What’s the best way to incorporate stone walls into early-game fort designs?

Incorporating stone walls into early-game fort designs in Valheim is a strategic way to enhance your base''s durability and defensibility. Stone walls are significantly stronger than wood, making them ideal for protecting against raids and hostile creatures. However, unlocking and building with stone requires progression through the game, so early-game players must balance resource gathering and crafting priorities.\n\nTo start using stone walls, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, in the Meadows biome. This unlocks the Antler Pickaxe, which allows you to mine stone and copper. Stone is abundant in most biomes, but the Black Forest is particularly rich in stone deposits. Gather stone by mining boulders or breaking smaller rocks scattered across the landscape. You''ll also need a Stonecutter, which requires Iron from the Swamp biome, so prioritize upgrading your tools and exploring new areas.\n\nOnce you have the Stonecutter, place it near your base to unlock stone building pieces. Stone walls are crafted using 4 stone each, so stockpile a significant amount before starting construction. Early-game players should focus on reinforcing key areas of their base, such as the perimeter walls and gatehouse, rather than building an entire fort out of stone. This conserves resources while still providing strong defenses.\n\nWhen designing your fort, consider layering defenses. Start with a wooden palisade or stakewall as an outer layer, then add stone walls behind it. This creates a buffer zone that slows down attackers and gives you time to respond. Additionally, elevate your stone walls by building on raised terrain or using the Hoe to level the ground. Elevated walls are harder for enemies to breach, especially during raids.\n\nA common challenge early-game players face is resource scarcity. To overcome this, establish a mining outpost in the Black Forest or Meadows biome. Use a Cart to transport large quantities of stone back to your base. If you''re short on Iron for the Stonecutter, explore Burial Chambers in the Black Forest for Scrap Iron or venture into the Swamp biome cautiously. Always bring a portal to quickly return to your base with resources.\n\nFinally, integrate stone walls with other defensive features. Add a moat or trench around your fort to prevent enemies from reaching the walls. Use wooden spikes or defensive structures like ballistae to further deter attackers. By combining stone walls with smart design choices, you can create a formidable early-game fort that withstands raids and provides a safe haven for crafting and storage.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep a backup supply of stone and wood for repairs after raids. Use the Hammer''s repair function to maintain your walls without additional resources. If you''re struggling to gather enough stone, consider building smaller, modular stone structures like watchtowers or reinforced storage rooms. These provide strong defenses without requiring a massive stone investment.