Can you repair a Longship while it’s in the water, and if so, how?

In Valheim, repairing a Longship while it’s in the water is not only possible but also a crucial skill for maintaining your vessel during long voyages. The Longship is one of the most durable and efficient ships in the game, capable of carrying large amounts of cargo and navigating rough seas. However, it can take damage from storms, sea serpents, or accidental collisions with rocks. Knowing how to repair it without needing to dock can save you time and resources.\n\nTo repair a Longship in the water, you will need a Hammer and the appropriate repair materials. The Hammer is a basic tool crafted using 3 Wood and 2 Stone, which you likely already have if you’ve progressed far enough to build a Longship. The repair materials depend on the ship’s construction: for a Longship, you’ll need Fine Wood and Iron Nails. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Iron Nails are crafted at a Forge using Iron, which is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce you have your Hammer and materials, approach the damaged Longship while it’s in the water. Equip the Hammer and look at the damaged sections of the ship. If the ship is within reach, you’ll see a repair prompt (default key: RMB or right mouse button). Clicking this will consume the required materials and restore the ship’s health. It’s important to note that you cannot repair the ship if you’re too far away, so position yourself carefully. If the water is too deep, you may need to swim closer or use a smaller boat to get within range.\n\nOne common challenge is repairing a Longship during a storm or while under attack by sea serpents. In these situations, prioritize your safety. If a sea serpent is attacking, consider using a Harpoon to drag it away or fight it off with arrows before attempting repairs. During storms, waves can make it difficult to stay close to the ship, so try to find a calmer spot or wait for the weather to improve. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as swimming or fighting while repairing can drain it quickly.\n\nAnother practical tip is to carry extra repair materials on your Longship. Since the ship has ample storage space, you can store Fine Wood and Iron Nails in its cargo hold. This ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected damage, especially during long journeys to distant biomes like the Plains or Mistlands. Additionally, if you’re exploring with a group, assign one player to focus on repairs while others handle navigation or combat.\n\nUnderstanding the game mechanics behind ship durability is also helpful. Ships in Valheim have a health bar that depletes when they take damage. The Longship has 1000 health, making it one of the sturdiest vessels. However, its durability can still drop significantly if you’re not careful. Regularly checking your ship’s condition and repairing it before it becomes critically damaged will prevent costly rebuilds.\n\nIn summary, repairing a Longship in the water is a straightforward process that requires a Hammer, Fine Wood, and Iron Nails. Position yourself close to the damaged sections, use the repair prompt, and ensure you have enough materials on hand. Be mindful of environmental hazards like storms and sea serpents, and always prioritize safety. By mastering this skill, you’ll keep your Longship in top condition, allowing you to explore Valheim’s vast oceans with confidence.