What’s the best way to protect my base from rain damage?

Protecting your base from rain damage in Valheim is essential to maintaining the durability and longevity of your structures. Rain causes wooden structures to degrade over time, reducing their health and eventually leading to collapse if not addressed. To prevent this, you need to understand the game mechanics and implement effective solutions.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know that rain only affects wooden structures, including walls, floors, roofs, and beams. Stone and metal structures are immune to rain damage, making them ideal for long-term durability. However, stone and metal require advanced materials and crafting stations, so early-game players will need to rely on wooden solutions initially.\n\nOne of the simplest ways to protect your base is by using roofs. Roofs not only shield the structures beneath them from rain but also provide a realistic and aesthetically pleasing design. To craft roofs, you’ll need wood and a workbench. Place roofs over all exposed wooden structures, ensuring full coverage. Overlapping roofs can help prevent gaps where rain might seep through.\n\nFor larger bases, consider building awnings or overhangs around the perimeter. These can be crafted using angled roof pieces and beams. Awnings are particularly useful for protecting walls and outdoor crafting stations like the workbench or forge. Additionally, you can use beams and poles to create decorative yet functional coverings for pathways or outdoor storage areas.\n\nIf you’re in a biome with frequent rain, such as the Meadows or Black Forest, prioritize upgrading your base to stone as soon as possible. Stone structures require stone and a stonecutter, which is unlocked after defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have access to stone, replace critical wooden structures like walls and foundations with stone to eliminate rain damage entirely.\n\nAnother practical solution is to use tarred wood, which is resistant to rain damage. Tarred wood is crafted using wood and tar, which can be obtained from tar pits in the Plains biome. While this requires venturing into a dangerous biome, it’s a worthwhile investment for mid-to-late-game players looking to enhance their base’s durability without fully transitioning to stone.\n\nFor new players, focus on building a compact base with a fully covered roof. This minimizes the amount of exposed wood and reduces the risk of rain damage. As you progress, expand your base and incorporate stone or tarred wood into your designs. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast in the top-right corner of the screen to prepare for incoming rain.\n\nFinally, consider building a moat or raised earth wall around your base to protect it from both rain and enemy raids. While these structures don’t directly prevent rain damage, they provide additional security and allow you to focus on maintaining your base’s interior. By combining these strategies, you can create a durable, weather-resistant base that stands the test of time in Valheim.