What are the best ways to use a raft for hunting sea creatures?

Using a raft for hunting sea creatures in Valheim can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the game mechanics. A raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can craft, requiring 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. While it is slow and not ideal for long voyages, it is perfect for coastal exploration and hunting smaller sea creatures like Serpents or gathering resources like fish and Chitin from Leviathans.\n\nTo begin, craft a raft at a Workbench near the water. Ensure you have a Hammer, enough materials, and a safe spot to launch. Once your raft is ready, equip a weapon like a Flint Spear or Bow for hunting. Serpents, the most common sea creatures, spawn in the Ocean biome during storms or at night. They are aggressive and will attack your raft, so be prepared to defend yourself.\n\nWhen hunting Serpents, position your raft so you can maneuver easily. Use the wind to your advantage by adjusting the sail. If a Serpent attacks, aim for its head with your bow or spear. Keep moving to avoid its bites, as they can deal significant damage to both you and the raft. Once defeated, Serpents drop Serpent Meat and Serpent Scales, which are valuable for crafting and cooking.\n\nAnother use for a raft is hunting Leviathans, massive creatures found in the Ocean biome. These are not aggressive but will submerge if attacked. To harvest Chitin from their barnacles, approach carefully and use a pickaxe. Be quick, as Leviathans will dive after a few hits. A raft is ideal for this task because it allows you to stay close to the creature without risking a long swim back to shore.\n\nOne common challenge is the raft''s slow speed, which can make escaping dangerous situations difficult. To mitigate this, always keep an eye on your stamina and health. Bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries, and avoid venturing too far from shore unless you are confident in your abilities. Additionally, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship later in the game for faster and more durable sea travel.\n\nFor new players, it is essential to practice raft navigation in calmer waters before tackling the Ocean biome. Learn how to adjust the sail and rudder to control speed and direction. Experienced Vikings can use rafts strategically for resource gathering or as a backup vessel during long expeditions. Always carry a portal or materials to build one, as this can save you from being stranded far from your base.\n\nIn summary, a raft is a versatile tool for hunting sea creatures in Valheim, especially in the early game. Focus on hunting Serpents for their valuable drops and use the raft to safely harvest Chitin from Leviathans. Be mindful of the raft''s limitations, such as its slow speed and low durability, and always prepare for unexpected encounters. With practice and preparation, you can master the art of sea hunting and make the most of your Viking adventures.