What’s the best way to use windmills and smelters in fort designs?

Windmills and smelters are essential structures in Valheim for processing resources like barley and ore, but integrating them into a defensible fort design requires careful planning. Windmills require open space to function, as they rely on wind direction and speed, while smelters need to be placed near a steady supply of fuel and ore. Both structures are vulnerable to enemy attacks, so protecting them is crucial for maintaining resource production during raids.\n\nTo start, choose a biome with consistent wind patterns, such as the Plains, for your windmill. Windmills must be placed on flat terrain and require a clear area around them to spin effectively. Avoid building them too close to walls or other structures, as this can block the wind. For smelters, place them near your fort''s core but in a secure area, as they produce smoke and require frequent refueling. A centralized location ensures easy access while minimizing exposure to raids.\n\nWhen designing your fort, create a dedicated production zone for windmills and smelters. Surround this area with stone walls or palisades to protect against enemy mobs like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Use raised earth walls or trenches as additional defenses, as these are nearly indestructible and can funnel enemies into kill zones. Place workbenches or wards nearby to prevent enemy spawns within your fort.\n\nFor windmills, build a raised platform or tower to elevate them above ground level. This not only maximizes wind exposure but also keeps them out of reach of ground-based enemies. Ensure the platform is wide enough to accommodate multiple windmills if needed. For smelters, consider building a covered area with a chimney to vent smoke, as this prevents the area from becoming too cluttered and improves visibility during raids.\n\nTo optimize resource flow, place chests near your windmills and smelters for storing barley, ore, and coal. This reduces the time spent running between structures and ensures a steady workflow. Use portals to connect your fort to resource-rich areas like the Black Forest or Mountains, allowing you to quickly transport ore and other materials back for processing.\n\nDuring raids, prioritize defending your production zone. Place ballistae or stake walls around the perimeter to deter enemies. If your fort is in the Plains, consider taming and breeding Lox to act as additional guards. These powerful creatures can fend off Fulings and other threats, giving you more time to focus on repairs or combat.\n\nFinally, always have backup plans in place. Keep spare materials for repairing damaged structures, and consider building a secondary production zone in a safer biome like the Meadows. This ensures you can continue processing resources even if your main fort is under siege.\n\nBy combining strategic placement, robust defenses, and efficient resource management, you can create a fort design that seamlessly integrates windmills and smelters while remaining highly defensible. This approach not only enhances your survival but also ensures a steady supply of processed materials for crafting and building.