What’s the best way to prepare for a raid event in your base?

Preparing for a raid event in Valheim requires strategic planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of game mechanics. Raids are triggered by specific events, such as defeating bosses or spending time in your base, and they involve waves of enemies attacking your settlement. To survive these events, you need to fortify your base, stockpile resources, and equip yourself with the best gear available.\n\nFirst, focus on base defense. Build a sturdy perimeter wall using stone or reinforced wood, as these materials are more resistant to enemy attacks compared to basic wood. Stone walls require stone and a stonecutter, which is unlocked after defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Reinforced wood walls require core wood, which is obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest biome. Ensure your walls are at least two layers thick to withstand stronger enemies like trolls.\n\nNext, create a moat or trench around your base. Digging a deep trench with a pickaxe prevents ground-based enemies from reaching your walls. This is especially effective against trolls, who can deal massive damage to structures. Combine this with raised earth walls using the hoe for added protection. These earth walls are indestructible and can be built early in the game, making them a cost-effective solution for new players.\n\nPlace defensive structures like stake walls and ballistae strategically. Stake walls are unlocked with core wood and can be placed outside your main walls to slow down enemies. Ballistae, unlocked after defeating Moder in the Mountains biome, are automated turrets that fire bolts at incoming enemies. Place them on elevated platforms for maximum coverage. However, be cautious, as ballistae can accidentally target you or your allies.\n\nStockpile essential resources before a raid. Ensure you have plenty of food, arrows, and healing items like meads. Cooked meat, berries, and honey are great early-game options, while sausages, turnip stew, and serpent stew provide better stats for mid-to-late game raids. Craft a fermenter to make healing meads, which restore health over time, and stamina meads to keep your energy high during combat.\n\nEquip yourself with the best gear for your current progression. For early-game raids, a bronze buckler and bronze atgeir are excellent choices, as they provide strong defense and crowd control. Mid-game players should aim for iron armor and weapons, while end-game players should use padded armor and black metal weapons. Always carry a bow and plenty of arrows, as ranged combat is crucial for dealing with flying enemies like drakes.\n\nFinally, prepare for specific raid types. For example, the Forest is Moving raid spawns greydwarves and trolls, so focus on fire arrows and blunt weapons. The Ground is Shaking raid spawns trolls, so prioritize ballistae and trenches. The You Are Being Hunted raid spawns wolves, so ensure your walls are high enough to prevent them from jumping over. Knowing the enemy types allows you to tailor your defenses and combat strategy.\n\nIn summary, preparing for a raid in Valheim involves building strong defenses, stockpiling resources, and equipping the best gear. Use stone or reinforced wood walls, dig trenches, and place defensive structures strategically. Stockpile food and healing items, and tailor your gear to the raid type. With these steps, you can protect your base and survive even the toughest raids.\n\nPractical tip: Always keep a portal nearby for quick escapes or resource runs during a raid. Name it something like Emergency or Backup so you can find it easily in a pinch.