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What’s the best way to defend my base against raids and enemy spawns?

Defending your base in Valheim is crucial to surviving raids and enemy spawns, which can occur randomly or as part of specific events. The game mechanics for raids are tied to your progress, with stronger enemies appearing as you defeat bosses. To protect your base, you need to combine strategic building, defensive structures, and environmental awareness.\n\nFirst, choose a secure location for your base. Biomes like Meadows or Black Forest are ideal for beginners due to their relatively low enemy threat. Avoid building too close to enemy spawn points, such as Fuling villages in the Plains or Draugr camps in the Swamp. Use the Hoe tool to level the ground and create a flat, defensible area. This prevents uneven terrain from giving enemies an advantage.\n\nNext, build a perimeter wall around your base. Use core wood or stone for durability, as these materials can withstand more damage than basic wood. For added protection, dig a moat around your base using the Pickaxe. Moat depth should be at least two meters to prevent enemies from jumping over. This is especially effective against Trolls, who cannot cross deep trenches.\n\nPlace defensive structures like stake walls, spikes, or ballistae around your perimeter. Stake walls are cheap and effective early-game defenses, while ballistae, unlocked later, can automatically target enemies. Position these defenses strategically near entry points, such as gates or bridges. For example, place spikes along the edges of your moat to damage enemies trying to climb out.\n\nLighting is another key factor. Enemies are less likely to spawn in well-lit areas. Place torches, campfires, or standing braziers around your base to reduce spawn rates. This is particularly useful in the Black Forest, where Greydwarfs are common. Additionally, tame and breed wolves to create a pack that can defend your base. Wolves are especially effective against weaker enemies like Greydwarfs and Skeletons.\n\nDuring raids, prioritize defending your workbench, forge, and other crafting stations. These are essential for repairing damaged structures and crafting new defenses. Keep a stockpile of materials like wood, stone, and resin nearby for quick repairs. If your base is overwhelmed, retreat to a secondary fortified area or use a portal to escape temporarily.\n\nFor advanced players, consider building a raised platform or watchtower for archery. This gives you a height advantage and allows you to snipe enemies from a safe distance. Use the bow and arrows, especially fire arrows, to deal extra damage to enemies like Trolls or Fulings. Additionally, upgrade your gear to higher tiers, such as iron or black metal, to improve your combat effectiveness.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a stash of healing meads, stamina potions, and food buffs in your base. These items can make a significant difference during intense raids. Regularly patrol your perimeter to check for weak points or breaches, and reinforce them as needed.\n\nBy combining these strategies, you can create a well-defended base that withstands even the toughest raids. Remember, preparation and adaptability are key to surviving in Valheim.