What are the best ways to use a raft for scouting new biomes?

Using a raft for scouting new biomes in Valheim is a practical early-game strategy, especially when you lack the resources to build a Karve or Longship. A raft is the first watercraft you can craft, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. While it is slow and vulnerable, it is an excellent tool for exploring nearby islands and coastal areas.\n\nTo build a raft, you need to craft a Hammer and place a Workbench near water. Open the Hammer''s build menu, navigate to the Misc tab, and select the raft. Place it in shallow water, ensuring it has enough space to float. Once built, interact with the rudder to board and control the raft. Use the WASD keys to move and the mouse to steer. Be cautious of strong winds, as they can slow your progress significantly.\n\nWhen scouting new biomes, prioritize safety and preparation. Equip a weapon, shield, and basic tools like a pickaxe and axe. Bring food for stamina regeneration, as rowing consumes stamina. Avoid venturing too far into the ocean early on, as the raft is slow and vulnerable to Serpents, hostile sea creatures that can destroy your raft quickly. Stick to coastal areas and islands within sight of the mainland.\n\nA raft is particularly useful for exploring the Meadows and Black Forest biomes near water. For example, you can use it to reach small islands with valuable resources like Flint, Tin, or Burial Chambers. However, avoid using a raft to explore the Swamp or Plains biomes, as these areas are dangerous and require better gear and ships. Instead, focus on gathering resources to upgrade to a Karve or Longship for safer and faster travel.\n\nOne common challenge is navigating strong winds, which can make rowing a raft frustratingly slow. To mitigate this, plan your trips during calm weather or use the wind to your advantage by sailing with it at your back. Additionally, always carry materials to repair your raft (Wood and Resin) in case it takes damage from waves or enemies.\n\nFor new players, a raft is a stepping stone to more advanced exploration. Use it to gather resources like Copper and Tin in the Black Forest, which are essential for crafting bronze tools and weapons. Experienced players can use rafts for quick reconnaissance or to transport small amounts of resources between nearby islands.\n\nIn summary, a raft is a valuable tool for early-game exploration in Valheim. While it has limitations, it allows you to scout new biomes, gather resources, and prepare for more advanced shipbuilding. Always prioritize safety, plan your routes carefully, and upgrade to better ships as soon as possible for more efficient and secure travel.