Valheim's reputation as a great sandbox game comes from its unique building mechanisms, and the importance of a solid defensive structure in the multiplayer title cannot be understated. The Ballista, one of the defensive mechanisms added in Valheim's Mistlands Update, is gaining popularity for its resourcefulness. The "Misc" Structure acts as an automated defense, capable of holding up to 20 missiles (of the same type) that deplete one at a time as the mechanism fires. Iron Gate AB could use players' experiences with the Ballista as a guide on handling new defensive structures going forward.
One of the keys to success in Valheim is building a near-impenetrable fortress, keeping players safe from harsh elements and enemies. The Ballista's abilities from range are an enticing option as they remove the risks associated with close-range combat. Similar mechanics appeared in Valheim before the Ballista's introduction, with a sizable number of players using stake traps to defend their bases. Simple in design and function, these traps could do little more than impale a careless opponent, so the evolution of defense tactics in Valheim over the years bodes well.
Ballista's Upgrades and Tweaks Hold Promise for Future Structures
Crafting the Ballista in Valheim shouldn't pose much of a challenge to seasoned fans, although treasure hunts to find the necessary resources can be draining. The Ballista requires a hammer, 10 Black Metal Bars, 10 Yggdrasil Wood, and three Mechanical Springs. The device's damage depends on the type of missile in its chamber, with the wooden missile capable of dealing 75 Pierce damage and 45 Knockbacks. The black metal missile deals 120 Pierce damage and 60 Knockbacks. However, the Ballista is so attractive because of its autonomy, as the weapon targets any enemy in sight. The most common placement for the mechanism is atop a structure due to the fact it cannot offer 360-degree protection.
Despite the Ballista's prowess as a defensive option, it demands special care since it can fatally harm players standing in its path. The Ballista's main hindrance is its inability to discern friend from foe, with the device's builders not exempted from its wrath. Many Valheim players have fallen victim to the device's friendly fire, as the Ballista is active whenever a missile is in its chamber. A proven way to avoid becoming Ballista fodder is loading ammo from the rear, although such a precaution might prove impractical in the heat of the moment.
Another notable area of weakness is the Ballista's tepid fire rate. While the automated mechanism certainly aids players in defending their buildings, the chances of hitting a moving target are erratic. The developer moved quickly to fix some of its glaring issues. The fire rate, which was painfully slow at launch, received a boost in a Valheim Beta Patch, meanwhile the targeting behavior received a tweak to reduce occurrences of friendly fire.
In light of the Ballista's innovative concept, Valheim could add more attack-minded options to structural defensive components. A common feature of medieval warfare was wall defense through tumbling rocks, hot oil spills, or arrows, and Valheim could introduce a few of these mechanisms to its walls in the form of power-ups, backing up the efforts of the Ballista in repelling enemy attacks. The developer's quick responses to complaints about the device's implementation and upgrading functionality should bolster confidence in future base defenses coming to Valheim.
Valheim is available on PC. Xbox One and Xbox Series X versions release on March 14.