What’s the best way to use wooden platforms for ranged combat in forts?

Using wooden platforms for ranged combat in Valheim forts is an effective strategy to defend against enemies while maintaining a safe distance. Wooden platforms are versatile structures that can be built at various heights and angles, allowing players to create elevated positions for archery or other ranged attacks. To get started, you’ll need a workbench, wood (gathered from trees in the Meadows or Black Forest), and a hammer. Crafting wooden platforms requires 1 wood per piece, making them an affordable and accessible option for early-game fortifications.\n\nWhen designing your fort, consider the terrain and biome. In the Meadows, flat areas are ideal for building, but in the Black Forest or Mountains, you may need to adapt to uneven ground. Use the hoe to level the terrain if necessary, ensuring your platforms are stable and accessible. Place wooden platforms at strategic points around your fort, such as near walls or overlooking choke points where enemies are likely to approach. This allows you to rain arrows or throw spears from a safe vantage point.\n\nTo maximize the effectiveness of wooden platforms, build them at least two meters above ground level. This height prevents most melee enemies, like Greylings or Skeletons, from reaching you while giving you a clear line of sight. For added safety, surround the base of your platforms with walls or spikes to deter enemies from climbing or attacking the structure. You can also connect platforms with wooden stairs or ladders for quick access during combat.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with flying enemies, such as Drakes in the Mountains or Deathsquitos in the Plains. To counter these threats, build roofs or overhangs above your platforms. This provides cover while still allowing you to shoot downward. Additionally, consider placing campfires or braziers near your platforms to provide warmth and light, which can deter certain enemies and improve visibility during nighttime raids.\n\nFor advanced players, combining wooden platforms with other defensive structures can create a formidable fort. For example, use stake walls or stone walls to funnel enemies into kill zones, where you can attack them from above. In the Plains biome, where Fulings and Lox pose significant threats, elevated platforms with reinforced walls and ballistae can turn the tide of battle. Always keep a stockpile of arrows, as ranged combat relies heavily on ammunition.\n\nFinally, practice your aim and positioning. Ranged combat requires precision, especially when dealing with fast-moving enemies. Use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind trees or rocks while shooting from your platform. If your fort is under siege, prioritize high-value targets like Trolls or Fuling Berserkers to minimize damage to your structures.\n\nIn summary, wooden platforms are a cost-effective and versatile tool for ranged combat in Valheim. By strategically placing them at elevated positions, reinforcing their bases, and adapting to biome-specific threats, you can create a defensible fort that keeps you safe while dealing significant damage to enemies. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced Viking, mastering the use of wooden platforms will greatly enhance your survival and combat efficiency.