How can you use the Hoe to create elevated terrain for base defense?

Using the Hoe to create elevated terrain for base defense in Valheim is a highly effective strategy to protect your settlement from enemy raids and wandering mobs. The Hoe is a versatile tool that allows players to manipulate the terrain, raising or flattening the ground to create natural barriers. This method is particularly useful in biomes like the Meadows, Black Forest, or Plains, where raids from Greydwarves, Trolls, or Fulings can pose a significant threat.\n\nTo begin, you will need to craft a Hoe. This requires 5 Wood and 2 Stone, which are easily gathered in the early game. Once crafted, equip the Hoe and ensure you have enough Stamina to perform terrain modifications. Terrain manipulation consumes Stamina, so it’s wise to have food buffs or rest bonuses active before starting. The Hoe’s primary function is to raise or flatten the ground, and for defensive purposes, raising terrain is key.\n\nStart by identifying the perimeter of your base where you want to create elevated defenses. Walk along the edge of your settlement and use the Hoe’s Raise Ground function. This requires Stone, which can be gathered from rocks or mined from larger boulders. Each Raise Ground action consumes 2 Stone and slightly elevates the terrain. Repeat this process along the entire perimeter, creating a raised wall of earth. The height of the wall can be increased by repeatedly using the Raise Ground function in the same spot.\n\nOne common challenge is ensuring the wall is tall enough to prevent enemies from climbing over. A height of 2-3 raised layers is usually sufficient to block most mobs, but Trolls and larger creatures may require taller barriers. To address this, consider combining raised terrain with other defensive structures like wooden stake walls or trenches. Trenches can be dug using the Pickaxe alongside the raised terrain to create a moat-like effect, further enhancing your defenses.\n\nAnother practical tip is to create staggered or layered defenses. Instead of a single raised wall, build multiple layers of elevated terrain with gaps in between. This forces enemies to navigate a more complex path, giving you more time to respond to threats. Additionally, elevated terrain can be used to create choke points or funnel enemies into specific areas where you can set up traps or archer towers.\n\nWhen working in biomes like the Plains, where Fulings and Loxes are common, elevated terrain can also serve as a vantage point for ranged attacks. Build platforms or stairs on the inside of your raised walls to allow easy access for archers or mages. This strategy is particularly effective during raids, as it keeps you out of melee range while providing a clear line of sight to incoming enemies.\n\nFinally, remember that terrain modifications are permanent, so plan your defenses carefully. Use the Hoe’s Level Ground function to smooth out any uneven areas inside your base, ensuring a flat surface for building structures. Combining elevated terrain with other defensive measures like spike traps, bonfires, or even tamed Wolves can create an impenetrable fortress.\n\nIn summary, the Hoe is an invaluable tool for creating elevated terrain defenses in Valheim. By raising walls, digging trenches, and layering your defenses, you can protect your base from even the toughest raids. Always ensure you have enough Stone and Stamina, and consider combining terrain modifications with other defensive structures for maximum effectiveness.