How can you protect your base from raids and enemy attacks?

Protecting your base from raids and enemy attacks in Valheim is essential for survival, especially as you progress and attract stronger foes. Raids are triggered by specific events, such as defeating bosses or spending time in your base. Enemies will spawn nearby and attempt to destroy your structures, so preparation is key.\n\nFirst, build a sturdy perimeter wall around your base. Use core wood or stone for durability, as these materials can withstand more damage than basic wood. Core wood is obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest biome, while stone is gathered from rocks found in most biomes. For maximum protection, upgrade your walls to their highest tier using a workbench and the required materials.\n\nNext, create a moat or trench around your base. Digging a deep trench with a pickaxe prevents enemies from reaching your walls, as they cannot jump or climb. This is particularly effective against ground-based enemies like trolls. Ensure the trench is wide enough to stop enemies from attacking your walls from a distance. Combine this with raised earth walls using the hoe for added defense.\n\nPlace defensive structures like stake walls or spikes around your perimeter. These can be crafted using wood and placed strategically to slow down or damage enemies. Additionally, build watchtowers equipped with bows and arrows to snipe incoming threats from a safe distance. This is especially useful during raids when enemies swarm your base.\n\nLighting is another critical factor. Place torches or campfires around your base to deter nocturnal enemies like Greydwarfs. Enemies are less likely to spawn in well-lit areas, reducing the risk of surprise attacks. Use resin from Greydwarfs or coal from kilns to keep your fires burning.\n\nFor advanced protection, unlock and craft the iron gate and iron-reinforced doors. These require iron bars, which are smelted from scrap iron found in the Swamp biome. Iron structures are significantly stronger and can withstand heavy attacks from trolls and other powerful enemies.\n\nFinally, consider building a secondary base or outpost. This can serve as a fallback point if your main base is overwhelmed. Stock it with essential supplies like food, weapons, and crafting stations. This strategy is particularly useful for new players who may not have fully fortified their primary base yet.\n\nIn summary, protecting your base in Valheim requires a combination of sturdy walls, moats, defensive structures, lighting, and advanced materials. By following these steps, you can create a secure haven that withstands even the toughest raids. Always stay vigilant and adapt your defenses as you progress through the game.