How can I use raised earth walls to protect my base from raids?

Raised earth walls are one of the most effective and resource-efficient ways to protect your base from raids in Valheim. Unlike wooden walls, which can be destroyed by enemies like Trolls, raised earth walls are indestructible and require no maintenance. To create these walls, you will need a Hoe, which can be crafted using 5 Wood and 2 Stone at a Workbench. The Hoe allows you to raise or level the ground, making it a versatile tool for base defense.\n\nTo start building raised earth walls, first, identify the perimeter of your base where you want to create the barrier. Use the Hoe to raise the ground along this perimeter. Each use of the Hoe consumes 2 Stone, so ensure you have a sufficient supply. Stone can be gathered by mining rocks in the Meadows, Black Forest, or Mountains biomes. The raised earth walls should be at least two layers high to prevent most enemies from climbing over them.\n\nOne common challenge is ensuring the walls are tall enough to block larger enemies like Trolls. To address this, you can stack multiple layers of raised earth. For example, raise the ground once, then move slightly forward and raise it again to create a steep slope. This creates a taller barrier that is nearly impossible for enemies to scale. Additionally, you can combine raised earth walls with trenches for added protection. Dig a trench in front of the wall using the Pickaxe to create a moat-like effect, further deterring enemies.\n\nAnother practical tip is to incorporate gates or openings in your raised earth walls for easy access. Use wooden gates or bridges to cross over the walls or trenches, but ensure these structures are reinforced with additional defenses like spike traps or ballistae. This way, you can maintain mobility while keeping your base secure. For example, in the Plains biome, where Fuling raids are common, combining raised earth walls with defensive structures like stake walls can provide layered protection.\n\nGame mechanics play a significant role in the effectiveness of raised earth walls. Enemies in Valheim cannot destroy terrain, making these walls a permanent solution. However, they can still spawn inside your base if the area is too large. To prevent this, ensure your walls enclose a manageable area and use Workbenches or other player-made structures to block enemy spawns. Place these structures strategically around your base to cover the entire enclosed area.\n\nFor new players, raised earth walls are an excellent early-game defense option since they require minimal resources compared to stone walls. Experienced players can enhance these walls by integrating them into larger fort designs, such as combining them with stone towers or elevated platforms for archers. In biomes like the Swamp or Mountains, where terrain is uneven, raised earth walls can help level the ground and create a more defensible area.\n\nIn conclusion, raised earth walls are a reliable and cost-effective way to protect your base from raids in Valheim. By using the Hoe to raise the ground, stacking layers for height, and combining walls with trenches or gates, you can create a nearly impenetrable defense. Remember to gather enough Stone and plan your base layout carefully to maximize the effectiveness of your walls. With these strategies, you can defend your base against even the toughest raids and ensure your survival in the harsh world of Valheim.