How do I use a raft to explore the Black Forest biome safely?

Exploring the Black Forest biome in Valheim can be dangerous, especially for new players, but using a raft is a safe and effective way to navigate its shores and avoid hostile creatures. A raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can build, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 10 Resin. These materials are easy to gather in the Meadows biome, making the raft accessible early in the game. Once built, the raft allows you to travel across water, which is particularly useful for scouting the Black Forest from a safe distance.\n\nTo craft a raft, you need a Workbench nearby and access to the required materials. Place the raft in shallow water, as it cannot be deployed on land. Once on the raft, you can control it using the WASD keys, with the spacebar acting as a brake. The raft is slow compared to other boats, so plan your route carefully to avoid spending too much time in dangerous areas. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as rowing consumes stamina, and running out can leave you stranded.\n\nWhen exploring the Black Forest biome, use the raft to stay close to the shoreline. This allows you to observe the biome from the safety of the water, where most enemies cannot reach you. Trolls, Greydwarves, and other hostile creatures are common in the Black Forest, and they can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. By staying on the raft, you can avoid direct confrontations while scouting for valuable resources like Copper Ore, Tin Ore, and Burial Chambers.\n\nOne common challenge when using a raft is dealing with the Serpent, a hostile sea creature that can attack your raft. While Serpents are rare in shallow waters, they can still pose a threat. If you encounter a Serpent, immediately head toward the nearest shore to escape. Alternatively, you can use a bow and arrows to fight it from a distance, but this is risky on a raft due to its low durability. Always carry a backup weapon and healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries in case of emergencies.\n\nAnother tip for safe exploration is to mark key locations on your map. Use the raft to circle the Black Forest biome and identify areas with dense resources or potential dangers. Mark Copper and Tin deposits, Burial Chambers, and Troll caves for future visits. This strategy allows you to plan land-based expeditions more effectively, minimizing the risk of getting lost or ambushed.\n\nFinally, remember that the raft is a temporary solution for early-game exploration. As you progress, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship for faster and safer travel. These boats offer better speed, storage, and durability, making them ideal for longer journeys. However, the raft remains a valuable tool for scouting and short trips, especially in the early stages of the game.\n\nIn summary, using a raft to explore the Black Forest biome safely involves crafting the raft, staying close to the shoreline, avoiding hostile creatures, and marking key locations for future visits. While the raft has limitations, it is an excellent early-game tool for scouting and resource gathering. Always be prepared for unexpected threats and plan your routes carefully to maximize safety and efficiency.