Can I upgrade a raft, or is it only a beginner ship option?

In Valheim, the raft is the first ship you can craft and is primarily a beginner ship option. It is not upgradable, meaning you cannot enhance its speed, durability, or storage capacity. The raft is designed to help new players navigate water bodies early in the game, but it is slow and vulnerable to damage from storms, sea creatures, and even rough waves. As you progress, you will unlock better ship options like the Karve and the Longship, which are faster, sturdier, and more versatile.\n\nTo craft a raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather in the Meadows biome, where you start the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping down trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, you can craft the raft at a Workbench near water. Simply place the raft in the water, and it will be ready to use.\n\nWhile the raft is useful for short trips across small bodies of water, it is not ideal for long voyages or exploring the ocean biome. Its slow speed makes it a target for sea serpents, which can destroy the raft quickly. Additionally, the raft has no storage, so you cannot carry extra resources or equipment. If you plan to explore further or transport heavy loads, upgrading to a Karve or Longship is highly recommended.\n\nTo unlock better ships, you need to progress through the game and gather more advanced materials. For example, the Karve requires Bronze Nails, Fine Wood, and Deer Hide, which are obtained by smelting Bronze in a Forge and cutting down Birch or Oak trees in the Black Forest biome. The Longship, the most advanced ship, requires Iron Nails, Fine Wood, and Deer Hide, which require mining Iron in the Swamp biome. Both ships are faster, have storage, and can withstand more damage than the raft.\n\nIf you are stuck with a raft and need to cross large bodies of water, plan your route carefully. Avoid storms and rough waters, as they can damage the raft or push you off course. Stick to the coastline when possible, and always carry materials to repair the raft if it gets damaged. If you encounter a sea serpent, try to steer away quickly or use a bow to fend it off. However, the best long-term solution is to upgrade to a better ship as soon as possible.\n\nIn summary, the raft is a beginner ship that cannot be upgraded. It is useful for early-game exploration but is quickly outclassed by the Karve and Longship. Focus on gathering materials and progressing through the game to unlock better ships for safer and more efficient travel. Always plan your voyages carefully, and avoid dangerous waters until you have a more capable vessel.\n\nPractical Tip: If you are new to Valheim, use the raft to explore nearby islands or coastal areas in the Meadows biome. Avoid venturing into the ocean biome until you have a Karve or Longship, as the raft is not equipped to handle the challenges of open water.