How do you craft a Longship and what are its benefits?

The Longship is one of the most advanced and powerful ships in Valheim, offering superior speed, storage capacity, and durability compared to smaller vessels like the Karve or Raft. Crafting a Longship requires significant preparation, as it demands rare materials and access to advanced crafting stations. To begin, you must first unlock the recipe by obtaining Iron, which is found in the Swamp biome. Once you have Iron, you can craft a Stonecutter and upgrade your Workbench to level 4, which is necessary for building the Longship.\n\nTo craft a Longship, you will need the following materials: 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. Iron Nails are crafted at a Forge using Iron, which is smelted from Scrap Iron found in Muddy Scrap Piles within the Swamp biome. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Deer Hide is a common drop from Deer, which roam the Meadows. Ancient Bark is harvested from Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome using a Bronze Axe or better.\n\nOnce you have gathered all the materials, you can craft the Longship at a level 4 Workbench. To build the ship, you must place it in deep water, as it requires a significant amount of space. The Longship is constructed in a single piece, unlike smaller ships that require multiple components. Once built, it features 18 storage slots, making it ideal for transporting large quantities of resources across the map. Its speed and durability also make it the best choice for long voyages, especially when exploring dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mistlands.\n\nOne of the key benefits of the Longship is its ability to navigate rough waters with ease. Unlike the Karve, which can struggle in storms or against strong waves, the Longship maintains stability and speed, reducing the risk of capsizing. This makes it invaluable for transporting heavy loads of ore, such as Iron or Silver, which cannot be teleported through portals. Additionally, the Longship''s large storage capacity allows you to carry more supplies for extended expeditions, such as food, weapons, and building materials.\n\nA common challenge players face when crafting a Longship is gathering enough Iron. The Swamp biome is dangerous, with enemies like Draugr and Leeches posing significant threats. To mitigate this, bring a strong weapon, such as a Bronze Mace or Iron Sword, and wear upgraded armor like Troll Hide or Iron Armor. It''s also wise to bring Poison Resistance Mead, as the Swamp is filled with poisonous Blobs and Oozers. Once you have enough Iron, smelt it at a Smelter and craft Iron Nails at a Forge.\n\nAnother challenge is transporting the Longship materials to your base if your Workbench is not near the coast. To solve this, consider building a temporary Workbench near the water where you plan to construct the ship. Alternatively, you can use a Karve to transport materials to a coastal base. Once the Longship is built, you can dismantle the temporary Workbench and reclaim the materials.\n\nIn summary, the Longship is a game-changing vessel that significantly enhances your ability to explore and transport resources in Valheim. While crafting it requires significant effort, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. With its superior speed, storage capacity, and durability, the Longship is the ultimate tool for Vikings looking to conquer the seas and expand their reach across the world.\n\nPractical Tip: Always carry a Hammer and some Wood when sailing, as you may need to repair your Longship during long voyages. Additionally, consider building a portal near your ship''s docking location to quickly return home if needed.