What’s the safest way to cross water early in a no-death run?

Crossing water early in a no-death run in Valheim requires careful planning and preparation, as drowning or encountering hostile creatures can quickly end your run. The safest way to cross water is to avoid swimming entirely and instead use a raft or other early-game watercraft. Swimming is risky because it drains stamina rapidly, and if you run out of stamina in deep water, you will drown. Additionally, water biomes like the Ocean or Swamp can host dangerous enemies like Leeches or Serpents, which can attack you while you''re vulnerable.\n\nTo begin, you''ll need to craft a raft, which is the most basic watercraft available early in the game. To build a raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood can be gathered from trees, Leather Scraps are obtained by hunting Boars, and Resin drops from Greydwarfs or can be found in the Black Forest biome. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and select the raft under the Misc tab. Place the raft in shallow water to avoid immediate danger.\n\nBefore setting sail, ensure you have a full stamina bar and some food to boost your health and stamina. Foods like Cooked Meat, Raspberries, or Honey are excellent early-game options. Avoid sailing at night, as visibility is low, and hostile creatures like Serpents are more likely to spawn. If you must cross water at night, stay close to the shore and avoid venturing into the Ocean biome, where Serpents are most common.\n\nWhen sailing, keep an eye on your surroundings. If you spot a Serpent or other hostile creature, immediately steer your raft toward the nearest shore. Rafts are slow, so you won''t be able to outrun most threats. If you''re forced to abandon your raft, swim to safety as quickly as possible, but only if you have enough stamina to reach land. Always prioritize staying alive over recovering lost items.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. If you''re crossing a narrow body of water, consider building a bridge using Wood or Core Wood. This method is time-consuming but eliminates the risks associated with sailing or swimming. To build a bridge, gather enough Wood or Core Wood and place floor tiles across the water. Ensure the bridge is stable and extends all the way to the other side to avoid falling into the water.\n\nFor longer journeys, consider upgrading to a Karve, a faster and more durable boat. However, crafting a Karve requires Bronze Nails, which are made from Bronze, a resource only available after defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and building a Forge. While this option is safer, it requires significant progress in the game, so it may not be feasible early in a no-death run.\n\nIn summary, the safest way to cross water early in a no-death run is to use a raft, avoid swimming, and stay close to shore. Always prepare with food and stamina-boosting items, and be cautious of hostile creatures. If possible, build a bridge for narrow crossings or wait until you can craft a Karve for longer journeys. By following these steps, you can minimize risks and ensure your Viking survives the treacherous waters of Valheim.