What is the best way to light your shelter at night?

Lighting your shelter in Valheim is essential for both practical and aesthetic reasons. At night, the world becomes darker, and having a well-lit shelter not only improves visibility but also creates a cozy atmosphere. The primary way to light your shelter is by crafting and placing light sources such as campfires, torches, and later, more advanced options like sconces and braziers. Each light source has its own requirements and benefits, so understanding how to use them effectively is key.\n\nTo start, the most basic light source is the campfire. Crafting a campfire requires 5 wood and 2 stone, which are easily gathered from the Meadows biome. Place the campfire inside your shelter, but ensure it has enough space and ventilation. Campfires provide warmth and light, but they also produce smoke, so leaving a hole in the roof or an open chimney is necessary to avoid suffocation. Campfires are ideal for early-game shelters and can be used for cooking food as well.\n\nTorches are another early-game lighting option. Crafting a torch requires 1 wood and 1 resin. Resin is obtained by defeating Greylings or breaking down Greydwarf nests in the Black Forest biome. Torches can be placed on walls or held in your hand, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor lighting. However, torches burn out over time and need to be refueled with additional resin. To avoid frequent maintenance, consider placing multiple torches around your shelter and keeping extra resin in a nearby chest.\n\nAs you progress, you can unlock more advanced lighting options like sconces and braziers. Sconces require 4 fine wood and 1 resin to craft. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Sconces provide a brighter and more permanent light source compared to torches, and they can be mounted on walls for a cleaner look. Braziers, on the other hand, require 5 iron and 2 coal. Iron is mined from muddy scrap piles in the Swamp biome, while coal is obtained by burning wood in a charcoal kiln. Braziers are larger and provide a significant amount of light, making them ideal for spacious shelters or outdoor areas.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing fuel for light sources. Campfires and torches require constant refueling, which can be tedious. To mitigate this, consider using sconces or braziers, as they do not require fuel and provide consistent light. Additionally, placing light sources strategically can reduce the number needed. For example, placing a campfire in the center of a room or a brazier near the entrance can illuminate a large area without requiring multiple light sources.\n\nAnother tip is to use natural light during the day. Building windows or open sections in your shelter can allow sunlight to enter, reducing the need for artificial light. However, at night, ensure your shelter is well-lit to prevent hostile creatures from spawning nearby. Light sources also deter certain enemies, making your shelter safer.\n\nIn summary, lighting your shelter in Valheim involves choosing the right light source for your needs and managing resources effectively. Start with campfires and torches, then upgrade to sconces and braziers as you progress. Plan your shelter''s layout to maximize light coverage and minimize fuel consumption. With these tips, your shelter will be both functional and inviting, no matter the time of day.