What’s the best way to defend a base against Troll raids?

Defending your base against Troll raids in Valheim requires careful planning, strategic building, and understanding the game mechanics. Trolls are one of the most dangerous early-game enemies, capable of dealing massive damage to structures and players alike. To protect your base, you need to focus on fortifications, traps, and combat readiness.\n\nFirst, prioritize building a strong perimeter wall. Use core wood or stone for durability, as these materials can withstand Troll attacks better than basic wood. Core wood can be obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest biome, while stone is abundant in most areas. Create a raised earth wall by using the hoe to level and raise the ground around your base. This method is highly effective because Trolls cannot destroy terrain, making it a reliable barrier.\n\nNext, consider adding defensive structures like stake walls or spike traps. Stake walls can be crafted using core wood and placed around your perimeter to slow down Trolls. Spike traps, crafted with wood and bronze nails, can be strategically placed near choke points to deal damage as Trolls approach. These traps are especially useful in narrow pathways or near your base entrance.\n\nAnother key strategy is to create a moat around your base. Digging a deep trench with the pickaxe will prevent Trolls from reaching your walls entirely. Ensure the moat is wide enough so Trolls cannot jump across. This method is highly effective but requires significant time and effort to implement, especially in larger bases.\n\nFor combat readiness, equip yourself with a bow and arrows. Trolls are weak to piercing damage, making bows an excellent choice. Craft a finewood bow and flinthead arrows early on, and upgrade to better arrows like fire or obsidian arrows as you progress. Position yourself on elevated platforms or behind walls to safely attack Trolls from a distance. If you must engage in melee combat, use a spear or atgeir for their reach and stagger potential.\n\nLighting is also crucial for base defense. Trolls are more likely to spawn in dark areas, so place torches or campfires around your base to reduce spawn chances. Additionally, workbenches or other crafting stations can prevent enemy spawns within their radius, so spread them around your perimeter for added protection.\n\nFinally, consider building a secondary fallback point within your base. If Trolls breach your outer defenses, having an inner fortified area with supplies and escape routes can save your life. Use portals to connect to a safe location, ensuring you can retreat if necessary.\n\nIn summary, defending against Troll raids involves a combination of strong walls, traps, moats, and combat preparation. Focus on durable materials, strategic placement of defenses, and maintaining a safe distance during combat. With these steps, you can protect your base and survive even the toughest Troll raids.