How do you avoid losing your Longship to a Kraken encounter?

The Longship is one of the most valuable assets in Valheim, offering the fastest and most durable means of transporting large amounts of cargo across the seas. However, encountering a Kraken (also known as a Leviathan) can be a terrifying experience, especially if you''re unprepared. Krackens are massive sea creatures that appear as floating islands but can submerge and destroy your ship if provoked. To avoid losing your Longship to a Kraken, you need to understand the game mechanics and take specific precautions.\n\nFirst, recognize that Krackens are passive creatures unless disturbed. They are found in the Ocean biome and appear as large, rocky islands with barnacles. If you approach one, avoid mining the barnacles or attacking the creature. Harvesting the Chitin from the barnacles will aggro the Kraken, causing it to submerge and create massive waves that can capsize or destroy your Longship. Always keep a safe distance and avoid anchoring near a Kraken.\n\nIf you accidentally aggro a Kraken, immediately steer your Longship away from the creature. The Longship is the fastest ship in the game, so use its speed to your advantage. Sail in a straight line away from the Kraken until it stops chasing you. Avoid sharp turns, as this can slow you down and give the Kraken a chance to catch up. If you''re carrying valuable cargo, prioritize escaping over fighting, as the Kraken''s waves can easily sink your ship.\n\nTo further protect your Longship, always carry a Portal with you when sailing. Portals allow you to quickly return to your base if your ship is destroyed, minimizing the loss of resources. Place a Portal at your base and name it before setting sail. When exploring, carry the materials to build a second Portal (20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes) so you can establish a quick escape route if needed.\n\nAnother practical tip is to avoid sailing at night or during storms. Visibility is reduced in these conditions, making it harder to spot Krackens or other threats like Serpents. Storms also create rough waves that can make it difficult to control your Longship, increasing the risk of accidental Kraken encounters. Plan your voyages during clear weather and daylight hours to minimize danger.\n\nFor experienced players, consider equipping your Longship with a Karve or smaller boat as a backup. If your Longship is destroyed, having a secondary vessel can help you recover your cargo and return to safety. Additionally, always carry a Hammer and enough materials to repair your Longship during long voyages. Repairing your ship at sea can save you from sinking if you take damage from waves or other threats.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Kraken encounters requires awareness, preparation, and quick decision-making. Keep your distance from Krackens, prioritize escape over confrontation, and always have a backup plan like a Portal or secondary boat. By following these steps, you can protect your Longship and ensure safe voyages across Valheim''s treacherous oceans.