How do you build a dock for your Longship in Valheim?

Building a dock for your Longship in Valheim is essential for protecting your vessel and ensuring easy access to water travel. The Longship is one of the most valuable tools for exploration and resource gathering, so creating a safe and functional dock is a priority for any Viking. To begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials and choose a suitable location near water, preferably in a Meadow or Black Forest biome for ease of access and safety.\n\nFirst, select a flat area near the shoreline where the water is deep enough for the Longship to float. Use the Hoe tool to level the ground if necessary, ensuring the dock extends far enough into the water to accommodate the ship’s size. The Longship requires a depth of at least 2-3 meters to avoid getting stuck, so test the water depth by placing a workbench nearby and attempting to build a small section of the dock.\n\nNext, gather materials for the dock. Wood is the primary resource, and you’ll need a significant amount of it. Use Core Wood from Pine Trees in the Black Forest for sturdier structures, or regular Wood from Beech Trees if Core Wood is unavailable. You’ll also need a Hammer, Workbench, and optionally, a Stonecutter if you want to incorporate stone elements for durability. Start by placing vertical Core Wood beams as supports, extending them into the water to create a stable foundation.\n\nOnce the supports are in place, build horizontal flooring using Wood or Core Wood planks. Ensure the dock is wide enough to walk on comfortably and long enough to fully support the Longship. You can add railings using Wood beams for safety and aesthetics. If you’re in a biome with frequent enemy spawns, consider adding defensive structures like walls or spikes to protect your dock and ship.\n\nA common challenge is ensuring the dock is deep enough for the Longship to dock without hitting the seabed. To solve this, build a small test platform and place a raft or Karve to check the depth. Adjust the dock’s length or height as needed. Additionally, if waves or tides cause the ship to bump against the dock, add Wood beams as bumpers to prevent damage.\n\nFor added functionality, consider building a roofed area or storage chests near the dock to store sailing supplies like resin, wood, or food. This saves time when preparing for voyages. If you’re in a multiplayer server, coordinate with other players to build a larger dock with multiple berths for shared use.\n\nFinally, remember that docks can be expanded or upgraded as you progress. Incorporate stone slabs or iron reinforcements for a more durable structure. Always keep an eye on the structural integrity of your dock, as overextending it without proper supports can cause parts to collapse. With these steps, you’ll have a functional and secure dock for your Longship, ready for any adventure Valheim throws your way.