What are the best strategies for transporting ore across the Ocean?

Transporting ore across the Ocean in Valheim is a critical task for progressing in the game, as many valuable resources like Silver, Iron, and Black Metal are found in distant biomes. However, the Ocean biome presents unique challenges, such as storms, serpents, and the inability to teleport with ore. To overcome these challenges, you need a well-thought-out strategy that combines preparation, navigation, and combat readiness.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a sturdy ship. The Longship is the best option for transporting large amounts of ore due to its high storage capacity and durability. To craft a Longship, you’ll need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. These materials require access to the Swamp biome for Iron and the Plains biome for Fine Wood. If you’re early in the game and don’t have a Longship, the Karve is a decent alternative, though it has less storage and is more vulnerable to damage.\n\nBefore setting sail, prepare your inventory and ship. Clear out unnecessary items from your ship’s storage to maximize space for ore. Bring essential supplies like food, healing meads, and arrows. Food such as Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Turnip Stew will boost your health and stamina, which is crucial for surviving storms and serpent attacks. Additionally, carry a bow and arrows to fend off serpents, as they are a common threat in the Ocean biome.\n\nPlan your route carefully. Use the map to mark the location of your destination and any safe harbors along the way. Avoid sailing at night or during storms, as visibility is reduced, and waves can damage your ship. If you encounter a storm, try to steer toward calmer waters or hug the coastline to minimize risk. Always keep an eye on your ship’s durability and repair it with a Hammer and Wood if necessary.\n\nSerpents are one of the biggest threats when transporting ore. These creatures can deal significant damage to your ship and even destroy it if left unchecked. To deal with serpents, use a bow and arrows to attack them from a distance. Frost arrows are particularly effective due to their high damage and slowing effect. If a serpent gets too close, use a melee weapon like an Abyssal Razor or a Blackmetal Sword to finish it off. Always prioritize killing serpents quickly to prevent them from sinking your ship.\n\nOnce you reach your destination, unload the ore carefully. If your base is far from the shore, consider building a temporary outpost with a Forge and Smelter to process the ore on-site. This reduces the need for multiple trips and minimizes the risk of losing resources. Alternatively, you can transport the ore overland using a Cart, though this method is slower and more labor-intensive.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your ship is destroyed, you can recover the ore by building a new ship or using a Portal to return to the area. However, remember that ore cannot be teleported, so you’ll need to transport it manually. To avoid losing your ship, consider sailing with a friend who can help defend against serpents and repair the ship during emergencies.\n\nIn summary, transporting ore across the Ocean requires careful planning, the right equipment, and combat readiness. Use a Longship for maximum storage, prepare for storms and serpents, and consider building temporary outposts to process ore. With these strategies, you can safely transport valuable resources and progress in Valheim.