What are the best building materials for a multiplayer base?

Building a multiplayer base in Valheim requires careful consideration of materials, biome location, and defense strategies. The best building materials for a multiplayer base depend on the stage of the game, biome accessibility, and the level of protection needed. Early-game players should focus on wood and core wood, while mid-to-late-game players can upgrade to stone, iron, and black marble for durability and aesthetics.\n\nIn the early game, wood is the most accessible material, found in the Meadows biome. Players can gather wood by chopping down trees with a stone axe. Core wood, obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest, is stronger and ideal for structural support. These materials are easy to acquire but lack durability against enemy raids. To mitigate this, players should build a perimeter fence or stakewall to protect their base from Greylings and other early-game threats.\n\nAs players progress, stone becomes a critical material for base construction. Stone is mined from large boulders in the Meadows or Black Forest using a pickaxe. Stone structures are highly durable and resistant to most early-game enemies. Combining stone with wood beams or core wood supports can create a sturdy and visually appealing base. For example, a stone foundation with wooden walls and a thatched roof is a common design for mid-game bases.\n\nIron is another essential material for multiplayer bases, especially for crafting reinforced doors and gates. Iron is obtained by smelting scrap iron from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome. Reinforced iron gates provide excellent defense against trolls and other strong enemies. Additionally, iron can be used to craft stonecutters, which unlock advanced stone building pieces like arches and pillars for more intricate designs.\n\nIn the late game, black marble from the Mistlands biome becomes the ultimate building material. Black marble is incredibly durable and resistant to all enemy types, making it ideal for high-level multiplayer bases. However, acquiring black marble requires defeating powerful enemies and navigating the dangerous Mistlands biome. Players should prioritize upgrading their gear and weapons before attempting to gather this resource.\n\nWhen building a multiplayer base, consider the biome location carefully. The Meadows is the safest biome for beginners, while the Plains or Mistlands offer more resources but come with greater risks. For example, a Plains base provides access to barley and flax for advanced crafting but requires strong defenses against Fulings and Deathsquitos. Players should also ensure their base has ample space for crafting stations, storage, and player housing to accommodate multiple Vikings.\n\nTo optimize base defense, incorporate raised earth walls or moats around the perimeter. These structures are nearly indestructible and can prevent enemies from breaching the base. Additionally, place workbenches or other crafting stations throughout the base to prevent enemy spawns inside the walls. For added security, use wards to restrict access to specific areas, ensuring only trusted players can interact with valuable resources.\n\nFinally, consider the aesthetic and functional aspects of your base. Use a mix of materials to create a visually appealing structure while maintaining durability. For example, combine black marble walls with darkwood roofs for a sleek, high-end look. Include functional elements like portals for quick travel, smelters for resource processing, and farms for sustainable food production.\n\nIn summary, the best building materials for a multiplayer base depend on your progression and biome location. Start with wood and core wood, upgrade to stone and iron, and eventually incorporate black marble for maximum durability. Prioritize defense, functionality, and aesthetics to create a base that can withstand enemy raids and support your Viking crew.