What’s the best way to build a base in the Meadows biome with limited stone?

Building a base in the Meadows biome with limited stone requires careful planning and efficient use of resources. The Meadows biome is the safest starting area in Valheim, making it ideal for new players. However, stone is a valuable resource that is often scarce early in the game. To maximize efficiency, focus on using wood as your primary building material and reserve stone for critical structural elements.\n\nStart by gathering wood from nearby trees using a flint axe or better. Wood is abundant in the Meadows and can be used for walls, floors, and roofs. For the foundation, use wooden beams or core wood if available, as they provide better stability than regular wood. Avoid using stone for the entire foundation, as this will deplete your supply quickly. Instead, use stone sparingly for support beams or pillars to reinforce key areas of your base.\n\nWhen building walls, prioritize wooden walls over stone walls. Wooden walls are cheaper to craft and easier to repair. However, if you need extra durability, consider using stone walls for the outer perimeter or areas exposed to potential enemy attacks. This hybrid approach ensures your base is sturdy without wasting stone. Additionally, use wooden gates or doors instead of stone ones, as they are easier to craft and maintain.\n\nFor roofing, thatch roofs are the most cost-effective option. They require only wood and are lightweight, reducing the strain on your structure. If you want a more durable roof, consider using wooden shingles, but avoid stone roofs unless absolutely necessary. Stone roofs are heavy and require significant resources, which can be better used elsewhere.\n\nTo conserve stone, focus on crafting essential items like the stonecutter and workbench upgrades. The stonecutter allows you to craft stone structures, but it requires a significant amount of stone to build. Prioritize upgrading your workbench to level 3, as this unlocks better building options and durability for your structures. Use stone for crafting these upgrades rather than decorative elements.\n\nOne common challenge is defending your base from raids. To address this, build a wooden palisade around your base instead of a stone wall. Palisades are effective at keeping out early-game enemies and require only wood. If you encounter stronger enemies, consider building a moat or trench around your base. This defensive measure is resource-efficient and provides excellent protection without using stone.\n\nFinally, plan your base layout carefully to minimize resource waste. Start with a small, functional structure and expand as you gather more resources. Avoid overbuilding or creating unnecessary decorative elements early in the game. By focusing on practicality and efficiency, you can build a sturdy base in the Meadows biome without depleting your stone supply.\n\nIn summary, prioritize wood for most building components, use stone sparingly for critical structures, and focus on crafting essential upgrades. Plan your base layout thoughtfully and implement defensive measures like palisades or moats to protect your base. With these strategies, you can create a durable and efficient base in the Meadows biome, even with limited stone.