How do you use a Longship to transport large quantities of metal?

The Longship is the ultimate vessel for transporting large quantities of metal in Valheim. It is the largest and most durable ship in the game, capable of carrying up to 18 inventory slots, making it ideal for hauling heavy resources like copper, tin, iron, and silver. To use a Longship effectively, you must first craft it at a level 3 Workbench using 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Resin. These materials are gathered from various biomes, such as the Black Forest for Fine Wood and Deer Hide, and the Swamp for Iron Nails.\n\nOnce your Longship is built, you can begin transporting metal. However, metal ores and bars cannot be teleported through portals, so you must plan your route carefully. Start by identifying the biome where the metal is located, such as the Swamp for Iron or the Mountains for Silver. Use a Karve or another ship to scout the coastline and find a safe landing spot near the resource-rich area. Mark this location on your map for future reference.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, bring a Cart or two to the mining site. Carts allow you to carry additional metal ores over land, reducing the number of trips needed. Once your Cart is full, transport the metal to your Longship. Be cautious of enemies, especially in dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Mountains. Clear the area of threats before loading your ship to avoid interruptions.\n\nWhen your Longship is fully loaded, sail back to your main base. Use the wind to your advantage by adjusting your sail and rudder to catch favorable winds. If the wind is against you, consider rowing or waiting for a change in direction. Always keep an eye on your stamina and health, as storms and sea serpents can pose significant threats during your voyage.\n\nUpon arriving at your base, unload the metal and smelt it into bars using a Smelter and Charcoal Kiln. Store the bars in secure chests or use them to craft advanced tools, weapons, and armor. If you need to transport metal to a secondary base, repeat the process, ensuring you have a safe and efficient route.\n\nCommon challenges include navigating dangerous waters, managing inventory space, and dealing with hostile creatures. To mitigate these risks, always bring a weapon, shield, and healing items. Consider building a small outpost near the mining site to store excess metal and restock supplies. Additionally, use the Hoe to level the ground near your Longship for easier loading and unloading.\n\nFor experienced players, consider building a network of coastal outposts connected by Longships. This allows you to transport metal between multiple bases without relying on a single location. Always prioritize upgrading your Longship with better sails and reinforcements to improve speed and durability.\n\nIn summary, the Longship is an essential tool for transporting metal in Valheim. By planning your route, using Carts for overland transport, and preparing for potential threats, you can efficiently move large quantities of metal to your base. With practice and preparation, you can master the art of metal transportation and dominate the world of Valheim.