In the couple of months since Valheim was released, players have had plenty of time to experiment with different building techniques. Gamers have already created hundreds of remarkable structures. With all of the building options in Valheim, the world is an open canvas for players who enjoy creating unique builds.
Building is a huge aspect of the game once players have defeated all of the bosses and upgraded their armor. While the mechanics in Valheim are easy to understand in general, there will be a few roadblocks when survivors push the limits of what is possible. This guide will cover a few tips that will help gamers create elaborate designs.
Using The Hoe And The Pickaxe
Creating level ground is important, especially when creating a larger building. The hoe is used to remove or add to the existing landscape. The Pickaxe can be used in a similar fashion, but it will remove more material with each swing.
Mastering The Hoe
When using the Hoe, players need to keep in mind that there are indicators to guide them. The circle represents the diameter of the ground that will be cleared. Similarly, the line in the center of the circle indicates how high the landscape is compared to the surrounding terrain.
The indicator reflects the level the ground will be after using the tool. It is important to be mindful of what height the ground will be leveled to in order to clear a flat surface. Holding shift will level ground where the indicator is located and using the tool without holding shift will level the ground to where the character is standing.
Learning To Clear Ground With The Pickaxe
Understanding the utility of a pickaxe will take slightly more practice. If gamers are standing too close to land they want to clear, it will cause debris to pile under the character. Standing too far away will make the pickaxe dig straight down and create a hole. It will take some time to get the distances correct, but a well judged blow will remove dirt and rock in a straight flat line.
The Pickaxe is the best way to remove the most ground with least amount of stamina. It is possible to dig sixteen times straight down before the pickaxe will no longer work. When attempting to create mansions and castles, utilizing the pickaxe is a must.
Iron Beams And Integrating Hearths
Survivors will want to use iron beams as they progress in the game. Unfortunately, they are not the most aesthetically pleasing accents. The developers included a hidden method to make them look better. Players can use wood beams to cover their ghastly appearance while enjoying the benefits of the more structurally sound iron supports.
Another interesting aspect of iron beams is the fact that campfires and hearths will attach to them. Gamers will be able to make their build look impeccable, as well as incorporate a large hearth by building with iron beams.
Suspended Buildings And Platforms
Many of the incredible builds in Valheim are suspended structures. These builds are temperamental, and will often have new players completely confused. Creating a platform requires players to either balance on the edge of a few panels or use wood beams as a way to add more pieces.
Suspended Build Strategy
Gamers should first create a set of stairs to begin the build. Next, they should add a small floor piece to begin building. By placing a 1 meter wood beam on the edge of the panel and then a 2 meter beam in front of it, the beams will act as a support to add the next floor piece. This strategy avoids the tedium and risky balancing act required when trying to connect floor panels suspended in the air. Falling just a few meters can kill survivors. If players use the same method, they can expand the structure above ground.
- Build a stair set
- Add one floor panel
- Add a one meter beam on either side of the panel
- Add a two meter beam in front of the first beam
- Attach the next floor panel
- Remove the wood beams
Campfires And Hearths
One of the main issues when constructing a floating build is placing a campfire or hearth. Thankfully, these items will attach to stone. To insert stone into the structure, survivors will need to have a tree protruding through the floorboards. Stone blocks will attach to the tree, and gamers can place the stone blocks adjacent to the tree. Next, players will be able to add the campfire or hearth and remove the stone blocks. Both items will remain suspended and wood panels can replace the stone.