How do I defend myself from sea serpents while on a raft?

Defending yourself from sea serpents while on a raft in Valheim is a critical skill for early-game exploration and survival. Sea serpents are aggressive ocean creatures that can quickly destroy your raft and leave you stranded or worse. To effectively defend yourself, you need to understand their behavior, prepare the right tools, and use strategic gameplay tactics.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know where sea serpents spawn. They primarily appear in the Ocean biome, especially during storms or at night. If you’re sailing in these conditions, be extra cautious. Sea serpents are fast and will chase your raft, so you need to act quickly to avoid losing your vessel. Always keep an eye on the water for their distinctive serpentine shape and listen for their loud roars, which signal their approach.\n\nTo defend yourself, you’ll need a weapon. The best early-game option is a bow and arrows. Craft a Crude Bow using 10 Wood and 8 Leather Scraps, and stock up on Flinthead Arrows (8 Wood, 2 Flint, 2 Feathers per stack). These arrows are effective against sea serpents and can be crafted with materials found in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Keep your bow equipped and ready to fire at all times while sailing.\n\nWhen a sea serpent attacks, aim for its head or body. Hitting it with arrows will deal damage and eventually kill it. However, sea serpents are tough, so you’ll need to land multiple shots. If you’re low on arrows or don’t have a bow, you can use a melee weapon like a spear or axe, but this is riskier since you’ll need to get close to the serpent. Always prioritize ranged combat to stay safe.\n\nAnother strategy is to avoid sea serpents altogether. If you spot one in the distance, try to change your course and sail away. Rafts are slow, so this isn’t always easy, but it’s worth attempting if you’re unprepared for a fight. Additionally, avoid sailing at night or during storms unless absolutely necessary, as these conditions increase the likelihood of encountering sea serpents.\n\nIf your raft is damaged during an attack, prioritize repairing it. Carry a Hammer and enough Wood (10 Wood per repair) to fix your raft quickly. Repairing mid-fight can be challenging, so try to create distance between you and the serpent before attempting repairs. If your raft is destroyed, you’ll be left swimming, which is extremely dangerous in the Ocean biome.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to a Karve or Longship is highly recommended. These ships are faster, more durable, and better equipped to handle sea serpent attacks. However, if you’re still using a raft, mastering the bow and arrow is your best defense. Practice your aim and always carry extra arrows to ensure you’re prepared for any encounter.\n\nFinally, consider bringing a friend. Multiplayer makes defending against sea serpents much easier, as one player can steer the raft while the other focuses on attacking. Coordination and teamwork can turn a dangerous situation into a manageable one.\n\nIn summary, defending yourself from sea serpents on a raft requires preparation, quick thinking, and the right tools. Equip a bow and arrows, avoid high-risk sailing conditions, and repair your raft as needed. With practice, you’ll be able to navigate the Ocean biome safely and confidently.