What shield is best for surviving the Ocean biome''s hazards?

Surviving the Ocean biome in Valheim requires careful preparation, and choosing the right shield is crucial for mitigating its hazards. The Ocean biome is home to dangerous creatures like Serpents and hostile weather conditions, making it one of the most challenging areas to navigate. To thrive here, you need a shield that offers high durability, strong blocking power, and the ability to parry effectively. The best shield for this biome is the Black Metal Shield, which provides excellent defense and is crafted using materials from the Plains biome.\n\nTo craft the Black Metal Shield, you will need 10 Fine Wood, 8 Black Metal, and 5 Chain. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Black Metal is dropped by Fulings in the Plains biome, and Chain can be found in chests in the Swamp biome or by defeating Wraiths. Once you have these materials, you can craft the shield at a level 3 Forge. The Black Metal Shield has a base block power of 90, making it one of the strongest shields in the game.\n\nIn the Ocean biome, Serpents are the primary threat. These massive sea creatures can deal significant damage to your ship and health. The Black Metal Shield''s high block power allows you to absorb their attacks effectively, reducing the damage you take. Additionally, the shield''s parry bonus can stagger Serpents, giving you a window to counterattack with a weapon like the Draugr Fang bow or a melee weapon. Parrying is especially useful when fighting Serpents, as it can interrupt their attacks and create opportunities for your crew to deal damage.\n\nAnother hazard in the Ocean biome is the unpredictable weather, which can cause your ship to take damage from waves or storms. While the shield won''t protect your ship directly, it can help you survive encounters with Serpents or other enemies that may attack while you''re repairing your vessel. Always keep your shield equipped when sailing, as Serpents can appear suddenly and without warning. If you''re playing with friends, assign one person to focus on steering the ship while others defend against threats.\n\nFor new players who haven''t yet reached the Plains biome, the Iron Shield is a viable alternative. It requires 10 Wood, 8 Iron, and 4 Leather Scraps to craft and has a block power of 60. While not as strong as the Black Metal Shield, it can still help you survive Serpent attacks if you time your blocks correctly. Pair it with a strong weapon and upgraded armor to increase your chances of survival. Remember to always bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey when venturing into the Ocean biome, as fights can quickly drain your health.\n\nIn summary, the Black Metal Shield is the best choice for surviving the Ocean biome''s hazards due to its high block power and parry bonus. Crafting it requires materials from the Plains biome, so make sure you''re well-prepared before attempting to gather them. For newer players, the Iron Shield is a solid alternative until you can upgrade. Always stay vigilant when sailing, as Serpents and storms can strike at any moment. With the right shield and preparation, you can conquer the Ocean biome and explore its secrets safely.