What’s the best way to build a dock for your longship?

Building a functional and aesthetically pleasing dock for your longship in Valheim is an essential part of base design, especially for players who rely on water travel for exploration and resource gathering. A well-constructed dock ensures your longship is protected from waves, easily accessible, and ready for quick departures. To begin, you’ll need to gather materials such as wood, core wood, and stone, which are readily available in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Core wood, obtained from pine trees in the Black Forest, is particularly important for building sturdy support beams.\n\nStart by selecting a location for your dock. Ideally, this should be in a sheltered area with deep water to accommodate the longship’s draft. Avoid shallow waters, as the ship may get stuck or take damage. Use the hoe to level the terrain near the shoreline, creating a flat area for the dock’s foundation. If the water is too shallow, you can use the pickaxe to dig deeper, but this requires patience and careful planning.\n\nOnce the area is prepared, begin constructing the dock’s framework. Use core wood beams to create a strong foundation that extends into the water. Place vertical beams at regular intervals to support the structure, ensuring they reach the seabed for stability. Horizontal beams can then be added to connect the vertical supports, forming a grid-like pattern. This framework will serve as the backbone of your dock.\n\nNext, lay down wooden floor panels on top of the framework. These panels should extend far enough into the water to allow the longship to dock without scraping the bottom. Leave a gap of at least one meter between the dock and the ship to prevent collisions. For added durability, consider using stone flooring near the shoreline, as it is more resistant to damage from waves and weather.\n\nTo protect your longship from waves and storms, build walls or fences along the sides of the dock. These can be made from wood or core wood and should be tall enough to shield the ship from strong winds. Additionally, you can add a roof over part of the dock to protect it from rain, which can degrade wooden structures over time. Use thatch or wooden roofing materials for this purpose.\n\nOne common challenge is ensuring the dock remains stable during storms. To address this, reinforce the structure with additional support beams and avoid building too far into deep water, where waves are stronger. If you’re building in a biome with harsh weather, such as the Plains or Ocean, consider using stone for the entire structure, as it is more durable and resistant to environmental damage.\n\nFinally, add practical features to your dock, such as storage chests for supplies, a workbench for repairs, and a portal for quick travel. These additions will make your dock a functional hub for your seafaring adventures. For example, place a chest near the dock to store extra sails, nails, or other ship repair materials. A workbench nearby allows you to repair your longship without needing to return to your main base.\n\nIn summary, building a dock for your longship requires careful planning, the right materials, and attention to detail. By following these steps and considering the challenges of your chosen biome, you can create a dock that is both functional and visually appealing. Remember to reinforce your structure, protect it from the elements, and add practical features to enhance its usability. With a well-built dock, your longship will always be ready for your next Viking adventure.