What is the best way to store a Longship when not in use?

Storing a Longship in Valheim is essential to protect your valuable vessel from damage, especially when exploring or building in dangerous biomes. The Longship is one of the most resource-intensive ships to craft, requiring 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Resin. Losing it to storms, sea serpents, or accidental destruction can set you back significantly. Therefore, proper storage is crucial for both new and experienced players.\n\nTo store a Longship safely, the best method is to dock it in a secure location. Build a dock or harbor using Wood or Core Wood structures. A simple dock can be constructed by placing Wood Beams or Core Wood Beams horizontally into the water, creating a platform that extends out from the shore. Ensure the dock is deep enough to accommodate the Longship''s draft, as it requires deeper water than smaller ships like the Karve or Raft.\n\nOnce the dock is built, park the Longship by sailing it close to the dock and pressing the ''E'' key to disembark. Make sure the ship is fully stopped and aligned with the dock to prevent it from drifting away. If you''re in a biome with hostile creatures, such as the Plains or Swamp, consider building walls or fences around the dock to protect the ship from enemy attacks. For added security, place Workbenches or other crafting stations nearby to prevent mob spawns.\n\nAnother effective storage method is to dismantle the Longship when not in use. This is particularly useful if you''re exploring far from your base and need to secure the ship temporarily. To dismantle the Longship, equip a Hammer and stand near the ship. Open the build menu, select the Longship, and press the middle mouse button to deconstruct it. This will return all the materials used to craft the ship, which you can store in your inventory or a nearby chest. When you''re ready to sail again, simply rebuild the Longship using the same materials.\n\nFor players who frequently travel between biomes, consider building multiple docks at key locations. For example, if you''re exploring the Swamp for Iron or the Plains for Black Metal, having a dock near these biomes can save time and resources. Use Portals to quickly travel between your main base and these outposts, ensuring your Longship is always within reach when needed.\n\nFinally, always be mindful of weather conditions and sea serpents. Storms can cause ships to drift or take damage, so avoid leaving your Longship unattended in open water. If you encounter a sea serpent, either fight it off using a bow or sail to shallow water where it cannot follow. By following these tips, you can ensure your Longship remains safe and ready for your next adventure.\n\nIn summary, the best way to store a Longship in Valheim is to build a secure dock or dismantle it when not in use. Protect your ship from environmental hazards and hostile mobs by constructing defensive structures and using crafting stations to prevent spawns. Plan ahead by creating multiple docks in strategic locations and always be prepared for unexpected threats. With these strategies, your Longship will remain a reliable asset throughout your Viking journey.