What’s the best strategy to survive a thunderstorm in the Plains?

Surviving a thunderstorm in the Plains biome of Valheim requires careful preparation and strategic gameplay. Thunderstorms in the Plains are particularly dangerous due to the combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and the presence of hostile creatures like Deathsquitos and Fulings. The rain reduces your stamina regeneration, making it harder to fight or flee, while the wind can push you off cliffs or into dangerous areas. To survive, you need to focus on three key areas: preparation, shelter, and situational awareness.\n\nFirst, preparation is critical. Before venturing into the Plains, ensure you have the best gear available. A fully upgraded set of padded armor is ideal, as it provides high defense against physical attacks. Equip a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield, to block incoming damage from Fulings or Deathsquitos. Bring a powerful weapon like the Black Metal Sword or Atgeir for close combat, and a bow with needle arrows for ranged attacks. Additionally, stock up on healing items like cooked Lox Meat, Blood Pudding, and Health Mead to sustain yourself during prolonged fights.\n\nSecond, establish a safe shelter. Thunderstorms can last for several in-game days, so having a secure base in the Plains is essential. Build a small outpost with walls and a roof to protect yourself from the rain and wind. Use stone or reinforced wood for durability, as Fulings can destroy weaker structures. Place a campfire inside to keep warm and dry, as being wet reduces your stamina regeneration further. If you don’t have time to build a shelter, look for natural formations like rock overhangs or abandoned Fuling villages to take cover temporarily.\n\nThird, maintain situational awareness. Thunderstorms reduce visibility, making it harder to spot threats like Deathsquitos or Fuling patrols. Always keep your shield raised when moving through open areas, and listen for the buzzing sound of Deathsquitos. If you hear a Fuling horn, prepare for an ambush. Avoid high ground during storms, as the wind can push you off cliffs. Instead, stick to lower areas where you can move more safely. If you’re caught in the open, use the terrain to your advantage by hiding behind rocks or trees to break line of sight with enemies.\n\nOne common challenge during thunderstorms is dealing with multiple enemies at once. For example, you might encounter a group of Fulings while being chased by a Deathsquito. In this situation, prioritize the Deathsquito first, as it deals high damage and is harder to hit. Use your bow to take it down quickly, then focus on the Fulings. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to your shelter or a nearby safe area to regroup. Stamina management is crucial, so avoid sprinting unnecessarily and use blocking or parrying to conserve energy.\n\nFinally, consider the long-term impact of thunderstorms on your gameplay. If you’re planning to explore the Plains extensively, build multiple small outposts throughout the biome. This ensures you always have a safe place to retreat during storms. Additionally, use portals to connect your Plains bases to your main base, allowing you to resupply quickly. Thunderstorms can be frustrating, but with proper preparation and strategy, you can turn them into an opportunity to gather resources or hunt Lox without interference from the weather.\n\nIn summary, surviving a thunderstorm in the Plains requires preparation, shelter, and situational awareness. Equip the best gear, build secure shelters, and stay alert for threats. Use the terrain to your advantage and prioritize high-damage enemies like Deathsquitos. With these strategies, you can weather any storm and continue your Viking adventures in Valheim.