What is the best way to deal with Greydwarfs while building a base?

Greydwarfs are one of the most common early-game enemies in Valheim, and they can be a nuisance when building a base, especially in the Black Forest biome. These creatures are drawn to player activity, including construction, and will often swarm your building site. To effectively deal with them, you need a combination of defensive strategies, tools, and game mechanics knowledge.\n\nFirst, prioritize building a perimeter defense around your base. Use wooden stakes or a simple wooden wall to create a barrier. Greydwarfs are melee attackers and cannot climb or break through walls easily, so a basic fence will keep them at bay. If you have access to stone, upgrading to stone walls later will provide even better protection. Place workbenches around your base to prevent Greydwarfs from spawning too close to your construction site.\n\nLighting is another critical factor. Greydwarfs are afraid of fire, so placing campfires or torches around your base will deter them. This is especially useful at night when Greydwarfs are more aggressive. If you’re building in the Black Forest, consider placing torches along pathways and near your walls to create a safe zone. Additionally, crafting a standing brazier or sconce can provide a more permanent light source.\n\nWhen building, always keep a weapon handy. A basic wooden club or flint spear is sufficient for dealing with Greydwarfs early on. If you’re further along in the game, a bronze axe or sword will make quick work of them. Greydwarfs often attack in groups, so use kiting tactics to draw them away from your base and fight them one at a time. Dodging their attacks and countering with a quick strike is an effective combat strategy.\n\nIf you’re building in a high-traffic area, consider setting up traps. Digging trenches around your base can slow down Greydwarfs and give you time to react. You can also place spike traps or use the terrain to your advantage by building on elevated ground. This makes it harder for Greydwarfs to reach you and gives you a clear line of sight to attack them from above.\n\nFor long-term solutions, tame wolves or build a moat around your base. Wolves are excellent at defending against Greydwarfs and can be tamed using raw meat. A moat filled with water or left empty will act as a natural barrier, preventing Greydwarfs from reaching your base entirely. This requires some effort but is highly effective in the long run.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for raids. Greydwarfs can trigger events like The Forest is Moving, where waves of enemies attack your base. Keep your weapons repaired, stockpile arrows, and have healing items like cooked meat or berries ready. Building a small outpost with a bed and storage can also help you respawn nearby if things go wrong.\n\nIn summary, dealing with Greydwarfs while building a base requires a mix of defensive structures, lighting, combat readiness, and strategic planning. By using walls, fire, traps, and terrain to your advantage, you can create a safe and secure base in Valheim.