How do you secure your shelter from enemy raids in Valheim?

Securing your shelter from enemy raids in Valheim is a critical step to ensure your survival and progress in the game. Raids are triggered by specific events, such as defeating bosses or spending time in your base, and they can bring waves of hostile creatures like Greydwarfs, Trolls, or even Fulings. To protect your shelter, you need to understand the game mechanics and implement defensive strategies effectively.\n\nFirst, choose a strategic location for your shelter. Building near water or on elevated terrain can provide natural barriers against enemies. For example, constructing your base on a small island or a hill makes it harder for ground-based enemies to reach you. However, avoid building too close to dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Plains, as these areas spawn stronger enemies that can overwhelm you early in the game.\n\nNext, build a sturdy perimeter around your shelter. Use wooden or stone walls to create a defensive barrier. Wooden walls are easier to craft early on, requiring only wood, while stone walls become available after you unlock the Stonecutter with Core Wood and Stone. Ensure your walls are at least two layers thick to withstand attacks from stronger enemies like Trolls. Additionally, place a roof over your walls to prevent flying enemies like Drakes from bypassing your defenses.\n\nIncorporate defensive structures like stake walls and moats. Stake walls are sharpened wooden barriers that deal damage to enemies who touch them. To craft stake walls, you need wood and a workbench. Place them around the perimeter of your base for added protection. Moats are another effective defense; dig a deep trench around your base using a pickaxe to create a barrier that enemies cannot cross. This is especially useful against Trolls, who can destroy walls but cannot jump over wide gaps.\n\nLighting and workbench placement also play a role in securing your shelter. Enemies are less likely to spawn near player-built structures, so place workbenches or campfires around your base to suppress enemy spawns. Torches or other light sources can deter nocturnal creatures like Greydwarfs. Additionally, keep your workbenches and crafting stations inside your walls to prevent enemies from destroying them during raids.\n\nFor advanced players, consider building ballistae or using tamed animals for defense. Ballistae are automated turrets that shoot arrows at enemies, but they require Iron and Fine Wood to craft. Tamed wolves or boars can also help defend your base, as they will attack hostile creatures that come too close. To tame animals, build a pen and lure them with food like mushrooms or berries.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for raids by keeping your gear and supplies ready. Store extra weapons, armor, and healing items in chests inside your shelter. If a raid occurs, stay calm and focus on defending your base. Use ranged weapons like bows to pick off enemies from a safe distance, and repair any damaged structures immediately after the raid ends.\n\nBy following these steps, you can create a secure shelter that withstands enemy raids and provides a safe haven for your Viking adventures. Remember to adapt your defenses as you progress through the game and face stronger enemies in different biomes.