What’s the best way to avoid being swarmed by Necks in the Meadows?

Avoiding being swarmed by Necks in the Meadows during a no-death run in Valheim requires a combination of awareness, preparation, and strategic gameplay. Necks are small, lizard-like creatures that are generally harmless alone but can become dangerous in groups, especially if you''re unprepared. Understanding their behavior and the environment is key to survival.\n\nFirst, always be aware of your surroundings. Necks are commonly found near water sources like rivers, lakes, and the coastline in the Meadows biome. When exploring these areas, keep an eye out for their distinctive silhouettes and listen for their hissing sounds. If you spot one, assume there are more nearby. Avoid running blindly into water, as this can trigger multiple Necks to attack simultaneously.\n\nEquip yourself with the right tools and weapons. Early in the game, a basic wooden club or flint spear is sufficient to deal with Necks. However, upgrading to a shield, such as the wooden shield, can help block their attacks and reduce damage. Always keep your stamina in check, as running out of stamina during combat can leave you vulnerable. If you''re playing a no-death run, prioritize crafting a bow and arrows for ranged attacks, as this allows you to take out Necks from a safe distance.\n\nUse the terrain to your advantage. Necks are fast but have limited mobility on land. If you''re near a hill or elevated area, position yourself there to gain a tactical advantage. This makes it harder for them to swarm you and gives you a clear line of sight to pick them off with ranged weapons. Additionally, avoid fighting in water, as this slows your movement and makes it harder to dodge attacks.\n\nPlan your exploration routes carefully. When traveling through the Meadows, stick to open areas where you can see Necks approaching from a distance. Avoid dense forests or areas with tall grass, as these can obscure your vision and make it easier for Necks to ambush you. If you''re near a body of water, consider skirting around it rather than walking directly alongside it to minimize encounters.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. If you find yourself overwhelmed by Necks, don''t hesitate to retreat. Use your stamina wisely to create distance, and look for natural barriers like rocks or trees to break their line of sight. Once you''ve regrouped, you can re-engage with a better strategy or simply avoid the area altogether.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Necks in the Meadows during a no-death run requires vigilance, proper equipment, and smart use of the environment. By staying alert, using ranged weapons, and planning your movements, you can minimize the risk of being swarmed and ensure your survival in Valheim.