How do you avoid losing your Longship to a Leviathan encounter?

The Longship is one of the most valuable assets in Valheim, offering the fastest and most durable means of transporting large quantities of resources across the seas. However, encountering a Leviathan, a massive sea creature that resembles a floating island, can pose a significant threat to your vessel. Leviathans are passive creatures until provoked, but their movements can inadvertently damage or destroy your Longship if you are not careful. To avoid losing your Longship to a Leviathan encounter, follow these detailed steps and strategies.\n\nFirst, understand the behavior of Leviathans. These creatures are found in the Ocean biome and are stationary until you begin mining their barnacle-covered backs for Chitin, a valuable resource used to craft the Abyssal Harpoon and Abyssal Razor. When you start mining, the Leviathan will submerge after a short time, creating a massive wave that can capsize or damage your Longship if it is too close. To avoid this, always anchor your Longship at a safe distance before approaching the Leviathan on foot or with a smaller boat like the Karve.\n\nWhen approaching a Leviathan, use the Karve or swim to its back instead of bringing the Longship directly alongside it. The Karve is more maneuverable and easier to replace if something goes wrong. Once you reach the Leviathan, mine the Chitin quickly but efficiently. Keep an eye on the Leviathan''s movements; if you notice it starting to shake or sink, immediately stop mining and retreat to your boat. This will give you enough time to row away before the creature submerges and creates a dangerous wave.\n\nAnother key strategy is to mark Leviathan locations on your map. This allows you to plan your routes carefully and avoid sailing too close to these creatures unless you intend to harvest Chitin. Use the map marker feature to note the positions of Leviathans you encounter, and share this information with your fellow Vikings if you are playing in multiplayer. This ensures that everyone in your group is aware of potential hazards and can navigate the seas more safely.\n\nIf you accidentally bring your Longship too close to a Leviathan and it begins to submerge, act quickly to minimize damage. Turn the Longship away from the Leviathan and sail at full speed to create distance. The Longship''s speed and durability make it more resilient than smaller boats, but it is still vulnerable to the Leviathan''s waves. If your Longship is damaged, use a Hammer and Wood to repair it as soon as possible. Always carry extra Wood and a Hammer in your inventory when sailing to handle unexpected repairs.\n\nFor new players, it is essential to prioritize safety over resource gathering when first encountering Leviathans. Focus on learning their behavior and practicing safe mining techniques before attempting to harvest Chitin. Experienced Vikings can optimize their approach by using the Abyssal Harpoon to drag Leviathans closer to shore, reducing the risk of losing their Longship in open waters. However, this method requires advanced preparation and coordination.\n\nIn summary, avoiding the loss of your Longship to a Leviathan encounter requires careful planning, quick reflexes, and an understanding of the creature''s behavior. Always anchor your Longship at a safe distance, use a smaller boat for mining, and mark Leviathan locations on your map. By following these steps, you can safely navigate the Ocean biome and protect your valuable Longship from harm.