How do you avoid capsizing during a Sea Serpent encounter?

Sea Serpents are one of the most dangerous threats in Valheim''s Ocean biome, capable of capsizing your ship and leaving you stranded in the water. To avoid capsizing during a Sea Serpent encounter, you need to understand their behavior, prepare your ship, and react strategically during the fight.\n\nFirst, always ensure your ship is in good condition before venturing into the Ocean biome. Repair your ship at a workbench using wood, and make sure you have enough materials to repair it mid-journey if necessary. The Longship is the best choice for dealing with Sea Serpents due to its durability and speed. Avoid using the Karve or Raft, as they are more vulnerable to capsizing.\n\nWhen a Sea Serpent appears, it will aggressively chase your ship and attempt to ram it. The key to avoiding capsizing is to maintain control of your ship''s speed and direction. Reduce your speed by lowering the sail to half or full stop, as moving too fast can make it harder to maneuver. Use the rudder to turn sharply and avoid direct collisions with the Serpent.\n\nIf the Sea Serpent catches up to your ship, it will deal significant damage and potentially capsize you. To prevent this, use ranged weapons like the Finewood Bow and arrows to attack the Serpent from a distance. Fire arrows are particularly effective due to their damage-over-time effect. Aim for the Serpent''s head to maximize damage and reduce the number of attacks it can land on your ship.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to lure the Sea Serpent closer to shore or into shallower waters. Serpents are less aggressive in shallow areas and may retreat, giving you time to escape or finish them off. If you''re near land, consider beaching your ship temporarily to fight the Serpent on foot. However, be cautious of other threats like Trolls or Greydwarfs in nearby biomes.\n\nFor experienced players, using the Harpoon can be a game-changer. Craft the Harpoon using Fine Wood, Leather Scraps, and Bronze, and equip it to drag the Serpent closer to your ship or to shore. This allows you to deal melee damage with weapons like the Blackmetal Sword or Atgeir. Be mindful of your stamina, as dragging the Serpent can drain it quickly.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. Carry a Portal with you to quickly escape if your ship is destroyed, and keep a stack of wood and resin to build a workbench and repair your ship if needed. If you do capsize, swim to the nearest landmass or use the Eikthyr power to increase your stamina for swimming.\n\nIn summary, avoiding capsizing during a Sea Serpent encounter requires preparation, strategic maneuvering, and effective combat techniques. Use a Longship, maintain control of your speed, and rely on ranged weapons or the Harpoon to defeat the Serpent. Always be ready to adapt to the situation and have an escape plan in place.