What’s the best way to defend a base during raids in multiplayer?

Defending a base during raids in Valheim multiplayer requires preparation, teamwork, and understanding of game mechanics. Raids are triggered by events like the appearance of the "The ground is shaking" message, which signals an attack by enemies such as Trolls or Fulings. To defend effectively, your base must have strong defenses, strategic layouts, and coordinated player actions.\n\nFirst, prioritize building a sturdy perimeter. Use stone walls or reinforced wooden walls, as they offer better durability against enemy attacks. Stone walls are especially effective against Trolls, who can easily destroy wooden structures. To craft stone walls, you’ll need a Stonecutter, which requires Iron and Stone. Place these walls around your base, ensuring there are no gaps for enemies to exploit. For added protection, dig a moat around your base using the Hoe and Pickaxe. Moat depths of at least two meters will prevent most enemies from crossing.\n\nNext, set up defensive structures like stake walls, spikes, and ballistae. Stake walls are cheap to craft and can slow down enemies, while spikes deal damage over time. Ballistae, unlocked in the late game, are automated turrets that fire arrows at enemies. Place these strategically near entry points or weak spots in your defenses. For example, position ballistae near gates or areas where enemies tend to cluster. Ensure you stockpile arrows and repair materials to keep these defenses operational during prolonged raids.\n\nCoordinate with your team to assign roles during raids. Designate players to focus on repairing structures, while others handle combat. Equip your team with strong weapons like bows, swords, or maces, depending on the enemy type. For example, blunt weapons like maces are effective against Skeletons, while bows are ideal for kiting Trolls. Stockpile healing items like cooked meat, mead, and potions to sustain your team during battles. Communication is key—use in-game chat or voice communication to call out enemy positions and coordinate attacks.\n\nLighting and traps can also enhance your defenses. Place campfires or torches around your base to improve visibility during nighttime raids. Traps like fire pits or wolf traps can slow down or damage enemies. For example, dig a trench and line it with fire pits to create a deadly obstacle for incoming foes. These traps are particularly useful in biomes like the Black Forest or Plains, where raids are more frequent and dangerous.\n\nFinally, consider the biome you’re in when planning defenses. In the Meadows, raids are less intense, but in the Plains, you’ll face deadly Fuling raids. Adapt your strategies accordingly—use elevated platforms or towers in the Plains to gain a height advantage over Fulings. In the Mountains, Frost Caves can serve as natural fortresses, but beware of Drakes during raids. Always scout your surroundings and identify natural choke points or defensible terrain.\n\nIn summary, defending a base in Valheim multiplayer involves building strong walls, setting up traps and defenses, coordinating with your team, and adapting to your biome. Stockpile resources, assign roles, and communicate effectively to survive raids. With proper preparation, your base can withstand even the toughest enemy assaults.