How can I use the Hoe to create a moat around my base for defense?

Creating a moat around your base in Valheim is an excellent defensive strategy to protect your structures from enemy raids, particularly from ground-based threats like Greydwarfs, Trolls, and Fulings. The Hoe is a versatile tool that allows you to shape the terrain, making it ideal for digging a moat. To begin, you’ll need to craft a Hoe, which requires 5 Wood and 2 Stone. These materials are easily gathered from the Meadows biome, making this tool accessible early in the game.\n\nBefore you start digging, plan the layout of your moat. Consider the size of your base and the area you want to protect. A good rule of thumb is to dig the moat at least 4-5 meters away from your walls to prevent enemies from jumping over it. Use the Hoe’s ‘Level Ground’ and ‘Raise Ground’ functions to create steep, impassable walls on both sides of the moat. This ensures that enemies cannot easily climb out or cross over.\n\nTo dig the moat, equip the Hoe and select the ‘Level Ground’ option. Stand at the edge of your planned moat and click to lower the terrain. Move in a straight line, repeating the process to create a trench. The depth of the moat should be at least 2-3 meters to prevent enemies from jumping across. If you encounter water while digging, the moat will naturally fill, creating an even more effective barrier. However, if water is not present, the dry moat will still serve as a deterrent.\n\nOne common challenge is uneven terrain, especially in biomes like the Black Forest or Mountains. In these areas, you may need to use the ‘Raise Ground’ function to flatten the surrounding area before digging. This ensures the moat is consistent in depth and width. Additionally, if you’re building near a slope, consider extending the moat further downhill to prevent enemies from bypassing it.\n\nFor added defense, you can combine the moat with other structures like stake walls or spike traps. Place these defenses along the inner edge of the moat to deal damage to any enemies that manage to get close. If you’re in a biome with aggressive enemies, such as the Plains, a moat is especially useful for keeping Fulings and Lox at bay while you defend from a safe distance.\n\nFinally, remember that the Hoe consumes Stamina with each use, so bring plenty of food to maintain your energy levels. If you’re working in a dangerous biome, consider bringing a friend to help guard you while you dig. With a well-planned moat, your base will be significantly safer from raids, giving you peace of mind to focus on exploration and crafting.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry extra materials like Wood and Stone in case you need to repair or adjust your moat. If you’re playing solo, take breaks to recover Stamina and avoid being caught off guard by enemies. For larger bases, consider dividing the moat into sections to make the digging process more manageable.