What’s the optimal height for walls to prevent enemy scaling?

In Valheim, building defensible fortifications is crucial to surviving enemy raids and protecting your base. The optimal height for walls to prevent enemy scaling is 4 meters. This height ensures that most enemies, including Greydwarfs and Trolls, cannot climb over your walls. However, understanding the game mechanics and how enemies interact with structures is key to building an effective defense.\n\nValheim''s enemies have specific behaviors when it comes to attacking structures. Greydwarfs, for example, will attempt to break through walls if they cannot climb over them. Trolls, on the other hand, can deal massive damage to structures with their attacks, so relying solely on wall height is not enough. To create a truly defensible fort, you need to combine wall height with other defensive measures, such as moats, spikes, and strategic placement of workbenches to prevent enemy spawns.\n\nTo build a 4-meter-high wall, you will need to use the core wood or stone building materials. Core wood is obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest biome, while stone is gathered from rocks found in most biomes. Start by placing a foundation of stone or wood beams to ensure stability. Then, stack walls vertically to reach the desired height. For added durability, consider using stone walls, as they have higher health and can withstand more damage than wood.\n\nOne common challenge players face is ensuring that the walls are tall enough to prevent enemies from jumping over them. Some enemies, like Fulings from the Plains biome, are more agile and can jump higher than others. To counter this, you can add an overhang or a lip at the top of your walls. This can be achieved by placing horizontal beams or angled roof pieces extending outward from the top of the wall. This design makes it nearly impossible for enemies to scale your defenses.\n\nAnother practical solution is to dig a moat around your base. Moats are trenches that act as a physical barrier, preventing enemies from reaching your walls altogether. To create a moat, use a pickaxe to dig a trench at least 2 meters deep and 4 meters wide around your base. This forces enemies to path around the moat, giving you more time to prepare for an attack. Combine this with your 4-meter-high walls, and your base will be nearly impenetrable.\n\nFor players in the late game, consider incorporating ballistae or other defensive structures into your fort design. Ballistae can be crafted using fine wood, iron, and bronze nails, and they automatically target enemies within range. Placing these near your walls can help eliminate threats before they reach your defenses. Additionally, using bonfires or standing braziers can deter enemies, as they avoid fire.\n\nIn summary, the optimal wall height for preventing enemy scaling is 4 meters. Combine this with overhangs, moats, and defensive structures to create a robust fort. Always consider the biome you are in and the types of enemies you will face, as this will influence your design choices. With these strategies, you can build a base that stands strong against even the toughest raids.\n\nPractical Tip: Regularly repair your walls after raids, as damaged structures are more vulnerable to enemy attacks. Also, keep an eye on your workbench coverage to prevent enemies from spawning inside your base.