a bronze or iron mace, as these weapons deal blunt damage, which is particularly effective against Skeletons.\n\nIn summary, a defensible fort against Skeletons and Draugr requires sturdy walls, strategic layouts, and proactive defenses like moats and traps. Use elevated terrain, reinforce weak points, and maintain good lighting to minimize enemy threats. With these strategies, you can create a secure base that withstands even the toughest raids.