How do you craft the Padded Shield, and what are its stats?

The Padded Shield is one of the most powerful shields in Valheim, offering excellent defense and parrying capabilities. It is a late-game item, requiring advanced materials and crafting stations. To craft the Padded Shield, you must first progress through the Plains biome, defeat Fulings, and gather the necessary resources. This shield is ideal for players who have mastered parrying and need a reliable defensive tool for challenging encounters.\n\nTo craft the Padded Shield, you need a level 4 Forge, which is upgraded using Forge Coolers, Anvils, and other enhancements. The crafting recipe requires 10 Iron, 4 Linen Thread, and 1 Fine Wood. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome and smelting the scrap in a Smelter. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which grows in the Plains biome and is processed at a Spinning Wheel. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes.\n\nOnce you have the materials, head to your Forge and craft the Padded Shield. It has a base block power of 90, making it one of the strongest shields in the game. Its parry bonus is 2.5x, allowing you to stagger enemies effectively when timed correctly. The shield also has a durability of 200, ensuring it lasts through many battles. However, it is heavy, so it reduces your movement speed slightly when equipped.\n\nUsing the Padded Shield effectively requires mastering the parry mechanic. Parrying involves blocking an enemy attack at the right moment, which staggers them and leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks. To parry, hold the block button and time it just before the enemy''s attack lands. This is particularly useful against tough enemies like Fuling Berserkers or Lox in the Plains biome. Practice parrying on weaker enemies in the Meadows or Black Forest before taking on more dangerous foes.\n\nOne common challenge players face is gathering Flax for Linen Thread. Flax only grows in Fuling villages in the Plains biome, making it a risky resource to collect. To safely gather Flax, scout Fuling villages during the day when enemies are less aggressive. Use stealth to avoid detection, and bring a strong weapon like a Blackmetal Sword or Frostner to deal with any Fulings that spot you. Once you have Flax, plant it in your base using a Cultivator to ensure a steady supply.\n\nAnother tip is to upgrade your Padded Shield as soon as possible. Upgrading increases its block power and durability, making it even more effective in combat. To upgrade, you need additional Iron and Linen Thread, so prioritize gathering these materials. Keep your shield repaired at the Forge to maintain its effectiveness during long expeditions.\n\nIn summary, the Padded Shield is a top-tier defensive tool for late-game players. Crafting it requires advanced materials and a level 4 Forge, but its high block power and parry bonus make it worth the effort. Master the parry mechanic to maximize its potential, and gather Flax carefully to ensure a steady supply of Linen Thread. With the Padded Shield, you''ll be well-equipped to tackle the toughest challenges Valheim has to offer.