Can I use a raft to transport heavy items like ore or metal?

In Valheim, a raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can build, but it has significant limitations when it comes to transporting heavy items like ore or metal. The raft is crafted using 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin, which are relatively easy to gather in the early game. However, its slow speed, low durability, and lack of storage make it a poor choice for transporting heavy materials over long distances.\n\nWhen transporting ore or metal, the primary challenge is that these items cannot be teleported through portals. This forces players to manually transport them by land or sea. While a raft can technically carry ore or metal, it is not efficient. The raft has no built-in storage, so you must carry the items in your inventory, which limits how much you can transport at once. Additionally, the raft''s slow speed makes long journeys tedious and risky, especially in dangerous biomes like the Ocean or Swamp.\n\nTo use a raft for transporting ore or metal, you must first gather the required materials and craft it at a Workbench. Once built, place the raft in shallow water and board it. You can then sail to your destination, but be cautious of storms, serpents, and other hazards. Since the raft has no storage, you will need to make multiple trips if you have a large amount of ore or metal to transport. This is time-consuming and increases the risk of losing your cargo to enemies or environmental hazards.\n\nA better alternative for transporting heavy items is the Karve or Longship, which are faster, more durable, and have built-in storage. The Karve requires 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails, while the Longship requires 40 Iron Nails, 10 Deer Hide, 40 Fine Wood, and 40 Ancient Bark. These ships are more resource-intensive to build but are far more efficient for transporting ore and metal.\n\nIf you must use a raft, consider breaking your journey into shorter segments. For example, transport ore from a Black Forest mine to a nearby coastal outpost, then use a cart or portal to move the materials to your main base. This reduces the risk of losing your cargo and makes the process more manageable. Additionally, always carry a Hammer and repair materials to fix your raft if it takes damage during the journey.\n\nIn summary, while a raft can technically transport ore or metal, it is not the best option due to its slow speed and lack of storage. For efficient transportation, upgrade to a Karve or Longship as soon as possible. If you must use a raft, plan your route carefully, make multiple trips, and always be prepared for potential dangers.