What is the best way to transport heavy cargo with a Longship?

Transporting heavy cargo with a Longship in Valheim is one of the most efficient ways to move large quantities of resources across the game''s vast oceans. The Longship is the largest and most durable ship in the game, capable of carrying up to 18 inventory slots of cargo. To build a Longship, you will need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Resin. These materials are gathered from various biomes: Iron Nails are crafted from Iron, which is mined in the Swamp biome; Fine Wood is obtained from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains; Deer Hide is dropped by Deer in the Meadows; and Resin is collected from Greydwarfs or by chopping down trees.\n\nBefore setting sail, ensure your Longship is fully repaired and that you have a Karve or another Longship nearby in case of emergencies. The Longship is faster and more stable than the Karve, but it requires deeper water to launch, so plan your departure from a suitable shoreline. Once your Longship is ready, load your cargo into its inventory slots. Heavy items like Iron, Silver, or Black Metal can be transported in bulk, but be cautious of overloading your personal inventory, as this will slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks.\n\nNavigating the seas in Valheim can be dangerous, especially during storms or when encountering hostile creatures like Serpents. To mitigate risks, always carry a weapon like the Abyssal Harpoon or a bow with Frost Arrows to deal with Serpents. Additionally, avoid sailing at night or during storms, as visibility is reduced, and waves can damage your ship. If you must sail in bad weather, stay close to the shore and use the map to mark safe routes.\n\nWhen transporting cargo over long distances, consider setting up small outposts along the way. These outposts can serve as rest stops where you can repair your ship, rest, and store excess cargo. To build an outpost, bring basic materials like Wood, Stone, and a Workbench. Place a Portal at each outpost to quickly travel back to your main base if needed. This strategy is particularly useful when transporting rare resources like Black Metal or Silver, as it minimizes the risk of losing valuable cargo to unexpected events.\n\nOne common challenge is running aground in shallow waters. The Longship requires deeper water than the Karve, so always check your map for safe routes and avoid narrow channels or rocky areas. If you do get stuck, use a pickaxe to dig a path or dismantle the ship and rebuild it in deeper water. This can be time-consuming but is often necessary to avoid losing your cargo.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for combat. The Plains biome, in particular, is home to Deathsquitos, which can quickly destroy your ship if you''re not careful. Carry a shield and melee weapon to defend yourself, and consider bringing a friend to help manage the ship and fend off enemies. By following these tips, you can efficiently transport heavy cargo with a Longship and ensure your resources reach their destination safely.