What is the best way to transport wood using a raft?

Transporting wood using a raft in Valheim is an essential skill for early-game players and a useful tactic for experienced Vikings. Rafts are the first watercraft you can build, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather, making rafts accessible even for new players. Once built, rafts allow you to traverse water bodies, which is crucial for transporting resources like wood from distant biomes to your base.\n\nTo begin, you need to craft a raft at a Workbench. Place the Workbench near the shoreline for convenience. Once the raft is built, push it into the water and hop on. The raft is controlled using the WASD keys, with W to move forward and S to reverse. Steering is done with the A and D keys. Keep in mind that rafts are slow and vulnerable to storms, so plan your trips carefully.\n\nWhen transporting wood, it’s best to gather as much as possible before setting sail. Wood can be collected from trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Use a Flint Axe or Bronze Axe to chop trees efficiently. Once you have a full inventory of wood, load it onto the raft by placing it in your inventory slots. Be cautious of your weight limit, as overloading can slow you down or prevent you from moving altogether.\n\nOne common challenge is navigating rough waters. Storms can damage your raft, and Serpents in the Ocean biome may attack. To mitigate this, avoid sailing during storms and stick to calmer waters near the shore. If you encounter a Serpent, use a bow to fend it off or sail quickly to shallow water where it cannot follow. Always carry a Hammer and extra materials to repair your raft if needed.\n\nFor long-distance wood transport, consider building a small dock or storage area near your base. This allows you to unload wood quickly and return for more. If you’re transporting wood from the Black Forest, be mindful of Greydwarfs and Trolls that may attack while you’re gathering resources. Bring a weapon and shield for protection.\n\nExperienced players can optimize wood transport by upgrading to a Karve or Longship, which offer more storage and speed. However, rafts remain a viable option for short trips or when resources are limited. Always plan your route in advance, marking key locations on your map to avoid getting lost.\n\nIn summary, transporting wood with a raft in Valheim requires preparation, careful navigation, and resource management. Gather wood efficiently, avoid dangerous waters, and build a storage system to streamline the process. With these tips, you’ll master wood transport and ensure your base is well-supplied for any project.