How can I use the Hammer tool to create defensive walls and spikes?

The Hammer tool in Valheim is one of the most versatile tools for building and defending your base. To create defensive walls and spikes, you first need to craft a Hammer using 3 Wood and 2 Stone. Once crafted, equip the Hammer and open the build menu by right-clicking. Navigate to the ''Crafting'' tab to find defensive structures like walls and spikes. These structures are essential for protecting your base from enemy raids, especially in biomes like the Black Forest or Plains where hostile creatures are more aggressive.\n\nTo build defensive walls, select the Wood Wall or Stone Wall option from the build menu. Wood Walls are easier to construct early in the game, requiring only Wood, while Stone Walls require Stone and are more durable. Place the walls by left-clicking, ensuring they are connected to form a continuous barrier around your base. For added protection, stagger the walls or create multiple layers to make it harder for enemies to breach your defenses. If you''re in a biome with frequent raids, such as the Meadows or Black Forest, consider upgrading to Stone Walls as soon as possible.\n\nSpikes are another excellent defensive tool that can be crafted using the Hammer. To build spikes, select the Wood Spike or Iron Spike option from the build menu. Wood Spikes require Wood, while Iron Spikes require Iron and are more effective. Place spikes along the perimeter of your walls or in choke points where enemies are likely to approach. Spikes deal damage to any creature that walks into them, making them a great deterrent for trolls, greydwarves, and other hostile mobs. Be strategic with their placement, as spikes can also damage you or your allies if not placed carefully.\n\nOne common challenge players face is resource management when building large defensive structures. To address this, gather materials in bulk by exploring nearby biomes. For example, the Black Forest is rich in Wood and Stone, while the Swamp biome provides Iron for stronger defenses. Use a Cart or Portal to transport resources efficiently. Additionally, consider building a workbench near your construction site to repair damaged walls or spikes without needing to dismantle them.\n\nAnother tip is to combine walls and spikes with other defensive measures, such as moats or raised earth walls. Digging a moat around your base using the Hoe tool can prevent enemies from reaching your walls altogether. Alternatively, use the Hoe to raise the ground and create natural barriers that are harder for enemies to climb. These methods are particularly useful in the Plains biome, where Fulings and Lox can pose a significant threat.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on the durability of your defensive structures. Walls and spikes can degrade over time, especially during raids. Use the Hammer to repair them by selecting the repair option and left-clicking on the damaged structure. This ensures your defenses remain strong and functional. By combining walls, spikes, and other defensive strategies, you can create a secure base that withstands even the toughest enemy attacks.\n\nIn summary, the Hammer tool is essential for building defensive walls and spikes in Valheim. Start with Wood Walls and Spikes, then upgrade to Stone and Iron as you progress. Use strategic placement, resource management, and additional defenses like moats to enhance your base''s security. Regularly repair your structures to maintain their effectiveness, and adapt your defenses based on the biome and threats you face. With these tips, you''ll be well-prepared to defend your Viking settlement against any foe.