How do you repair a ship while exploring the Ocean biome?

Repairing a ship while exploring the Ocean biome in Valheim is essential for survival, as the Ocean biome is vast and filled with dangers like serpents and storms. Ships are your lifeline for traversing the waters, and keeping them in good condition ensures you can return safely to land. To repair a ship, you need a Workbench and the appropriate materials, but setting up a Workbench in the middle of the ocean can be tricky. Here’s how to do it effectively.\n\nFirst, you need to understand the game mechanics. Ships in Valheim, such as the Karve or Longship, take damage from collisions, enemy attacks, or harsh weather. To repair them, you must use a Workbench, which requires a flat surface and proximity to the ship. However, the Ocean biome lacks land, so you’ll need to create a temporary platform. This can be done by crafting a few Wooden Floor pieces and placing them near your ship. Ensure the platform is stable and close enough to the ship for the Workbench to function.\n\nTo begin, gather the necessary materials: Wood, which is abundant in most biomes, and a Hammer, which you should already have in your inventory. Craft Wooden Floor pieces by opening your crafting menu and selecting them under the Building tab. Once you have enough, sail to a calm area in the Ocean biome, preferably away from serpents or storms. Drop anchor by pressing the spacebar to stop your ship, then jump into the water and start placing the Wooden Floor pieces. Build a small platform large enough to fit a Workbench.\n\nNext, place the Workbench on the platform. Open your inventory, select the Workbench, and place it on the Wooden Floor. Ensure the Workbench’s radius covers your ship. Once the Workbench is set up, approach your ship with the Hammer equipped. Right-click to open the repair menu, and select the ship. The repair process will consume Wood, so make sure you have enough in your inventory. Each repair restores the ship’s health to full, so you can continue your journey without worry.\n\nA common challenge is encountering serpents while repairing. If a serpent attacks, prioritize defending your ship and platform. Use your bow or melee weapons to fend off the serpent, then resume repairs. Another issue is running out of Wood. To avoid this, always carry extra Wood when sailing, especially for long expeditions. If you’re far from land, consider bringing a Portal to quickly gather resources from your base and return.\n\nFor experienced players, consider building a small outpost on a nearby island or rock formation in the Ocean biome. This provides a permanent repair station and a safe haven during storms. You can also use the Cartography Table to mark these locations on your map for future reference. Additionally, upgrading your ship to a Longship increases its durability, reducing the frequency of repairs.\n\nIn summary, repairing a ship in the Ocean biome requires preparation and resource management. Build a temporary platform, set up a Workbench, and ensure you have enough Wood for repairs. Be mindful of serpents and storms, and consider creating outposts for long-term exploration. With these tips, you’ll navigate the Ocean biome safely and efficiently.