How do you build a functional fence around your shelter in Valheim?

Building a functional fence around your shelter in Valheim is essential for protecting your base from hostile creatures and creating a safe zone for crafting, storage, and rest. Fences act as a barrier to keep out enemies like Greylings, Boars, and even Trolls, while also defining the boundaries of your property. To build a fence, you’ll need to gather specific materials, unlock the necessary crafting recipes, and understand the game’s building mechanics.\n\nFirst, you’ll need to gather wood, which is the primary material for building fences. Wood can be obtained by chopping down trees using a Stone Axe or better. Early in the game, you’ll likely start with a Stone Axe, which is crafted using 5 Wood and 4 Stone. Once you’ve gathered enough wood, you’ll need to unlock the fence recipe. This is done by crafting a Workbench, which requires 10 Wood. Place the Workbench near your shelter, as it’s required for building most structures, including fences.\n\nTo craft a basic fence, you’ll need to unlock the recipe by interacting with the Workbench. Open the crafting menu and look for the fence option. The basic fence requires 1 Wood per section. Once you’ve crafted the fence pieces, you can start placing them around your shelter. To place a fence, equip it from your inventory and left-click to position it. Fences snap together, making it easy to create a continuous barrier. However, you’ll need to ensure the ground is level, as uneven terrain can make placement difficult.\n\nOne common challenge when building fences is dealing with uneven terrain or obstacles like rocks and trees. To address this, you can use the Hoe tool to level the ground. The Hoe requires 5 Wood and 2 Stone to craft. Use it to flatten the area where you plan to build your fence. If you encounter large rocks or trees, you can either remove them with a Pickaxe or incorporate them into your fence design for a more natural look.\n\nFor added security, consider upgrading to a stronger fence type, such as the Stakewall. Stakewalls are more durable and provide better protection against stronger enemies. To craft a Stakewall, you’ll need 4 Wood per section. Stakewalls are particularly useful in biomes like the Black Forest, where enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls pose a greater threat. Additionally, you can add gates to your fence for easy access. Gates require 4 Wood and can be placed by leaving a gap in your fence and snapping the gate into place.\n\nWhen building fences, it’s important to consider the size of your shelter and the area you want to protect. A smaller enclosure is easier to defend but may limit your ability to expand later. On the other hand, a larger fence provides more space for future buildings and farming but requires more resources to construct. Plan your fence layout carefully, keeping in mind the location of your Workbench, storage chests, and other essential structures.\n\nFinally, remember to repair your fences regularly. Fences can take damage from enemy attacks or environmental factors like falling trees. To repair a fence, stand near it with a Hammer equipped and select the repair option. This will restore the fence’s durability without requiring additional materials. By following these steps, you can build a functional and secure fence around your shelter, ensuring your survival in the harsh world of Valheim.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep a stockpile of wood for repairs and expansions. Use the Hoe to level terrain before building to avoid placement issues. Consider adding defensive structures like spike traps or watchtowers near your fence for extra protection. And don’t forget to light up your fenced area with torches or campfires to deter enemies and improve visibility at night.