What is the best way to defend your shelter during a Troll raid?

Defending your shelter during a Troll raid in Valheim requires preparation, strategy, and understanding of game mechanics. Trolls are one of the most dangerous early-game enemies, capable of dealing massive damage to both players and structures. Their attacks can destroy walls, roofs, and other building components in seconds, making it crucial to fortify your base and plan your defense carefully.\n\nFirst, prioritize building a sturdy shelter with defensive features. Use core wood and stone for walls, as these materials are more resistant to Troll attacks compared to basic wood. Stone structures, in particular, are highly durable and can withstand multiple hits. If you haven''t unlocked stone building yet, focus on upgrading your workbench and crafting a stonecutter to access these materials. Additionally, create a moat or trench around your base. Trolls cannot cross deep water or steep drops, so digging a wide trench around your shelter will prevent them from reaching your structures.\n\nNext, consider the layout of your base. Avoid placing valuable items like workbenches, chests, or crafting stations near the outer walls. Trolls can destroy these items if they breach your defenses. Instead, keep them in the center of your base, surrounded by multiple layers of walls. This creates a buffer zone that gives you time to react during a raid. If you''re in the Black Forest biome, where Trolls are common, build your shelter on elevated terrain or near natural barriers like large rocks or cliffs to limit their approach paths.\n\nDuring a Troll raid, your primary goal is to lure the Trolls away from your structures. Equip a bow and arrows, as ranged combat is the safest way to deal with Trolls. Kite them around your base, keeping a safe distance while landing shots. Fire arrows are particularly effective, as they deal additional damage over time. If you''re confident in your melee skills, use a shield to block their attacks and counter with a weapon like a bronze axe or spear. However, avoid engaging in close combat unless necessary, as Trolls can quickly overwhelm you.\n\nIf your base is under attack, focus on protecting your workbench and other essential structures. Repair any damaged walls or doors immediately using a hammer and the required materials. Keep a stockpile of wood, stone, and core wood nearby for quick repairs. If a Troll manages to breach your defenses, retreat to a safe area and continue attacking from a distance. Remember, Trolls have a slow attack animation, so you can dodge their strikes by rolling or sidestepping.\n\nFor long-term defense, consider building defensive structures like stake walls or spike traps. Stake walls are made from core wood and provide a strong barrier against Trolls. Spike traps, crafted with wood and resin, can be placed around your base to deal damage to enemies that get too close. Additionally, tame and breed wolves in the Mountains biome to create a pack of loyal defenders. Wolves are aggressive towards enemies and can help fend off Trolls during raids.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for a raid by keeping your gear in good condition. Repair your weapons and armor before venturing out, and stock up on healing items like cooked meat or berries. If you''re caught off guard during a raid, prioritize survival over defending your base. It''s better to lose some structures than to respawn far away and risk losing your items.\n\nIn summary, defending your shelter during a Troll raid involves building durable structures, creating natural barriers, and using ranged combat to your advantage. By preparing in advance and staying calm during the raid, you can protect your base and emerge victorious.