What’s the best armor set for early-game survival in a no-death run?

In a no-death run of Valheim, early-game survival is critical, and choosing the right armor set can make or break your journey. The best armor set for early-game survival is the **Troll Armor**, which provides a balance of defense, mobility, and stealth. Unlike heavier armor sets like Bronze or Iron, Troll Armor does not slow you down, making it ideal for avoiding damage and escaping dangerous situations. This is especially important in a no-death run, where every hit you take could be your last.\n\nTo craft Troll Armor, you’ll need Troll Hide, which is obtained by defeating Trolls in the Black Forest biome. Trolls are large, slow-moving enemies that deal heavy damage but are relatively easy to kite and avoid. Use a bow and arrows to take them down from a distance, as melee combat is risky early on. Each Troll drops 5 Troll Hide, and you’ll need 15 hides to craft the full set (5 for the chest, 5 for the legs, and 5 for the helmet).\n\nTroll Armor also provides a stealth bonus, which is invaluable for avoiding unnecessary fights. In the early game, you’ll encounter dangerous enemies like Greydwarf Brutes, Skeletons, and even the occasional Troll. The stealth bonus allows you to sneak past these threats or set up ambushes, reducing the risk of taking damage. This is particularly useful in the Black Forest, where enemies often spawn in groups.\n\nAnother advantage of Troll Armor is its low crafting cost. Unlike Bronze or Iron Armor, which require mining and smelting, Troll Armor only requires Troll Hide and a Workbench. This saves valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on exploration and preparation for tougher biomes. Additionally, Troll Armor has no movement speed penalty, which is crucial for evading enemies and traversing the map quickly.\n\nTo maximize your survival chances, pair Troll Armor with a strong shield, such as the Wood Shield or Bronze Buckler. Shields are essential for blocking attacks and reducing damage, especially when facing tougher enemies. Practice parrying with your shield, as a well-timed parry can stagger enemies and give you an opening to counterattack. This is particularly effective against Trolls and Greydwarf Brutes.\n\nFinally, always carry healing items like Cooked Meat, Berries, and Honey. These provide quick health regeneration and can save your life in a pinch. Avoid unnecessary risks, such as exploring at night or venturing into biomes like the Swamp or Mountains before you’re adequately prepared. Stick to the Meadows and Black Forest until you’ve upgraded your gear and skills.\n\nIn summary, Troll Armor is the best early-game armor for a no-death run due to its balance of defense, mobility, and stealth. Focus on kiting Trolls with a bow, crafting the full set, and pairing it with a shield for maximum survivability. Always prioritize avoiding damage over dealing it, and carry plenty of healing items to stay alive in dangerous situations.