What’s the best way to deal with Necks near water in the Meadows?

Dealing with Necks near water in the Meadows biome is a common challenge for both new and experienced Valheim players. Necks are small, lizard-like creatures that are often found near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or the ocean. While they are not the most dangerous enemies in the game, they can be a nuisance, especially when you''re trying to gather resources or build near water. Understanding their behavior and using the right strategies will help you manage them effectively.\n\nNecks are relatively weak creatures, with low health and minimal damage output. However, they are fast and agile, making them harder to hit with melee weapons. They typically spawn in groups, so you may encounter multiple Necks at once. Their primary attack is a quick bite, which deals minor damage but can be annoying if you''re caught off guard. Necks are also known to drop Neck Tail, a valuable resource used in cooking recipes like Grilled Neck Tail, which provides a decent early-game food source.\n\nTo deal with Necks effectively, start by equipping a ranged weapon like a bow. Bows are particularly useful because they allow you to attack from a distance, minimizing the risk of taking damage. Craft a Crude Bow and some Wood Arrows early in the game, as these are easy to make and sufficient for dealing with Necks. Aim carefully and take your time to line up shots, as Necks move quickly and can be hard to hit. If you miss, they will often flee into the water, making them harder to target.\n\nIf you prefer melee combat, use a weapon with a fast attack speed, such as a Flint Knife or a Club. These weapons allow you to strike quickly and interrupt the Necks'' attacks. Approach them cautiously and try to lure them away from the water, as they are less dangerous on land. If you''re surrounded by multiple Necks, use a shield to block their attacks and create openings for counterattacks. The Wood Shield is a good early-game option that provides decent protection.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Necks are often found near water, so you can use the terrain to funnel them into a smaller area or trap them against obstacles. For example, you can position yourself on higher ground or behind rocks to limit their movement. This makes it easier to land hits and reduces the chances of being overwhelmed. Additionally, you can use fire to your advantage by crafting a Campfire or Torch. Necks are vulnerable to fire damage, and a well-placed Campfire can deter them from approaching.\n\nFor players who want to avoid combat altogether, consider building structures near water to keep Necks at bay. Fences, walls, or even simple wooden barriers can prevent them from reaching you while you work. If you''re gathering resources like Flint or fishing, bring a weapon just in case, but focus on completing your task quickly to minimize encounters. Necks are less likely to attack if you''re not in their immediate vicinity for too long.\n\nFinally, if you''re farming Necks for their drops, consider setting up a small base near a water source. This allows you to respawn nearby and continue hunting without losing progress. Use a Workbench to repair your weapons and craft additional arrows as needed. Over time, you''ll accumulate enough Neck Tails to sustain your food supply and progress further into the game.\n\nIn summary, dealing with Necks near water in the Meadows biome requires a combination of ranged and melee strategies, environmental awareness, and preparation. Use bows for safe, long-range attacks, fast melee weapons for close combat, and the terrain to your advantage. Building structures or using fire can also help manage their presence. With these tips, you''ll be able to handle Necks efficiently and focus on your survival and exploration in Valheim.