Where are the Optimal Building Locations in Valheim?
When it comes to building a high-utility base, location is key. Don’t make the mistake of building your base at the top of a hill if you plan on hauling ore or materials. Instead, consider a location close to a Black Forest or Ocean for easy transport. A good base location should be near the resources you need, such as iron, copper, and tin. This will make it easier to gather materials and craft the weapons and tools you need to survive.
The Meadows is an ideal location for a starting base, especially in a dedicated server. It’s recommended to build the base as close as possible to a Black Forest border for better loot. Once the player starts moving ore from a Mountain or Swamp to their Meadows base via Boat, they will almost certainly desire a base as close as possible to the Ocean for easy product transfer.
Moving from the early game to mid-game may take you to the Black Forest. Although tall trees cover this biome, some locations are still ideal for base constructions. A good place for a base is near copper and tin deposits. That way, you can easily gather the materials needed for your Smithy without searching far and wide. Although such a location is ideal for farming resources, the Black Forest is a biome filled with many dangers. One minute, you’re crafting weapons on your Smithy, and the next second, you’re trying to defend yourself from a wandering troll. As for farming crops, this biome is also good for cultivating different plants, specifically carrots, turnips, and onions.
Once teleporters become accessible, it may be worth making a Swamp base, depending on the map seed. This will allow players to smelt Iron without boating it back to their main base but also exposes the player to significant danger during construction. It is almost always better to place a base in a biome adjacent to a Swamp for material processing with a minimally covered teleporter in the swamp for farming things like Guck and Ancient Bark. Keep in mind that the swamp biome is home to many adventurers, but it’s also the breeding ground for leeches. Players who wish to set up bases in this region should find elevated land; , leeches can still jump over moats and small puddles. Despite the constant dread of leeches and other dangers, the swamp can still be a great location for a base. Players who wish to remain hidden, especially in PVP servers, can deem the swamps to be one of the best base locations in Valheim.
When considering a base in the later game biomes, like the Plains and Mistlands, it is essential to position a base near water. At this point in the game, gathering and transferring ore is one of the most painstaking operations players will need to undertake. A wide canal or Ocean nearby will save the player a significant amount of trouble.
The mountains in Valheim are cold, rough, and arguably offer the best views in the game. Choosing one of the peaks can become ideal for certain bases, especially for players who want to relax and see the world map from above. Like building a base in the meadows, constructing one near a boss-spawning area isn’t a bad idea.
- The ideal locations are:
- Near water.
- In the Meadows (large, pre-cleared spaces to build, lower dangerous enemy count).
- Near large tracts of Black Forest, at least one large Mountain & Swamp if possible.
- Multiple biomes are preferred; meadows bordering plains, near the sea is ideal.
In Valheim, the best locations to build a base are near water, in the meadows, or in a mountain biome. You can also consider building near a black forest or swamp. Place your base near a wide canal or ocean, position it near a rocky shore where you can park your boat. The meadows are a good location for a starting base, especially on a dedicated server. You can renovate abandoned stone towers and cabins at higher elevations, and mountain biomes provide access to silver. The best places to build bases in Valheim are on mountains, in the swamp, next to the sea, next to a river, and near the spawn point. The best place for any base is on flat land, though almost any area is suitable with enough excavation. Proximity to an Ocean and Swamp makes mid to late-game easier.
What Materials Do You Need for Building in Valheim?
This is a guide to all of the buildings (structures) in Valheim. Buildings are structures that allow you to do several things. Some buildings are crafting stations that let you craft better items. Others improve these crafting stations or allow you to process and refine raw materials. This can range from cooking meat to smelting metal or making flour.
To start building in Valheim, you will need:
- A Hammer – This tool lets you build and repair objects in the game world.
- Resources – Specifically, you’ll need Wood and Stone.
- A location to build – Ensure you have cleared the land, removing any trees or rocks that obstruct your construction.
To craft a Hammer, gather 3 Wood and 2 Stone. Afterwards, place a Workbench to access the building menu.
When it comes to materials:
- On average, one wooden building piece takes 2 Wood. A stone building piece typically requires 6 Stone; it’s wise to double this estimate to avoid running out.
- Wood isn’t the only building resource—Stone provides stronger, more stable structures. To use Stone building parts, you’ll need to craft a Stone Cutter.
To unlock Stone Buildings, gather the following materials to create a Stonecutter:
- Workbench in range
- 10 Wood
- 2 Iron Bars
- 4 Stone
Iron Bars are particularly challenging for new players to acquire; you’ll need to travel to a Swamp and dig for Iron in a Crypt. Despite the challenges, Stone Buildings are among the toughest in the game, essential for surviving in harsh biomes.
For efficient resource gathering, consider building a Cart and working near a Black Forest or Mountain biome, which are rich in Stone. You can also find Stone in the Meadows, Swamp, Plains, and Mistlands, though it’s more difficult to collect sufficient quantities in those areas.
It’s vital to consider the structural integrity of your buildings. When constructing, you’ll notice some pieces change from green to red, indicating inadequate stability. Stability is determined by how far a piece is from a grounded structure.
Each material can a maximum height on flat ground. For tall structures, Wood Iron Beams, costing 1 Iron bar each, are advantageous. However, planning a big building poses challenges; Valheim utilizes a ‘structural integrity’ system similar to various other survival games.
In summary, building in Valheim is an involved process that requires careful planning, the right materials, and an understanding of structural limitations.
How to Strategically Plan Your First Base in Valheim?
Strategic Planning for Your First Base in Valheim
Building your first base is crucial, and it should be constructed quickly in the initial days. Consider the following factors to choose the best location for your base:
- Proximity to Resources: Ideally, position your base on the edge of a Black Forest. This area offers essential materials to gather for defeating bosses. Additionally, water access is important for mining flint and tin, which are common near shorelines.
- Access to Different Biomes: Your base should be close to the following biomes for easier progression:
- Black Forest
- Swamp biome (for taking down the Bonemass boss and accessing iron from crypts)
- Snow biome
- Near Spawn: For convenience, build your first base close to the spawn point. You will frequently return to switch skills, and having a base with a future portal will be beneficial.
- Coastal Access: It’s often recommended to build near the ocean. Traveling by boat is common, and quick access to the water is an advantage.
- Optimal Building Location: Choose a flat area, perhaps on hilltops, to make construction easier. Leveling the ground with a hoe will provide a solid foundation for your structures.
- Resource Gathering: Scout forests for mushrooms, berries, and thistles. Mark them on your map and consider building a base or portal nearby for efficient farming. These resources are useful for various recipes, even in later stages of the game.
- Defense Considerations: To protect your tames and fields from raids, consider digging trenches or building earth walls around bases intended for taming and farming.
that your first base is primarily a learning experience. Feel free to build anywhere in the Meadows, as long as it’s not too close to the biome’s edge. Aim for a location with a nice view that allows you to enjoy the game’s scenery.
