How do I avoid being poisoned by Leeches while building in the Swamp?

Avoiding poison from Leeches while building in the Swamp biome in Valheim requires careful planning, awareness of game mechanics, and the right tools. Leeches are aggressive creatures found in shallow water throughout the Swamp, and their attacks inflict poison damage, which can quickly drain your health if not managed properly. To minimize the risk, you need to understand their behavior, prepare adequately, and use strategic building techniques.\n\nFirst, always equip yourself with poison resistance before entering the Swamp. Crafting Poison Resistance Mead is essential for surviving in this biome. To make it, you need a Cauldron and Fermenter, along with ingredients like Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Consuming this mead grants you temporary poison resistance, significantly reducing the damage from Leeches and other poisonous enemies like Blobs. This is especially important if you plan to spend extended periods in the Swamp.\n\nWhen building in the Swamp, avoid constructing structures directly in shallow water where Leeches spawn. Instead, scout for higher ground or drier areas within the biome. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create elevated platforms for your builds. This not only keeps you out of reach of Leeches but also provides a safer foundation for your structures. If you must build near water, consider placing wooden floors or platforms over the water to create a barrier between you and the Leeches.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to clear the area of Leeches before starting your construction. Equip a bow and arrows or a long-range weapon to take them out from a safe distance. Fire arrows are particularly effective against Leeches, as they deal extra damage over time. Once the area is clear, you can work more safely, but remain vigilant, as Leeches can respawn over time.\n\nLighting is also crucial when building in the Swamp. Leeches are less likely to approach well-lit areas, so place torches or campfires around your construction site. This not only deters Leeches but also improves visibility, making it easier to spot and avoid other hazards like Draugr or Surtlings. Additionally, consider building a small outpost with a bed and storage nearby to minimize travel time and provide a respawn point in case of emergencies.\n\nFor advanced players, using the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge can be a game-changer. These two-handed weapons deal area-of-effect damage, making it easier to kill multiple Leeches at once. However, they require significant resources to craft, so they are more suitable for mid-to-late-game players. If you have access to these weapons, use them to clear large areas of Leeches before starting your build.\n\nFinally, always carry healing items like Cooked Meat, Berries, or Health Mead to counteract poison damage if you do get hit. Having a backup plan ensures you can recover quickly and continue your work without losing progress. By combining these strategies, you can safely build in the Swamp biome and avoid the dangers posed by Leeches.\n\nIn summary, avoiding poison from Leeches while building in the Swamp requires preparation, strategic planning, and the right tools. Use Poison Resistance Mead, elevate your builds, clear the area of threats, and maintain proper lighting to create a safe environment. With these tips, you can conquer the Swamp and construct your Viking stronghold without falling victim to its deadly inhabitants.