How do I prepare my inventory for sailing and ocean exploration?

Preparing your inventory for sailing and ocean exploration in Valheim is crucial for a successful voyage. The ocean biome is vast and unpredictable, so you need to plan carefully to avoid running out of resources or encountering dangerous situations. Start by crafting a Karve or Longship, which requires materials like Bronze Nails, Fine Wood, and Deer Hide. These ships provide storage space, but your personal inventory must also be optimized for efficiency.\n\nFirst, prioritize essential tools and weapons. Bring a Bronze or Iron Pickaxe for mining resources like Chitin from Leviathans or Copper from islands. A weapon like a Finewood Bow with Flinthead Arrows or better is essential for dealing with Sea Serpents, which are common threats in the ocean. Additionally, carry a shield and melee weapon for close combat if needed. Always have a Hammer for repairing your ship during long journeys.\n\nNext, pack food and healing items. Ocean exploration can take hours, so bring high-stamina foods like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam to maintain your stamina for sailing and fighting. Healing items like Honey or Health Mead are vital for recovering from Sea Serpent attacks or other unexpected damage. Store these items in your ship''s storage or personal inventory, but avoid overloading yourself to maintain movement speed.\n\nNavigation tools are also critical. Craft a Karve or Longship with a Mast and Rudder, and always carry a Portal for quick returns to your base. Place a Portal at your home base and bring materials (Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores) to build a second Portal on any new island you discover. This allows you to teleport back for repairs, restocking, or escaping danger. Additionally, bring a map and mark key locations like Leviathans, islands, or resource-rich areas.\n\nPrepare for environmental challenges by bringing Frost Resistance Mead if you plan to explore near the Mountain biome or Frost Caves. Similarly, Poison Resistance Mead is useful for Swamp biomes you might encounter on islands. Always check the weather before sailing; storms can make navigation difficult and increase the risk of Sea Serpent attacks. If you''re caught in a storm, stay close to the shore or find a safe spot to wait it out.\n\nFinally, optimize your inventory space. Use your ship''s storage for bulk items like Wood, Stone, or Ore, and keep your personal inventory free for quick-access items like weapons, food, and tools. Avoid carrying unnecessary items like trophies or low-value resources. If you''re exploring multiple islands, consider setting up a temporary base with a Workbench and Chests to store excess materials.\n\nIn summary, preparing your inventory for sailing involves balancing essential tools, food, navigation aids, and environmental protections. By planning ahead and optimizing your loadout, you can explore the ocean biome safely and efficiently. Always be ready for unexpected challenges, and use Portals to maintain a connection to your main base. Happy sailing, Viking!