How do you create a secure boar or wolf pen for taming?

Creating a secure boar or wolf pen in Valheim is essential for taming these creatures and ensuring they remain safe from environmental threats. To begin, you need to understand the basic mechanics of taming. Both boars and wolves require a confined space, food, and time to tame. Boars eat mushrooms, carrots, or berries, while wolves require raw meat. The pen must be secure enough to prevent the animals from escaping and to protect them from hostile creatures.\n\nFirst, choose a suitable location for your pen. For boars, the Meadows biome is ideal since they naturally spawn there. Wolves, however, are found in the Mountains biome, so you’ll need to build their pen in or near this area. Ensure the location is flat and free from nearby spawn points of enemies like Greydwarves or Draugr. Clear the area of rocks, trees, and other obstacles to make construction easier.\n\nNext, gather the necessary materials. For a basic pen, you’ll need wood, which can be obtained by chopping down trees. Use a workbench to craft wooden walls, fences, or stakewalls. Stakewalls are particularly effective for wolf pens because they are sturdier and can withstand attacks from stronger enemies. For boars, regular wooden walls or fences are sufficient. You’ll also need a gate to enter and exit the pen.\n\nTo build the pen, start by placing a workbench nearby. This allows you to construct and repair structures. Create a rectangular or circular enclosure using walls or fences. The size of the pen depends on how many animals you plan to tame, but a 10x10 area is a good starting point. Leave one section open for the gate, which you can craft using the workbench. Ensure the gate is closed after placing the animals inside to prevent them from escaping.\n\nOnce the pen is built, lure the boars or wolves inside. For boars, drop food like mushrooms or berries near them and lead them into the pen. Wolves are more aggressive, so you’ll need to use raw meat to lure them. Be cautious, as wolves can deal significant damage. Once inside, close the gate and ensure the animals cannot jump over the walls. Boars are less likely to escape, but wolves can sometimes jump over low fences, so use stakewalls or double-layer walls for added security.\n\nAfter the animals are inside, drop their preferred food in the pen. Boars will eat mushrooms, carrots, or berries, while wolves require raw meat. Ensure there is enough food to keep them fed during the taming process. Taming takes time, and the animals will gradually become less aggressive and more comfortable in the pen. You’ll know they are tamed when yellow hearts appear above their heads.\n\nTo protect your pen from external threats, consider adding defensive measures. For example, place torches or campfires around the perimeter to deter Greydwarves or other enemies. If you’re in the Mountains biome, wolves may attract the attention of Drakes or Stone Golems. Build a roof over the pen using thatch or wooden beams to protect against aerial attacks. Additionally, you can dig a trench around the pen to prevent ground-based enemies from reaching the animals.\n\nFinally, maintain the pen by regularly checking for damage and replenishing food supplies. Tamed animals can breed if they are well-fed and happy, so keep an eye on their needs. With a secure pen and proper care, you’ll have a steady supply of boars for leather scraps or wolves for companionship and combat assistance.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry extra materials for repairs, especially in the Mountains biome where weather and enemies can damage structures. Use the hoe to level the ground before building to ensure the pen is stable. If you’re struggling to lure wolves, consider building a small outpost nearby to store food and supplies. Lastly, avoid overpopulating the pen, as too many animals can cause lag or make it difficult to manage their needs.