What are the best strategies for exploring the Plains biome at night?

Exploring the Plains biome at night in Valheim is one of the most dangerous activities in the game, but with the right strategies, you can survive and thrive. The Plains biome is home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox, which are even more dangerous in the dark. To prepare, ensure you have the best gear available, including fully upgraded padded armor, a black metal shield, and a strong weapon like a black metal sword or atgeir. Food is also critical—bring high-stamina and high-health foods like serpent stew, bread, and lox meat pie to sustain yourself during combat and exploration.\n\nBefore venturing into the Plains at night, scout the area during the day to identify key locations such as Fuling villages, tar pits, and Lox herds. This will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations and plan your route. Use the hoe to level the ground and create paths, making it easier to move quickly and avoid getting stuck in uneven terrain. Additionally, set up a small outpost near the Plains biome with a portal, bed, and storage chests. This will serve as a safe respawn point and allow you to restock supplies if needed.\n\nWhen exploring at night, stealth is your best friend. Crouch to reduce your visibility and avoid drawing the attention of Fulings and Deathsquitos. Use the bow to take out enemies from a distance, especially Deathsquitos, which can be one-shot with a well-placed arrow. If you encounter a Fuling village, approach cautiously and pick off enemies one by one. Avoid engaging large groups unless you are confident in your combat skills. Lox can be avoided by staying at a distance, as they are less aggressive unless provoked.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges in the Plains at night is the lack of visibility. To counter this, craft and carry a torch or wear a Dverger circlet, which provides constant light without occupying your hands. This will help you spot enemies and navigate the terrain more effectively. If you are overwhelmed, retreat to a safe area and use the terrain to your advantage. For example, jumping onto large rocks or boulders can give you a temporary safe spot to recover health and stamina.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads in your hotbar to quickly address emergencies. If you die, use your portal to return to your outpost and retrieve your items during the day when it is safer. By following these strategies, you can successfully explore the Plains biome at night and gather valuable resources like black metal, barley, and cloudberries.\n\nPractical tips: Always have a backup plan, such as a portal to escape quickly. Avoid unnecessary risks, and remember that running away is sometimes the best option. With patience and preparation, the Plains biome at night can be conquered.