How do I use a Longship to transport large amounts of ore from the Mountains?

Transporting large amounts of ore from the Mountains in Valheim requires careful planning and the use of a Longship, the most efficient vessel for hauling heavy cargo. The Longship is a late-game boat that can carry up to 18 inventory slots, making it ideal for transporting ore like Silver, Iron, or Black Metal. 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: Iron Nails are smelted from Scrap Iron found in the Swamp, Fine Wood comes from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains, Deer Hide is obtained from Deer in the Meadows, and Resin is dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest.\n\nOnce your Longship is built, you need to establish a route from the Mountains to your base. The Mountains biome is typically located inland, so you’ll need to find a nearby body of water, such as a river or coastline, to dock your ship. If no water is nearby, consider building a temporary outpost with a portal to transport lighter materials while using the Longship for ore. This strategy minimizes the risk of losing valuable resources to enemies or environmental hazards.\n\nBefore setting sail, prepare for the journey by ensuring your Longship is fully repaired and you have enough stamina-boosting food, such as Cooked Meat or Turnip Stew. The Mountains are dangerous, with Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems posing significant threats. Clear a safe path to your ship and consider building a small dock or ramp to make loading easier. Once your ore is loaded, sail carefully to avoid Serpents in the ocean or storms that can damage your ship.\n\nA common challenge is the weight of the ore, which slows movement speed. To mitigate this, use a Cart to transport ore from the mining site to the Longship. Carts can carry up to 18 slots of items and are pulled by the player, but they are slow and difficult to maneuver on steep terrain. If the terrain is too rough, consider building a road or using a Hoe to level the ground. Alternatively, you can use Portals to transport lighter materials like Wood or Stone, reserving the Longship for ore.\n\nWhen sailing, always be prepared for unexpected encounters. Serpents can attack your Longship, especially at night or during storms. Carry a Finewood Bow and Fire Arrows to fend them off. If your ship is damaged, use a Hammer and Wood to repair it while at sea. Additionally, avoid sailing too close to the Plains biome, as Deathsquitos can attack from the shore.\n\nOnce you arrive at your base, unload the ore into a Smelter or storage area. If your base is far from the water, consider building a secondary dock or using a Cart to transport the ore inland. For long-term efficiency, establish a network of Portals and outposts to streamline resource gathering and transportation.\n\nPractical tips for using a Longship include always carrying extra materials for repairs, marking safe routes on your map, and using the wind to your advantage by adjusting your sail. With careful planning and preparation, the Longship becomes an invaluable tool for transporting large amounts of ore and other heavy resources across Valheim’s vast world.