What’s the best armor set for early-game survival?

When starting a no-death run in Valheim, early-game survival is critical, and choosing the right armor set can make all the difference. The best armor set for early-game survival is the **Troll Armor**, which provides a balance of defense, mobility, and stealth. Unlike heavier armor sets, Troll Armor does not slow you down, making it ideal for avoiding dangerous encounters while exploring the Meadows and Black Forest biomes.\n\nTo craft Troll Armor, you’ll need Troll Hide, which is obtained by defeating Trolls in the Black Forest. Trolls are large, slow-moving enemies that can deal massive damage if you’re not careful. To safely farm Troll Hide, use a bow and arrows to kite them from a distance. Aim for their weak spots and keep moving to avoid their attacks. Each Troll drops 5-10 Troll Hide, and you’ll need 15 hides to craft the full set (5 for the chest, 5 for the legs, and 5 for the helmet).\n\nTroll Armor provides a base armor rating of 18 (6 per piece) and a 25% stealth bonus, which is invaluable for avoiding unnecessary fights. The stealth bonus allows you to sneak past enemies like Greydwarfs and Skeletons, reducing the risk of taking damage. Additionally, the lack of movement speed penalty ensures you can quickly escape dangerous situations, such as being overwhelmed by a group of enemies or caught off-guard by a Troll.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges in the early game is resource gathering, especially in the Black Forest. Troll Armor’s stealth bonus helps you avoid confrontations while collecting essential materials like Copper and Tin. For example, you can sneak past Greydwarfs guarding ore deposits, mine the resources, and retreat before they notice you. This strategy minimizes the risk of death while maximizing efficiency.\n\nAnother advantage of Troll Armor is its low crafting requirements. Unlike other armor sets, it doesn’t require advanced materials like Bronze or Iron, which are harder to obtain early on. This makes Troll Armor accessible as soon as you defeat your first Troll and gather enough hides. Pair it with a wooden shield and a Flint Spear or Bow for a well-rounded early-game setup.\n\nFor players new to Valheim, Troll Armor is a forgiving choice because it allows you to learn the game’s mechanics without being overly punished for mistakes. Its stealth and mobility make it easier to recover from bad situations, such as accidentally aggroing too many enemies. Experienced players will also appreciate its utility for speedrunning or completing no-death runs, as it reduces the likelihood of fatal encounters.\n\nTo maximize your survival chances, always carry healing items like Cooked Meat and Berries. These can be crafted or foraged in the Meadows biome. Additionally, avoid venturing into more dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Mountains until you’ve upgraded your gear and skills. Troll Armor is not suitable for these areas, as the enemies there deal significantly more damage.\n\nIn summary, Troll Armor is the best early-game armor set for a no-death run due to its balance of defense, mobility, and stealth. It’s easy to craft, helps you avoid unnecessary fights, and keeps you agile in dangerous situations. Focus on farming Trolls safely, gathering resources stealthily, and upgrading your weapons to complement the armor. With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to survive Valheim’s early challenges and progress toward mid-game content.