How do I build a base that’s safe from serpent attacks near the ocean?

Building a base near the ocean in Valheim can be both rewarding and dangerous, especially due to serpent attacks. Serpents are hostile sea creatures that spawn in the Ocean biome during storms or at night. To create a safe coastal base, you need to understand their behavior and implement strategic defenses.\n\nFirst, choose a location carefully. Avoid building directly on the shoreline, as serpents can swim close to land. Instead, build on elevated terrain or a small island slightly inland. This reduces the risk of serpents reaching your base. If you must build near the water, ensure your structures are raised above the waterline using wooden beams or stone foundations.\n\nNext, construct defensive walls or barriers. Serpents cannot attack structures directly, but they can damage boats and players near the water. Build a perimeter wall using stone or wood to block their access. Stone walls are more durable and recommended for long-term safety. Additionally, consider placing workbenches or campfires around your base to prevent enemy spawns nearby.\n\nTo further protect your base, create a dock or boathouse for your ships. Serpents often target boats, so building a secure dock with walls or gates can shield your vessels. Use wooden gates to enclose the dock area, ensuring you can easily access your boats while keeping serpents out. If you’re in the late game, consider using iron gates for added durability.\n\nLighting is another key factor. Serpents are more likely to spawn in dark areas, so place torches or standing braziers around your base to illuminate the surrounding water. This not only deters serpents but also improves visibility during storms or at night.\n\nIf you’re still concerned about serpent attacks, consider building a moat or trench around your base. While this requires significant effort, it creates a physical barrier that serpents cannot cross. Digging a trench with a pickaxe and filling it with water can effectively isolate your base from the ocean.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for combat. Equip yourself with a strong bow, such as the Huntsman Bow or Draugr Fang, and plenty of arrows. Frost arrows are particularly effective against serpents due to their slowing effect. If a serpent does attack, lure it closer to shore and engage it from a safe distance. Avoid fighting in deep water, as swimming makes you vulnerable.\n\nBy combining these strategies, you can create a coastal base that is both functional and safe from serpent attacks. Remember to adapt your defenses as you progress through the game, upgrading materials and expanding your base as needed.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep an eye on the weather, as serpents are more active during storms. Use the Hoe tool to level terrain and create a stable foundation for your base. If you’re playing with friends, assign roles for base defense and resource management to streamline your efforts.