How do I use a raft to escape the Plains biome if overwhelmed?

Escaping the Plains biome in Valheim when overwhelmed can be a daunting task, but using a raft is a viable and strategic option. The Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. If you find yourself overwhelmed, a raft can provide a quick escape route to safer waters. However, building and using a raft effectively requires preparation and understanding of game mechanics.\n\nTo begin, you must craft a raft. The raft is the simplest watercraft in Valheim and requires minimal resources: 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood can be gathered from trees, Leather Scraps are obtained from boars, and Resin drops from Greydwarfs or can be found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and select the raft under the Misc tab. Place the raft in shallow water to deploy it.\n\nBefore attempting to escape, ensure you have a clear path to the water. The Plains biome often borders other biomes like the Ocean or Black Forest, so scout the area for the nearest shoreline. Avoid engaging enemies while moving toward the raft, as this can slow you down or lead to your demise. Use stealth (crouching) to avoid detection, and sprint when necessary to create distance between yourself and hostile creatures.\n\nOnce you reach the raft, interact with it to board. The raft is controlled using the WASD keys, with W to move forward, S to reverse, and A/D to turn. Keep in mind that the raft is slow and not ideal for long-distance travel, but it is sufficient for escaping immediate danger. Be cautious of Deathsquitos, as they can attack you even while you are on the raft. If a Deathsquito approaches, use a bow or melee weapon to fend it off quickly.\n\nNavigating the raft requires awareness of your surroundings. The Plains biome often has rocky shores and shallow waters, so avoid getting stuck on terrain. If you encounter a Lox near the water, they can still attack you with their ranged stomp ability, so maintain a safe distance. Once you are on the raft and moving, head toward a safer biome like the Meadows or Black Forest. These biomes are less hostile and provide opportunities to regroup and heal.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of stamina while rowing the raft. Stamina management is crucial in Valheim, so ensure you have rested (rested buff) and consumed food that boosts stamina, such as Honey, Cooked Meat, or Carrot Soup. If your stamina runs low, stop rowing briefly to let it regenerate. Additionally, avoid sailing during storms, as rough waters can make controlling the raft more difficult and increase the risk of capsizing.\n\nIn some cases, you may need to abandon the raft temporarily to deal with threats or gather resources. If you do so, mark the raft''s location on your map to avoid losing it. You can also build a small shelter or campfire near the shore to rest and recover before continuing your journey. Remember that the raft is a temporary solution, and upgrading to a Karve or Longship later will provide faster and more reliable transportation.\n\nTo summarize, escaping the Plains biome with a raft involves careful planning, resource management, and quick decision-making. Craft the raft in advance, scout a safe path to the water, and use stealth to avoid enemies. Once on the raft, navigate carefully, manage your stamina, and head toward a safer biome. With these strategies, you can successfully escape the Plains and live to fight another day.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry materials for a portal to establish a quick escape route. If you have access to a Karve or Longship, use them instead of a raft for better speed and durability. Lastly, avoid exploring the Plains biome unprepared—bring strong armor, weapons, and plenty of food to increase your chances of survival.