What are the essential items to bring when sailing to the Ashlands?

Sailing to the Ashlands in Valheim is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor that requires careful preparation. The Ashlands biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, filled with hostile creatures, extreme heat, and limited resources. To survive and thrive, you must bring essential items and plan your journey meticulously.\n\nFirst and foremost, you need a sturdy ship. The Longship is the best option due to its durability, speed, and large storage capacity. Before setting sail, ensure your ship is fully repaired and equipped with a portal for quick escapes or resupply trips. Portals are crucial because the Ashlands are far from most starting areas, and dying without a portal can result in a long and dangerous recovery journey.\n\nNext, pack heat-resistant gear. The Ashlands are extremely hot, and without proper protection, you will take constant fire damage. Craft the Fenris Set, which provides fire resistance and increased mobility, or the Wolf Armor Set for better defense. Additionally, bring Frost Resistance Mead to counteract the heat temporarily. This mead is crafted at the Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbags, and Greydwarf Eyes.\n\nWeapons and tools are equally important. Bring a fully upgraded Draugr Fang bow for ranged combat, as many Ashlands enemies are dangerous up close. For melee, the Blackmetal Sword or Atgeir is highly effective. Don’t forget a pickaxe to mine Flametal Ore, a rare resource found only in the Ashlands. Flametal is essential for crafting high-tier gear and weapons.\n\nFood is another critical consideration. Bring high-stamina and high-health foods like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding. These will keep you alive during intense battles and help you explore longer. Farming these ingredients in advance is a must, as the Ashlands offer little in the way of edible resources.\n\nNavigation tools are also vital. The Ashlands are vast and treacherous, so bring a fully upgraded Karve or Longship with a Mast and Rudder for better control. A map marker is essential to mark key locations, such as Flametal deposits or safe landing spots. Use the Wishbone to locate buried treasures, as the Ashlands often hide valuable loot beneath the surface.\n\nFinally, prepare for emergencies. Bring extra materials to repair your ship and gear, as well as backup weapons and armor. A stack of Wood and Stone can be used to build temporary shelters or defensive structures. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate roles and responsibilities to maximize efficiency and safety.\n\nIn summary, sailing to the Ashlands requires a Longship, heat-resistant gear, powerful weapons, high-quality food, navigation tools, and emergency supplies. Plan carefully, and always have an escape route via a portal. With the right preparation, you can conquer the Ashlands and reap its valuable rewards.