What’s the best way to use roofs to protect against ranged attacks?

In Valheim, using roofs to protect against ranged attacks is a critical strategy for building defensible fort designs. Ranged enemies, such as Draugr archers or Fuling spear throwers, can deal significant damage if your base lacks proper protection. Roofs can act as shields, blocking projectiles and providing cover for you and your allies. To maximize their effectiveness, you need to understand game mechanics like line of sight, structural integrity, and enemy AI behavior.\n\nFirst, ensure your roofs are built at the correct height and angle to block incoming attacks. Sloped roofs, such as the 26-degree or 45-degree variants, are ideal because they deflect projectiles upward, reducing the chance of them hitting you or your structures. Place these roofs over key areas like walls, gates, and walkways. For example, if you''re building in the Black Forest biome, where Greydwarf Brutes and Skeletons are common, a sloped roof over your perimeter wall can prevent their ranged attacks from reaching your base.\n\nNext, consider the material and durability of your roofs. Wooden roofs are the most accessible early-game option, but they are vulnerable to fire attacks from enemies like Draugr or Fuling shamans. To counter this, upgrade to stone roofs once you unlock stonecutting in the Swamp biome. Stone roofs are fireproof and provide better protection against all types of ranged attacks. If you''re in the Plains biome, where Fulings are a constant threat, stone roofs are essential for long-term defense.\n\nAnother key mechanic is line of sight. Enemies will only attack if they can see you or your structures. By extending your roofs outward and creating overhangs, you can obscure their vision and force them to move closer, where they are more vulnerable to melee or trap-based defenses. For example, build a roof overhang above your gatehouse to block archers from targeting your gate directly. This forces them to approach your walls, where you can use spike traps or ballistae to eliminate them.\n\nFor advanced players, combining roofs with other defensive structures can create an impenetrable fortress. Use core wood beams to support wide roof spans, allowing you to cover large areas without compromising structural integrity. Pair this with raised earth walls or moats to create layered defenses. In the Mountains biome, where Stone Golems and Drakes pose a threat, a combination of stone roofs and raised earth walls can protect your base from both ranged and melee attacks.\n\nFinally, always test your defenses by simulating enemy attacks. Spawn ranged enemies using console commands or lure them to your base to see how your roofs hold up. Adjust the height, angle, and material of your roofs as needed to ensure maximum protection. Remember to repair any damage promptly to maintain your defenses.\n\nPractical tips: Always prioritize upgrading to stone roofs in mid-to-late game. Use core wood beams for wider roof spans, and combine roofs with other defenses like moats and spike traps. Regularly test your defenses and adapt your designs to the biome-specific threats you face. With these strategies, your base will be well-protected against even the most relentless ranged attacks.