What are the best ways to protect your ship from enemy raids?

Protecting your ship from enemy raids in Valheim is crucial for safe ocean exploration, especially when venturing into dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mistlands. Ships are vulnerable to attacks from creatures like Serpents, Leeches, and even hostile mobs that spawn near shorelines. To safeguard your vessel, you need to understand game mechanics, prepare strategically, and use in-game tools effectively.\n\nFirst, always scout the area before docking. Enemy raids are more likely to occur near hostile biomes or when you’re carrying valuable resources. For example, if you’re transporting metals like Iron or Silver, you’ll attract more attention from enemies. Use the map to identify safe landing spots, preferably near Meadows or Black Forest biomes, which are less dangerous. Avoid docking near Plains or Swamps, as these areas are teeming with aggressive mobs.\n\nSecond, upgrade your ship to the Longship as soon as possible. The Longship has higher durability and storage capacity compared to the Karve, making it more resilient during attacks. To craft a Longship, you’ll need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. These materials can be gathered from the Swamp biome (Iron Nails), Black Forest (Fine Wood and Ancient Bark), and Meadows (Deer Hide). The Longship’s sturdiness makes it a better choice for long voyages and combat scenarios.\n\nThird, equip yourself with the right weapons and armor before setting sail. A fully upgraded Draugr Fang bow or Frostner hammer can help you fend off Serpents and other sea creatures. Additionally, wear armor like Wolf Armor or Padded Armor to increase your survivability during raids. Always carry healing items like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Health Mead to recover quickly during battles.\n\nFourth, use the harpoon to deal with Serpents effectively. Serpents are one of the most dangerous threats in the ocean biome, and they can quickly destroy your ship if left unchecked. Craft a harpoon using 8 Fine Wood, 30 Leather Scraps, and 3 Chitin (obtained from Kraken in the Ocean biome). Use the harpoon to drag Serpents closer to your ship, then switch to melee weapons or arrows to finish them off. This strategy minimizes damage to your ship while eliminating the threat.\n\nFifth, build a temporary dock or outpost near your landing spot. Use Workbenches and Stone structures to create a small, fortified area where you can repair your ship and store resources. This also prevents enemies from spawning too close to your ship. For example, place a Workbench and a few Wooden Walls around your dock to create a safe zone. This is especially useful when exploring dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mistlands.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your ship is heavily damaged, retreat to a nearby island or biome to repair it. Carry a Hammer, Workbench, and enough Wood and Resin to make quick repairs. If your ship is destroyed, you can craft a new one using materials stored in your inventory or at a nearby outpost. This ensures you’re never stranded in the middle of the ocean.\n\nIn summary, protecting your ship in Valheim requires preparation, strategic planning, and the right tools. Scout safe landing spots, upgrade to a Longship, equip powerful weapons, use the harpoon against Serpents, build temporary docks, and always have repair materials on hand. By following these steps, you can explore the ocean biome safely and efficiently, even in the most dangerous areas.