What is the best shield for surviving the Ocean biome’s serpent attacks?

Surviving serpent attacks in Valheim''s Ocean biome requires a combination of the right shield, proper timing, and strategic gameplay. The best shield for this purpose is the Black Metal Shield, which offers high block power and durability. This shield is crafted using Black Metal, Fine Wood, and Chains, making it a late-game item. Its high block power (90) allows you to absorb most of the damage from serpent attacks, giving you a better chance to survive and counterattack.\n\nTo craft the Black Metal Shield, you need to progress through the game and defeat Fuling enemies in the Plains biome. These enemies drop Black Metal, which is essential for crafting. You also need Fine Wood, obtained from Birch and Oak trees, and Chains, which can be found in Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome or by defeating Wraiths. Once you have these materials, head to a level 3 Forge to craft the shield.\n\nWhen facing a serpent, timing is crucial. Serpents attack by lunging at your boat, dealing significant damage. To block their attacks effectively, you need to parry. Parrying involves blocking at the exact moment the serpent strikes, which staggers the creature and reduces the damage you take. The Black Metal Shield''s high block power makes it ideal for parrying, as it can absorb most of the damage even if your timing isn''t perfect.\n\nIn addition to using the Black Metal Shield, consider upgrading your boat to the Longship. The Longship has more health and can withstand multiple serpent attacks, giving you more time to react. If you''re playing solo, position yourself at the front of the boat to have a clear view of the serpent''s approach. This allows you to time your parry more accurately. If you''re playing with friends, assign one person to steer the boat while others focus on attacking the serpent with bows or melee weapons.\n\nAnother practical tip is to carry healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Serpent attacks can quickly deplete your health, so having a reliable source of healing is essential. Additionally, consider wearing armor with high health and stamina stats, such as the Wolf Armor set from the Mountains biome. This armor provides excellent protection and allows you to perform more actions, like parrying and dodging, without running out of stamina.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the unexpected. Serpents can appear suddenly, especially during storms. Keep your shield equipped and your health topped off when sailing through the Ocean biome. If you find yourself overwhelmed, don''t hesitate to retreat to shallower waters where serpents won''t follow. With the right shield, proper timing, and strategic planning, you can survive and even thrive in the dangerous Ocean biome.