How do I build a raft without attracting nearby enemies?

Building a raft in Valheim is an essential early-game activity for exploring the vast oceans and rivers of the world. However, constructing a raft can attract nearby enemies, especially in hostile biomes like the Black Forest or Meadows. To build a raft safely, you need to understand the game mechanics and take precautions to avoid drawing unwanted attention.\n\nFirst, gather the necessary materials to craft a raft. You will need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood can be obtained by chopping down trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures. Ensure you have these materials before starting construction to minimize the time spent in vulnerable areas.\n\nNext, choose a safe location to build your raft. The Meadows biome is ideal for beginners, as it has fewer hostile creatures compared to other biomes. Avoid building near spawn points of enemies like Greylings or Necks. If you are in the Black Forest, clear the area of Trolls, Skeletons, and Greydwarfs before starting. Building near water is essential, but ensure the shoreline is clear of threats.\n\nTo begin construction, equip your Hammer and open the build menu. Navigate to the Misc tab and select the Raft. Place the raft in shallow water, ensuring it is fully submerged but still accessible for boarding. Be cautious when placing the raft, as enemies can attack you during this process. If you hear growls or see red dots on your minimap, pause construction and deal with the threat first.\n\nOnce the raft is placed, enemies may still be attracted to the noise of construction. To mitigate this, consider building a temporary shelter or workbench nearby. A workbench allows you to repair your raft if it takes damage, and a shelter can provide a safe retreat if enemies swarm you. Keep your weapons ready and stay alert while working.\n\nIf you are in a high-risk area, such as the Black Forest, consider building during the day. Enemies are less aggressive and fewer in number during daylight hours. At night, hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Skeletons become more active, increasing the likelihood of an attack. Additionally, avoid building near spawners or dungeons, as these areas are hotspots for enemy activity.\n\nAfter your raft is built, board it quickly and sail away from the shore. Rafts are slow but effective for short-distance travel. If enemies follow you into the water, they will eventually lose interest or drown. However, be cautious of Sea Serpents in the ocean, as they can attack your raft and cause significant damage.\n\nFor experienced players, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship for faster and safer travel. These vessels require more resources but offer better speed, storage, and durability. Until then, the raft is a reliable option for early exploration and resource gathering.\n\nIn summary, building a raft in Valheim requires careful planning and awareness of your surroundings. Choose a safe biome, gather materials beforehand, and clear the area of threats before starting construction. Use temporary structures like workbenches and shelters to protect yourself, and avoid building at night or near enemy spawn points. With these strategies, you can build a raft without attracting nearby enemies and set sail on your Viking adventures.