How does the Sheltered effect protect me from weather damage?

The Sheltered effect in Valheim is a crucial mechanic that protects players from weather-related damage, such as freezing in cold biomes or getting wet in rainy conditions. When you are under the Sheltered effect, your character is shielded from environmental debuffs, allowing you to survive longer in harsh climates. This effect is activated when you are under a roof or inside a structure that meets specific requirements, such as having walls and a roof made from appropriate materials like wood or stone.\n\nTo achieve the Sheltered effect, you must build a structure that is fully enclosed and has a roof. The game checks for a valid shelter by ensuring that the area above your character is covered and that the structure is not too open. For example, a simple wooden hut with walls and a roof will provide the Sheltered effect, while an open campfire or a partially covered area will not. The effect is indicated by a small icon in the top-right corner of the screen, showing a roof symbol.\n\nIn cold biomes like the Mountains, the Sheltered effect is essential for survival. Without it, you will quickly suffer from the Freezing debuff, which drains your health over time. To combat this, you can build a small shelter using wood or stone and place a fire inside to stay warm. Combining the Sheltered effect with a fire source creates the Rested buff, which further enhances your stamina regeneration and overall comfort. This is especially useful when exploring dangerous areas or mining resources like silver.\n\nRainy weather in the Meadows or Black Forest can also pose challenges, as it causes the Wet debuff, reducing stamina regeneration. By staying under a roof or inside a structure, you can avoid this debuff and maintain your stamina for combat or resource gathering. For example, if you are building a base near the ocean, ensure your crafting stations and storage areas are covered to prevent rain from disrupting your activities.\n\nTo maximize the Sheltered effect, consider building larger structures with multiple rooms and fireplaces. This not only provides protection from weather but also creates a comfortable living space with the Rested buff. For advanced players, combining the Sheltered effect with Frost Resistance mead or Wolf Armor in the Mountains can make exploration much safer. Always carry materials like wood and stone to quickly build a shelter if you are caught in a storm or need to recover health and stamina.\n\nIn summary, the Sheltered effect is a vital mechanic for surviving Valheim''s harsh weather conditions. By building enclosed structures with roofs, you can protect yourself from debuffs like Freezing and Wet, while also gaining the Rested buff for improved stamina regeneration. Whether you are a new player setting up your first base or an experienced Viking exploring the Mountains, understanding and utilizing the Sheltered effect will greatly enhance your gameplay experience.