How do I transport ore and metals efficiently using a Longship?

Transporting ore and metals efficiently in Valheim using a Longship is a critical skill for progressing in the game. The Longship is the largest and most durable ship available, capable of carrying a significant amount of cargo, making it ideal for hauling heavy resources like ore and metals. To begin, you must first craft a Longship, which requires 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Resin. These materials are gathered from various biomes: Fine Wood from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, Deer Hide from deer in the Meadows, Resin from Greydwarfs or trees, and Iron Nails from smelted Iron in the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce your Longship is built, you can use it to transport ore and metals from resource-rich biomes like the Swamp (Iron), Mountains (Silver), or Plains (Black Metal) back to your base. The Longship has 18 storage slots, allowing you to carry a large quantity of materials in a single trip. To maximize efficiency, plan your route carefully. Use the map to mark resource locations and safe harbors where you can dock your ship. Avoid sailing through dangerous areas like the Ocean biome during storms or at night, as Serpents can attack your ship.\n\nWhen loading your Longship, prioritize stacking ores and metals, as they are heavy and take up valuable inventory space. If you are transporting multiple types of resources, organize them in your inventory to avoid confusion. For example, keep Iron in one section and Silver in another. This makes unloading easier when you return to your base. Additionally, consider bringing a Cart or Portal materials to your mining site. While the Longship is excellent for long-distance transport, a Cart can help you move ore from inland mining spots to the shore where your ship is docked.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with enemy threats while transporting valuable cargo. To mitigate this, always bring a weapon, shield, and food for stamina and health. If you encounter a Serpent, use your bow to attack it from a distance or sail to shallow water where it cannot follow. If your ship is damaged, repair it using a Hammer and Wood before continuing your journey. Another tip is to build a small outpost near your mining site with a Portal. This allows you to quickly return to your base for repairs or supplies without losing progress.\n\nFinally, always secure your Longship when docking. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create a safe harbor, or build a dock using Wood and Core Wood. This prevents your ship from drifting away or being destroyed by waves. By following these steps, you can efficiently transport ore and metals using a Longship, ensuring a steady supply of resources for crafting and building in Valheim.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a spare set of tools and materials for emergency repairs. Use the wind to your advantage by adjusting your sail direction for faster travel. If you are transporting Black Metal, remember that it cannot be teleported, so plan your route carefully. Lastly, consider building multiple Longships for different biomes to streamline your resource-gathering process.