What are the best materials to stockpile before building a raft?

Building a raft in Valheim is one of the first steps toward exploring the vast oceans and distant lands in the game. However, before you can set sail, you need to gather the right materials and understand the crafting process. The raft is a simple but essential vessel for early-game exploration, especially if you need to cross water to reach new biomes or resources. To build a raft, you will need to stockpile specific materials, which are relatively easy to obtain but require some preparation.\n\nFirst and foremost, you will need **20 Wood** and **6 Leather Scraps**. Wood is the most basic resource in Valheim and can be gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, which is the starting area for most players. Use a Flint Axe or a Stone Axe to efficiently gather wood. Leather Scraps, on the other hand, are obtained by hunting Boars, which are commonly found in the Meadows. Boars drop Raw Meat and Leather Scraps when killed, so make sure to hunt a few to collect enough scraps for your raft.\n\nOnce you have gathered the required materials, you can craft the raft at a Workbench. Workbenches are essential crafting stations in Valheim, and you can build one using 10 Wood. Place the Workbench in a sheltered area, such as near your base or a temporary shelter, to ensure it is protected from the elements. With the Workbench set up, open the crafting menu and navigate to the raft recipe. Crafting the raft will consume the 20 Wood and 6 Leather Scraps, so make sure you have enough before starting.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is finding enough Leather Scraps. Boars can be elusive or aggressive, so it’s important to approach them carefully. Use a bow or spear to hunt Boars from a distance, as they can deal significant damage if they charge at you. If you’re struggling to find Boars, explore the edges of the Meadows biome, as they tend to spawn near forests or open fields. Additionally, you can tame Boars by dropping food like mushrooms or berries near them, which allows you to breed them and farm Leather Scraps over time.\n\nAnother consideration is the durability of the raft. While it is a great early-game vessel, the raft is slow and vulnerable to damage from sea creatures like Serpents or even rough waves. To mitigate this, always carry extra materials to repair your raft during long voyages. You can repair the raft at a Workbench, so consider building a portable Workbench on a nearby island if you plan to explore extensively. This will save you from having to return to your main base for repairs.\n\nFor experienced players, the raft is often a stepping stone to more advanced boats like the Karve or Longship. However, it remains a useful tool for quick trips or transporting small amounts of cargo. If you’re planning to explore the Black Forest or other biomes across the water, the raft is a reliable way to get there. Just be cautious of storms and hostile creatures, as they can quickly turn a peaceful voyage into a dangerous situation.\n\nIn summary, the best materials to stockpile before building a raft are 20 Wood and 6 Leather Scraps. Gather wood by chopping trees in the Meadows biome and hunt Boars for Leather Scraps. Build a Workbench to craft the raft, and always carry extra materials for repairs. With these preparations, you’ll be ready to set sail and explore the vast world of Valheim.