What is the best early-game shield for blocking Troll attacks?

The best early-game shield for blocking Troll attacks in Valheim is the Bronze Buckler. This shield is highly effective due to its high block power and parry bonus, making it ideal for countering the heavy hits from Trolls. To craft the Bronze Buckler, you will need to progress through the early stages of the game, gather specific resources, and unlock the necessary crafting station.\n\nFirst, you must defeat Eikthyr, the first boss, to obtain Hard Antlers. These are required to craft the Antler Pickaxe, which allows you to mine Copper and Tin in the Black Forest biome. Copper and Tin are essential for crafting Bronze, the material needed for the Bronze Buckler. Once you have the Antler Pickaxe, head to the Black Forest and locate Copper deposits (large, greenish rocks) and Tin deposits (small, shiny rocks near water). Mine these resources and smelt them in a Smelter to create Bronze Bars.\n\nNext, you need to build a Forge, which is the crafting station required to make the Bronze Buckler. The Forge requires 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. Once the Forge is built, you can craft the Bronze Buckler using 10 Bronze and 4 Wood. The Bronze Buckler has a block power of 45 and a parry bonus of 2x, making it one of the best early-game shields for mitigating damage from Trolls.\n\nWhen facing a Troll, timing is crucial. Trolls have slow but powerful attacks, so you need to block or parry at the right moment. Parrying is especially effective with the Bronze Buckler because of its high parry bonus. To parry, hold the block button and press it again just as the Troll''s attack is about to land. If timed correctly, the Troll will be staggered, leaving it vulnerable to counterattacks. This strategy allows you to deal significant damage while minimizing the risk of taking hits.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is running out of stamina during a fight with a Troll. To avoid this, make sure to manage your stamina by not sprinting unnecessarily and taking breaks between attacks. Eating high-stamina foods like Honey, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam before the fight can also help. Additionally, always have a backup plan, such as a nearby tree or rock to hide behind if you need to recover stamina or health.\n\nIn summary, the Bronze Buckler is the best early-game shield for blocking Troll attacks due to its high block power and parry bonus. To craft it, you need to mine Copper and Tin in the Black Forest, smelt them into Bronze Bars, and build a Forge. Use parrying to stagger Trolls and manage your stamina effectively during fights. With these strategies, you''ll be well-equipped to handle Trolls and progress further in Valheim.