What is the best early-game shield to use against Greydwarf attacks?

The best early-game shield to use against Greydwarf attacks in Valheim is the Wood Shield. This shield is accessible early in the game and provides a solid balance of defense and ease of crafting. Greydwarfs are common enemies in the Black Forest biome, and their attacks can overwhelm unprepared players. The Wood Shield is particularly effective because it can block a significant portion of their damage, allowing you to survive encounters while conserving health and stamina.\n\nTo craft the Wood Shield, you will need 10 Wood and 4 Leather Scraps. Wood is easily gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, while Leather Scraps can be obtained by hunting Boars. Once you have the materials, you can craft the shield at a Workbench. The Wood Shield has a base block power of 20, which is sufficient to mitigate most Greydwarf attacks, including their melee strikes and thrown rocks.\n\nWhen facing Greydwarfs, it’s important to understand the game’s blocking mechanics. Holding the block button (right-click by default) raises your shield, reducing incoming damage based on the shield’s block power. However, blocking consumes stamina, so managing your stamina bar is crucial. If your stamina runs out while blocking, the shield will fail, leaving you vulnerable. To avoid this, always keep an eye on your stamina and retreat briefly if it gets too low.\n\nA practical strategy for dealing with Greydwarfs is to block their initial attack and then counter with a melee weapon like a Flint Spear or Club. Greydwarfs often attack in groups, so positioning yourself to face one enemy at a time can help you avoid being overwhelmed. If you’re surrounded, use the environment to your advantage by backing up against a tree or rock to limit the angles of attack.\n\nFor players who want to upgrade their defense further, the next step is the Bronze Buckler. This shield requires Bronze, which is crafted from Copper and Tin in a Forge. While the Bronze Buckler offers higher block power, it requires more advanced materials and tools, making the Wood Shield a more practical choice for early-game players. Stick with the Wood Shield until you’ve established a foothold in the Black Forest and gathered enough resources to upgrade.\n\nIn summary, the Wood Shield is the best early-game shield for defending against Greydwarfs due to its low crafting requirements and effective block power. Pair it with careful stamina management and strategic positioning to handle Greydwarf encounters with ease. As you progress, consider upgrading to stronger shields like the Bronze Buckler for even better protection.