How do you avoid Greydwarf projectiles during combat?

Greydwarfs are one of the most common early-game enemies in Valheim, and their projectile attacks can be a significant threat, especially for new players. These creatures throw rocks at you from a distance, dealing moderate damage and potentially staggering you. To avoid Greydwarf projectiles effectively, you need to understand their attack patterns, use the environment to your advantage, and employ proper combat mechanics.\n\nFirst, recognize the Greydwarf''s attack animation. Before throwing a rock, they will rear back slightly and raise their arms. This is your cue to prepare for evasion. The projectile itself is relatively slow, giving you time to react. Dodging is the most reliable way to avoid damage. Press the spacebar while moving sideways (A or D) to perform a dodge roll. Timing is key—roll just as the rock is about to hit you to avoid the attack completely.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use terrain and obstacles to block projectiles. Greydwarf rocks cannot pass through trees, rocks, or other solid objects. If you are near a forest biome, position yourself so that trees or large boulders are between you and the Greydwarf. This forces them to either move closer or stop attacking altogether. This tactic is especially useful when fighting multiple Greydwarfs, as it reduces the number of projectiles you need to dodge.\n\nIf you are in an open area without cover, consider kiting the Greydwarfs. Kiting involves moving backward while attacking, keeping your distance from the enemy. Use a bow to deal damage from range, as this minimizes the risk of being hit by rocks. Equip a wooden bow and flint arrows early in the game for consistent damage. When a Greydwarf starts its throwing animation, strafe sideways or backward to avoid the projectile while continuing to fire arrows.\n\nFor melee-focused players, timing your attacks is crucial. Greydwarfs have a short delay between throwing rocks and resuming melee combat. Use this window to close the distance and strike them with a weapon like a club or axe. Blocking with a shield can also mitigate damage if you fail to dodge a projectile. A wooden shield is sufficient early on, but upgrading to a bronze buckler later provides better protection.\n\nFinally, consider your gear and stamina management. Wearing armor like leather or troll hide increases your survivability, but it also reduces stamina regeneration. Keep an eye on your stamina bar during combat, as running out of stamina leaves you vulnerable. Consume food items like cooked meat or berries to boost your health and stamina pools before engaging in combat.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Greydwarf projectiles requires a combination of dodging, using cover, kiting, and proper timing. Practice these techniques in the Black Forest biome, where Greydwarfs are most common. As you gain experience, you will find that these enemies become much less threatening, allowing you to focus on more dangerous foes like Trolls or Draugr. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and manage your stamina effectively to survive and thrive in Valheim.