What are the best tools to have while sailing a raft?

Sailing a raft in Valheim is an essential skill for exploring the vast oceans and discovering new biomes. However, it can be challenging without the right tools and preparation. To ensure a successful voyage, you need to equip yourself with specific items and understand the game mechanics involved in sailing.\n\nFirst and foremost, you need a raft. Crafting a raft requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood is easily gathered from trees, while Leather Scraps come from hunting boars, and Resin is obtained from Greydwarfs or by chopping down trees. Once crafted, the raft can be deployed in water, but it’s slow and vulnerable to waves and enemies. To improve your sailing experience, bring a Hammer and Workbench materials to repair the raft if it takes damage during your journey.\n\nOne of the most important tools to have while sailing is a weapon. The ocean is home to hostile creatures like Serpents, which can attack your raft and leave you stranded. A Bow and arrows are highly recommended for ranged combat, as they allow you to deal with threats from a distance. Alternatively, a Spear or Atgeir can be useful for close-range defense. Always keep your weapon equipped and ready, especially when sailing through dangerous areas like the Ocean biome.\n\nAnother critical tool is a Pickaxe. While sailing, you may encounter islands with valuable resources like Flint, Copper, or Tin. A Pickaxe allows you to mine these materials and expand your crafting options. Additionally, if your raft gets stuck on shallow terrain, you can use the Pickaxe to dig a path and free it. This is particularly useful in the Black Forest biome, where rocky shores can impede your progress.\n\nFood is another essential item to bring on your rafting journey. Sailing can take a long time, and you’ll need to maintain your stamina and health. Bring cooked meat, berries, or other high-quality food items to keep your stats up. This is especially important if you encounter Serpents or other threats, as you’ll need the extra health and stamina to survive combat.\n\nNavigation is key when sailing a raft. The raft lacks a rudder, so you’ll need to use the wind to your advantage. Pay attention to the wind direction, indicated by the white arrow on the minimap. If the wind is against you, you’ll move very slowly, so plan your route accordingly. To make navigation easier, consider crafting a Karve or Longship later in the game, as these vessels are faster and more maneuverable.\n\nFinally, always bring a Portal and the materials to build it. Sailing can take you far from your base, and if you die or need to return quickly, a Portal can save you a lot of time. Place one Portal at your base and carry the materials to build another on the island you’re exploring. This ensures you can teleport back and forth without losing progress.\n\nIn summary, the best tools to have while sailing a raft in Valheim include a weapon for defense, a Pickaxe for resource gathering, food for stamina and health, and a Portal for quick travel. Understanding the game mechanics, such as wind direction and raft repair, will also improve your sailing experience. With these tools and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the oceans and conquer new challenges.