Can I use a raft to transport ore and metal ingots?

In Valheim, a raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can build, and it serves as a basic means of transportation across water. However, using a raft to transport ore and metal ingots is possible but comes with significant limitations and risks. The raft is slow, vulnerable to environmental hazards, and not ideal for long-distance travel, especially when carrying valuable resources like ore or ingots. This guide will explain how to use a raft for transporting these materials, the challenges you may face, and practical solutions to overcome them.\n\nTo build a raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, craft the raft at a Workbench. Place the raft in shallow water, and you''re ready to set sail.\n\nTransporting ore and metal ingots on a raft requires careful planning. Ore and ingots cannot be teleported through portals, making water transport one of the few options for moving these materials between biomes. However, the raft''s slow speed makes it a target for sea creatures like Serpents, which can destroy your raft and cause you to lose your cargo. To mitigate this risk, avoid sailing at night or during storms, as these conditions increase the likelihood of encountering hostile creatures.\n\nWhen transporting ore or ingots, it''s best to plan your route carefully. Stick to coastal areas where you can quickly reach land if attacked. Avoid venturing into the Ocean biome unless absolutely necessary, as this is where Serpents are most common. If you must cross the Ocean, consider building a Karve or Longship instead, as these vessels are faster and more durable. However, if you''re early in the game and lack the resources for a Karve, the raft is your only option.\n\nOne practical solution for transporting ore on a raft is to make multiple trips. Instead of overloading your inventory, carry a manageable amount of ore or ingots and return for the rest. This reduces the risk of losing everything if your raft is destroyed. Additionally, you can build small outposts along your route to store excess materials temporarily. These outposts can serve as safe havens where you can repair your raft or wait out storms.\n\nAnother tip is to use the raft in conjunction with other transportation methods. For example, you can use the raft to ferry ore from a Black Forest biome to a nearby Meadows biome, then transport the ore overland to your main base. This minimizes the time spent on water and reduces exposure to danger. If you''re transporting ingots, consider smelting the ore near the source to reduce the weight of your cargo.\n\nIn summary, while a raft can be used to transport ore and metal ingots, it is not the most efficient or safe method. Plan your route carefully, avoid dangerous biomes, and consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship as soon as possible. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and ensure your valuable resources reach their destination safely.