What materials are needed to craft a raft in Valheim?

Crafting a raft in Valheim is one of the first steps to exploring the vast oceans and rivers of the game. A raft is a simple, early-game watercraft that allows players to traverse water bodies safely. To craft a raft, you will need specific materials and access to a workbench. The materials required are 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These resources are relatively easy to obtain, even for new players, making the raft an accessible option for early exploration.\n\nWood is the most basic resource in Valheim and can be gathered by chopping down trees in any biome, such as the Meadows or Black Forest. Use a stone axe or better to efficiently collect wood. Leather Scraps are obtained by hunting boars, which are commonly found in the Meadows biome. Boars drop Leather Scraps when killed, and you may need to hunt a few to gather enough. Resin is dropped by Greylings, small creatures found in the Meadows and Black Forest. They are easy to defeat and often drop Resin when killed.\n\nOnce you have gathered the required materials, you will need to craft the raft at a workbench. Workbenches are essential for crafting most items in Valheim, and you can build one using 10 Wood. Place the workbench in a sheltered area, such as near your base, to ensure it functions properly. Interact with the workbench and navigate to the Misc tab to find the raft recipe. If you have the necessary materials, you can craft the raft instantly.\n\nAfter crafting the raft, you can place it in the water by selecting it from your inventory and clicking on a suitable water surface. The raft will spawn and float, ready for use. To board the raft, simply walk onto it. Once aboard, you can control the raft using the WASD keys or a controller. The raft moves slowly but is stable and reliable for short trips across water. Be cautious of storms or rough waters, as they can make navigation more challenging.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of stamina while rowing the raft. Stamina is consumed when moving the raft, so it is important to manage it carefully. To avoid running out of stamina, ensure your character is well-fed before embarking on a journey. Consuming food items like Cooked Meat, Raspberries, or Honey can boost your stamina regeneration. Additionally, avoid unnecessary movements and plan your route to minimize stamina usage.\n\nAnother challenge is encountering hostile creatures while on the raft. Serpents, for example, are dangerous sea creatures that can attack your raft and cause significant damage. If you encounter a serpent, try to row away quickly or use a bow to defend yourself. It is also a good idea to carry a weapon and shield while sailing, as you never know when you might need to defend yourself.\n\nFor experienced players, the raft is a stepping stone to more advanced watercraft like the Karve or Longship. However, it remains a useful tool for quick trips or transporting small amounts of cargo. If you are exploring a new area and need to cross a river or small body of water, the raft is a reliable and cost-effective option. Always remember to bring a hammer and materials to repair your raft if it takes damage during your journey.\n\nIn summary, crafting a raft in Valheim requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are easy to gather in the early game, making the raft an excellent choice for new players. Use a workbench to craft the raft, and place it in water to begin your journey. Manage your stamina carefully, and be prepared to defend yourself against hostile creatures. With these tips, you can confidently explore Valheim''s waters and expand your horizons.