What is the best way to protect my base while mining far away?

Protecting your base while mining far away in Valheim requires careful planning and preparation. The game''s mechanics allow for base defense even when you''re not present, but you must take proactive steps to ensure your structures and resources remain safe. Here''s a detailed guide to help you secure your base while exploring distant biomes for metals like copper, tin, and iron.\n\nFirst, prioritize building a strong perimeter around your base. Use wooden or stone walls to create a barrier that keeps enemies out. Stone walls are more durable and resistant to attacks, but they require stone and a stonecutter, which is unlocked after acquiring iron. If you''re early in the game and lack iron, wooden walls are a good temporary solution. Ensure your walls are fully enclosed, with no gaps for enemies to slip through. Adding a moat or trench around your base can also deter ground-based enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls.\n\nNext, set up workbenches or other crafting stations inside your base. These structures create a ''player base'' zone that prevents enemy spawns within a certain radius. Place multiple workbenches strategically around your base to maximize coverage. If you''re mining in the Black Forest or Swamp biome, consider building small outposts with workbenches to prevent enemy spawns near your mining sites. This reduces the risk of returning to a base overrun by enemies.\n\nLighting is another crucial element for base defense. Torches and campfires not only provide light but also deter certain enemies. For example, Greydwarfs and Skeletons avoid well-lit areas. Place torches along your walls and inside your base to create a safe zone. If you''re venturing into the Swamp biome, bring materials to build temporary shelters with torches to keep enemies at bay while you mine iron.\n\nWhen mining far away, always prepare for the journey. Bring enough food, weapons, and tools to sustain yourself. If you''re mining copper in the Black Forest, be aware of Trolls and Greydwarf Brutes. For tin, which is found along riverbanks in the Black Forest, watch out for Greydwarfs and Skeletons. In the Swamp biome, where iron is located, prepare for Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs. Equip yourself with a bow for ranged attacks and a shield for blocking melee strikes.\n\nTo further protect your base, consider taming and breeding wolves. Wolves are powerful allies that can defend your base from intruders. Once tamed, they will attack any enemies that approach. Breeding wolves requires raw meat and a secure enclosure, but the effort is worth it for the added security. If you''re mining in dangerous biomes, bring a wolf or two with you for extra protection.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your base is attacked while you''re away, ensure you have a portal network set up for quick travel. Portals require fine wood, greydwarf eyes, and surtling cores, which can be found in Burial Chambers or the Swamp biome. Place a portal at your base and another near your mining site to allow for fast travel in case of emergencies.\n\nIn summary, protecting your base while mining far away involves building strong defenses, using workbenches to prevent enemy spawns, lighting your base to deter enemies, and preparing for the dangers of distant biomes. Taming wolves and setting up portals can further enhance your base''s security. By following these steps, you can mine metals like copper, tin, and iron with confidence, knowing your base is safe.