What’s the best way to protect your base from Troll raids?

Protecting your base from Troll raids in Valheim requires a combination of strategic planning, defensive structures, and understanding game mechanics. Troll raids are triggered when you defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and they can be devastating if your base is unprepared. These raids involve one or more Trolls attacking your base, capable of destroying wooden structures with ease. To defend against them, you need to focus on building strong defenses, creating safe zones, and using the environment to your advantage.\n\nFirst, prioritize upgrading your base''s walls and structures. Wooden walls are vulnerable to Troll attacks, so consider upgrading to stone as soon as possible. Stone walls are much more durable and can withstand multiple hits from a Troll. To craft stone structures, you need to unlock the Stonecutter, which requires Iron from the Swamp biome. Once you have the Stonecutter, gather stone from the Black Forest or Mountains to build sturdy walls and gates.\n\nNext, create a moat or trench around your base. Trolls cannot cross deep water or steep drops, so digging a wide trench around your perimeter is an effective way to keep them at bay. Use a pickaxe to dig the trench, ensuring it is at least two meters deep and wide enough to prevent Trolls from jumping over. This method is particularly useful in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, where terrain manipulation is easier.\n\nAnother key strategy is to build elevated platforms or walls with archer positions. Trolls are slow and rely on melee attacks, so having a high vantage point allows you to safely shoot them with arrows. Craft a Finewood Bow and stockpile Flinthead or Bronzehead arrows for maximum damage. Position your archer platforms behind stone walls or moats to ensure Trolls cannot reach you while you attack.\n\nIf you prefer a more aggressive approach, consider taming and breeding Wolves in the Mountains biome. Wolves are powerful allies that can attack Trolls and other enemies. To tame Wolves, you need raw meat and a secure pen. Once tamed, they will defend your base during raids. This method requires significant preparation but is highly effective for long-term base defense.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on the raid notification. When a raid begins, immediately equip your best weapons and armor, and position yourself near your defenses. If your base is not fully fortified, consider luring Trolls away from your structures and fighting them in an open area. This minimizes damage to your base and gives you more room to maneuver.\n\nIn summary, protecting your base from Troll raids involves upgrading to stone structures, creating moats or trenches, building archer platforms, taming Wolves, and staying vigilant during raids. By combining these strategies, you can ensure your base remains safe and secure, even during the most challenging attacks.