What’s the best way to use wooden walls for early-game fort defense?

In Valheim, early-game fort defense is crucial for survival, especially when you''re still gathering resources and building your base. Wooden walls are one of the first defensive structures you can craft, and they are essential for protecting your base from hostile creatures like Greylings, Greydwarves, and even the occasional Troll. To maximize their effectiveness, you need to understand game mechanics like structural integrity, enemy behavior, and proper placement.\n\nFirst, gather the necessary materials to craft wooden walls. You''ll need wood, which can be obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome. Use a workbench to craft basic wooden walls, which are unlocked early in the game. Place the workbench near your construction site to ensure you can build and repair structures efficiently. Remember that wooden walls are flammable, so avoid placing them too close to open flames like campfires or torches.\n\nWhen building your fort, start by creating a perimeter wall around your base. Use the stakewall variant for better durability, as it has more health than regular wooden walls. Stakewalls require core wood, which is obtained by chopping down pine trees in the Black Forest biome. If you haven''t ventured into the Black Forest yet, regular wooden walls will suffice temporarily. Make sure your walls are at least two layers thick to prevent enemies from breaking through too quickly.\n\nEnemy AI in Valheim is designed to target the weakest point in your defenses. To counter this, create a raised earth wall or moat around your perimeter. Use a hoe to raise the ground, creating an impassable barrier for most enemies. This is especially useful against Trolls, who can easily destroy wooden walls with their attacks. Combine raised earth walls with wooden walls for a layered defense system that slows down and weakens enemies before they reach your base.\n\nAnother key strategy is to build a gatehouse or entrance with a narrow pathway. This funnels enemies into a controlled area where you can defend more effectively. Place defensive structures like spike traps or campfires along the pathway to deal damage over time. You can also build a small tower or platform near the entrance to attack enemies from above using a bow or spear.\n\nLighting is another important factor in early-game defense. Place torches or campfires around your walls to deter Greydwarves, who are afraid of fire. This reduces the likelihood of them attacking your walls directly. Additionally, ensure your base is well-lit to prevent surprise attacks during the night.\n\nFinally, always have a repair hammer ready to fix damaged walls after an attack. Wooden walls are relatively easy to repair, but neglecting damage can leave your base vulnerable. Keep a stockpile of wood and core wood nearby to quickly rebuild or reinforce your defenses.\n\nIn summary, early-game fort defense in Valheim relies on smart placement, layered defenses, and understanding enemy behavior. Use wooden walls in combination with raised earth walls, gates, and lighting to create a secure base. Prioritize gathering core wood for stakewalls and always be prepared to repair and upgrade your defenses as you progress. With these strategies, you''ll be well-equipped to handle early-game threats and build a strong foundation for your Viking adventures.