Can you use a raft to explore the Ashlands biome?

Exploring the Ashlands biome in Valheim using a raft is possible but comes with significant challenges. The Ashlands is a dangerous, fiery biome located far to the south of the map, characterized by extreme heat, hostile creatures, and volcanic terrain. While a raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can build, it is not the most efficient or safe option for long-distance travel, especially to such a hazardous biome.\n\nTo build a raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the raft accessible for new players. However, the raft''s slow speed and lack of durability make it a poor choice for navigating the vast ocean or surviving the Ashlands'' dangers. The raft moves at a base speed of 2.5 meters per second, which is significantly slower than the Karve or Longship, making long journeys tedious and risky.\n\nWhen attempting to reach the Ashlands, you must first locate it on your map. The Ashlands biome is always found in the southernmost part of the world, so you will need to sail south for a considerable distance. Along the way, you may encounter storms, serpents, and other threats that can easily destroy a raft. To mitigate these risks, ensure you have a Hammer and enough materials to repair your raft during the journey. Additionally, bring a Fine Wood Bow and arrows to defend against serpents, as they are a common threat in the ocean.\n\nOnce you reach the Ashlands, the raft''s limitations become even more apparent. The biome is filled with fire-based enemies like Surtlings, which can attack from a distance and set your raft on fire. The extreme heat in the Ashlands also causes constant fire damage unless you have fire resistance, which is difficult to obtain early in the game. Without proper preparation, your raft and character will quickly succumb to the biome''s hazards.\n\nFor a safer and more efficient exploration of the Ashlands, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship. 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. Both ships are faster, more durable, and better equipped to handle the ocean''s dangers. Additionally, they provide storage space for essential supplies like food, weapons, and fire resistance mead.\n\nIf you are determined to use a raft, prepare thoroughly. Bring fire resistance mead, which requires 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 2 Neck Tails, and 1 Greydwarf Eye to craft. This mead provides temporary fire resistance, allowing you to survive the Ashlands'' heat. Stock up on healing items like Cooked Meat and Berries, and equip armor with high fire resistance, such as the Troll Leather set. Finally, avoid lingering in the Ashlands for too long, as the biome''s constant threats make it difficult to survive without advanced gear.\n\nIn summary, while a raft can technically be used to explore the Ashlands, it is not recommended due to its slow speed, low durability, and vulnerability to fire. Upgrading to a Karve or Longship is a far better option for navigating the ocean and surviving the Ashlands'' dangers. If you choose to use a raft, ensure you are well-prepared with fire resistance, healing items, and defensive gear to increase your chances of success.