What’s the best way to avoid wasting time on unnecessary combat?

In Valheim, avoiding unnecessary combat is crucial for speedrunning, as it saves time and resources. The key to minimizing combat encounters lies in understanding game mechanics, planning your route, and using stealth effectively. By focusing on movement, terrain, and enemy behavior, you can bypass most threats without engaging in prolonged fights.\n\nFirst, prioritize movement speed and stamina management. Equip light armor like the Troll Set, which provides decent protection without slowing you down. Use the Eikthyr power, obtained by defeating the first boss, to reduce stamina consumption while running. This allows you to outrun most enemies, especially in early-game biomes like the Meadows and Black Forest. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid sprinting unnecessarily to ensure you have enough stamina to escape when needed.\n\nNext, plan your route carefully. Use the map to identify safe paths and avoid high-density enemy areas. For example, in the Black Forest, stick to the edges of the biome to avoid Greydwarves and Trolls. In the Swamp, stay on higher ground to evade Leeches and Draugr. Use the Hoe to level terrain and create pathways, making it easier to navigate without triggering enemy spawns. This is especially useful in the Mountains biome, where Wolves and Drakes can be deadly.\n\nStealth is another powerful tool for avoiding combat. Crouch to reduce your visibility and noise, making it harder for enemies to detect you. The Troll Set also provides a stealth bonus, further enhancing your ability to sneak past threats. Use this to your advantage in biomes like the Plains, where Fulings and Deathsquitos are highly aggressive. If you must pass through dangerous areas, wait for nightfall when some enemies, like Greydwarves, are less active.\n\nWhen combat is unavoidable, use crowd control and quick escapes. Carry a bow and arrows to deal with enemies from a distance, minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed. For example, in the Swamp, use fire arrows to quickly dispatch Blobs and Oozes. If you''re surrounded, use the Stagbreaker or Atgeir to knock back enemies and create space to run. Always have an escape route planned, such as a nearby tree or rock you can climb to break line of sight.\n\nFinally, leverage environmental advantages. Use water bodies to your benefit, as many enemies cannot swim. For instance, crossing rivers or lakes can help you evade pursuers in the Meadows or Black Forest. In the Mountains, use the terrain to your advantage by climbing steep slopes that enemies cannot follow. In the Plains, avoid open areas where Deathsquitos can easily spot you and instead stick to rocky outcrops or dense foliage.\n\nBy combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the time spent in combat during a speedrun. Focus on movement, stealth, and route planning to bypass threats efficiently. Remember, the goal is to reach your objective as quickly as possible, not to defeat every enemy in your path. With practice, you''ll master the art of avoiding unnecessary combat and optimize your Valheim speedruns.