What’s the best way to position defensive structures around a smelting area?

Positioning defensive structures around a smelting area in Valheim is crucial to protect your valuable resources and equipment from enemy raids. Smelting areas are often targeted by Greydwarfs, Trolls, and other hostile creatures, especially during events like the Forest is Moving. To create a defensible smelting area, you need to consider terrain, building materials, and strategic placement of walls, gates, and defensive structures.\n\nFirst, choose a location for your smelting area that is naturally defensible. Look for areas with natural barriers like cliffs, water, or large rocks. These features can limit enemy access and reduce the number of directions you need to defend. If you''re in the Meadows biome, consider building near the coast or on a hill. In the Black Forest, use the dense trees to your advantage by clearing a small area and using the remaining trees as natural walls.\n\nNext, build a perimeter wall around your smelting area. Use core wood or stone for durability, as these materials can withstand attacks from Trolls and other strong enemies. Start by placing a wooden stake wall or stone wall around the perimeter, ensuring it is at least two layers thick for added protection. Leave enough space inside the walls for your smelters, kilns, and storage chests, but avoid making the area too large, as this can make it harder to defend.\n\nIncorporate gates into your perimeter wall for easy access. Use reinforced gates made from iron or core wood to ensure they can withstand attacks. Place these gates strategically, preferably on the side facing your main base or a safe area. Avoid placing gates near dense forests or spawn points for enemies, as this can make them vulnerable to ambushes.\n\nAdd defensive structures like spike traps, ballistae, or raised platforms for archers. Spike traps can be placed along the outer walls to damage enemies as they approach. Ballistae, unlocked later in the game, can be placed on elevated platforms to target enemies from a distance. If you''re in the early game, consider building raised platforms with stairs for archers to shoot down at enemies. These platforms should be positioned at key points around the perimeter to provide clear lines of sight.\n\nLighting is another important factor. Place torches or standing braziers around the smelting area to deter Greydwarfs and other creatures that fear fire. This is especially useful in the Black Forest biome, where Greydwarfs are common. Additionally, lighting helps you see enemies at night, giving you more time to react.\n\nFinally, consider adding a moat or trench around your smelting area for extra protection. Digging a trench with a pickaxe creates a barrier that most enemies cannot cross, forcing them to take a longer path or giving you more time to prepare for an attack. Combine this with walls and defensive structures for maximum effectiveness.\n\nBy following these steps, you can create a secure smelting area that protects your resources and equipment from enemy raids. Remember to adapt your design based on the biome you''re in and the materials available to you. With careful planning and strategic placement, your smelting area will be a fortress that even the toughest enemies will struggle to breach.