Can you use a raft to transport resources between islands?

Yes, you can use a raft to transport resources between islands in Valheim. Rafts are one of the earliest watercraft you can craft, making them a practical choice for early-game exploration and resource transportation. To build a raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather, as Wood can be obtained from trees, Leather Scraps from boars, and Resin from Greydwarfs or by chopping down trees.\n\nOnce you have the materials, you can craft the raft at a Workbench. Place the raft in shallow water near the shore, as it cannot be deployed on land. To board the raft, simply interact with it. Use the WASD keys to move forward, backward, and turn, and the spacebar to raise or lower the sail. Raising the sail increases speed, while lowering it slows the raft down. This basic control scheme makes the raft easy to use, even for new players.\n\nTransporting resources with a raft is straightforward but comes with some challenges. The raft has limited storage space, so you cannot carry large quantities of resources at once. Additionally, the raft is slow compared to other boats like the Karve or Longship, which can make long journeys tedious. To maximize efficiency, plan your trips carefully and prioritize high-value resources like ores (Copper, Tin, or Iron) that are not available on your starting island.\n\nOne common challenge is navigating rough waters or storms. Rafts are not very durable and can take damage from waves or sea creatures like Serpents. To mitigate this, avoid sailing during storms and stick to calmer waters when possible. If you encounter a Serpent, try to outrun it by raising the sail and heading toward the nearest shore. If you must fight, use a bow and arrows to keep your distance.\n\nAnother tip is to establish small outposts on islands where you frequently gather resources. These outposts can include a Workbench, a chest for storing items, and a portal for quick travel back to your main base. This reduces the need for multiple raft trips and saves time. Portals are especially useful because they allow you to transport non-metal resources instantly, leaving the raft for ores and other items that cannot be teleported.\n\nFor new players, the raft is an excellent introduction to Valheim''s sailing mechanics. It teaches you the basics of navigation and resource management without requiring advanced materials. However, experienced players may want to upgrade to a Karve or Longship as soon as possible for faster and safer travel. These boats offer more storage, better speed, and increased durability, making them ideal for transporting large quantities of resources across long distances.\n\nIn summary, rafts are a viable option for transporting resources between islands, especially in the early game. While they have limitations, careful planning and strategic use of outposts can make them effective. Always be mindful of weather conditions and sea creatures, and consider upgrading to better boats as you progress. With these tips, you can efficiently use rafts to expand your Viking empire across the seas of Valheim.