Workbench

The Workbench is one of the first structures a player can build in Valheim, and it is central to early progression. It is used to craft and repair items, to place many other constructions, and to establish a basic base area. Like a few other structures, it requires only a Hammer to build.

For crafting and repairing, the Workbench must be under a roof and enclosed by at least 70% of building pieces. Those requirements do not apply when using it to place building structures. Its basic effect radius is 10 meters, and within that area enemies do not spawn and dropped items do not disappear. The workbench also defines a larger build radius for construction use: with no upgrades it reaches 20 meters, and each upgrade increases that radius by 4 meters, up to 36 meters at level 5.

Interacting with a covered and sufficiently enclosed Workbench opens a crafting menu that expands on the player’s own crafting screen. From there, the player can craft learned recipes, upgrade items, and repair gear. Repairing items made at the Workbench costs no additional materials, and repairs can be repeated until no more repairable items remain. Holding Shift while crafting makes 5 items at a time.

Workbench upgrades are placed within 2 meters of the station and each one raises its level by 1. Duplicate upgrades do not stack, though a single upgrade can affect more than one Workbench if they are within range. Upgrading the Workbench unlocks additional crafting recipes and allows higher item upgrade levels. The available upgrades are:

• Chopping Block
• Tanning Rack
• Adze
• Tool Shelf

Each upgrade also expands the Workbench’s build radius, and the station can be raised to level 5 in total. Some recipes call for level 6, implying that more upgrades may be added in the future.

The Workbench is also commonly used to control monster spawning around a base. Because it prevents spawns inside its area, players often place several benches to cover the intended build site. Since the area is circular, leaving gaps is easy if benches are spaced too far apart; complete coverage requires paying attention to the shape of the radius, not just its measured width.