How do I create a moat or trench to protect my base from enemy attacks?

Creating a moat or trench in Valheim is one of the most effective ways to protect your base from enemy attacks, especially during raids or when dealing with aggressive creatures like Trolls or Fulings. A moat acts as a physical barrier, preventing enemies from reaching your structures while giving you a safe zone to defend from. This guide will walk you through the process, including game mechanics, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips.\n\nTo start, you’ll need a pickaxe, which is crafted using wood and stone. The Antler Pickaxe, obtained by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss, is a great early-game option. Later, you can upgrade to the Bronze or Iron Pickaxe for faster digging. Choose a location for your moat, ideally surrounding your base entirely or focusing on vulnerable areas like entrances. The moat should be at least 4-5 meters wide and deep to prevent enemies from jumping or climbing over it.\n\nBegin digging by equipping your pickaxe and targeting the ground. Hold the attack button to mine the terrain, creating a trench. The game’s terrain deformation system allows you to shape the land, but be mindful of the terrain’s natural elevation. If the ground is too high, you may need to dig deeper to create a steep drop. Conversely, if the ground is too low, you might need to raise it slightly using the Hoe tool to ensure the moat is effective.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with waterlogged areas, especially in biomes like the Meadows or Black Forest. If your moat fills with water, it can slow down enemies but may also make it harder for you to navigate. To avoid this, dig your moat slightly uphill or in areas where water won’t naturally flow. Alternatively, embrace the water and create a moat that doubles as a defensive canal, forcing enemies to swim while you attack them from above.\n\nFor added protection, consider combining your moat with other defensive structures like stake walls or raised earth walls. Stake walls can be placed along the inner edge of the moat to prevent enemies from climbing out if they somehow make it across. Raised earth walls, created using the Hoe, can be built on the outer edge of the moat to further deter enemies. This layered defense strategy is particularly useful in biomes like the Plains, where Fulings and Lox pose significant threats.\n\nFinally, remember that moats require maintenance. Over time, you may need to expand or deepen your trench as new threats emerge. Additionally, ensure your moat doesn’t interfere with your base’s functionality, such as blocking access to resources or creating unnecessary obstacles for your own movement. With proper planning and execution, a well-designed moat can make your base nearly impenetrable, giving you peace of mind to focus on exploration and crafting.\n\nPractical tips: Always test your moat’s effectiveness by luring enemies toward it. If they can’t cross, you’ve done it right. Use the Hoe’s leveling feature to smooth out uneven terrain around the moat for a cleaner look. And don’t forget to light up the area with torches or campfires to prevent spawns inside your base.