How do I craft a raft in Valheim, and what materials are required?

Crafting a raft in Valheim is one of the first steps to exploring the vast oceans and islands of the game. A raft is a simple, early-game watercraft that allows you to traverse water bodies safely. To craft a raft, you will need to unlock the recipe first. This is done by acquiring specific materials and building a workbench, which is essential for most crafting in Valheim.\n\nTo unlock the raft recipe, you need to gather wood and leather scraps. Wood is easily obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, which is the starting area for most players. Leather scraps are acquired by hunting boars, which are common in the Meadows. Once you have at least 20 wood and 6 leather scraps, the raft recipe will become available at your workbench.\n\nTo craft a raft, you will need 20 wood, 6 leather scraps, and 6 resin. Resin is dropped by Greylings, small creatures found in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Once you have all the materials, approach your workbench and open the crafting menu. Navigate to the raft icon and craft it. The raft will appear in your inventory, ready to be placed in the water.\n\nTo use the raft, you need to find a suitable body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Equip the raft from your inventory and place it in the water. Once placed, you can board the raft by pressing the interact key (default E). The raft is controlled using the movement keys (WASD) and can be steered by moving the mouse. Keep in mind that the raft is slow and not ideal for long-distance travel, but it is perfect for short trips or exploring nearby islands.\n\nOne common challenge players face is capsizing or losing the raft in rough waters. To avoid this, always check the weather before setting sail. Storms can make the water choppy and harder to navigate. Additionally, avoid sailing too close to rocks or shallow areas, as the raft can get stuck or damaged. If you do lose your raft, you can craft another one as long as you have the required materials.\n\nFor new players, it is recommended to practice sailing in calm waters before venturing into the ocean. The raft is a great tool for early exploration, but it is not very durable. If you encounter hostile creatures like serpents, it is best to avoid them and sail away quickly. Experienced players can use the raft to transport resources or scout new areas, but upgrading to a karve or longship later in the game is advisable for more efficient travel.\n\nIn summary, crafting a raft in Valheim requires 20 wood, 6 leather scraps, and 6 resin. Unlock the recipe by gathering these materials and use a workbench to craft it. Place the raft in water, board it, and use movement keys to navigate. Be cautious of weather conditions and hostile creatures while sailing. The raft is a beginner-friendly vessel that opens up new exploration opportunities in the game.