Building elaborate bases is an exciting challenge when surviving in Valheim. Old villages can be converted into multiplayer bases that sprawl out over landscapes, and single-player games can consist of numerous small bunkers across the map. However, players aren’t limited to building on solid ground. With a bit of work and dedication, it is possible to build structures like boat docks, bridges, and even homes over bodies of water in Valheim.
The first step to aquatic Valhiem construction is picking the correct location. Shallow water presents less of a challenge when creating foundations than deeper water. Players may want to choose a bay or river to ensure they’ll have plenty of space without being plunged into deep water halfway through a project. Afterwards, setting up a covered Workbench will be handy for crafting and repairing tools while constructing. Players will also need a second and potentially a third Workbench placed directly next to where the structure will be built, ensuring the entire area is within the build limits.
With the Workbench, players should then craft a Hoe (5 Wood, 2 Stone), used to set up the area for their building’s foundation. Unlike other tools in Valheim, Hoes don’t work well as combat weapons, so keeping an axe close when building can help prevent an untimely death from surprise attacks. With all that out of the way, it’s time to get constructing.
Building Over Water In Valheim Requires A Solid Foundation
Since the ground beneath bodies of water is uneven (such as the “U” shape of a riverbed), players will need to level it out in order to get an even building surface. This can be done by right-clicking with the Hoe and selecting the “Raise Ground” option. Raising the ground costs x2 stone per action, so players will want to collect a large amount of stone before building. After leveling out the area, the foundation can then be laid using building blocks like the 2×2 wooden Floor Tiles, as in any other Valheim build. It’s also possible to build lower down in the water, as discovered by Reddit user AcanthisittaAny3260, by using objects like roof tiles and wooden beams to push the player character deep enough that their feet are touching the ground, at which point players can build as normal.
Of course, depending on the desired structure, different building blocks will be needed. Bridges will need 45-degree wooden beams and Log Poles, while dock houses and other structures will require walls, stairs and roofing. Like building on land, water structures in Valheim can be customized to fit any style or theme a player is hoping to achieve, whether it is an original design or an idea based on an existing structure.
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