What are the advantages of using a raft over swimming in Valheim?

Using a raft in Valheim offers significant advantages over swimming, especially for new players and experienced Vikings exploring the game''s vast world. A raft is the first watercraft you can craft, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather in the Meadows biome, making the raft an accessible early-game tool. Unlike swimming, which drains stamina quickly and leaves you vulnerable to attacks, a raft provides a safe and efficient way to traverse water bodies.\n\nOne of the primary advantages of using a raft is its ability to conserve stamina. Swimming in Valheim consumes stamina rapidly, and if your stamina runs out, you risk drowning. This is especially dangerous in the Ocean biome, where stamina depletion can lead to death. A raft eliminates this risk, allowing you to travel across water without worrying about stamina. Additionally, rafts can carry you and your inventory, making them ideal for transporting resources like ore, which cannot be teleported through portals.\n\nAnother key benefit of using a raft is its ability to provide a mobile platform for exploration. Valheim''s world is filled with islands and distant biomes, such as the Black Forest or Swamp, which often require crossing water to reach. Swimming to these locations is impractical due to the distance and the presence of hostile creatures like Leeches or Serpents. A raft allows you to safely navigate these waters, giving you access to valuable resources and new areas without the constant threat of drowning or enemy attacks.\n\nCrafting a raft is straightforward. First, gather the required materials: Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, open the crafting menu and select the raft under the Misc tab. Place the raft in shallow water, and you''re ready to set sail. To control the raft, interact with the rudder and use the movement keys to steer. Be mindful of wind direction, as rafts are slow and rely on wind for speed.\n\nWhile rafts are useful, they do have limitations. They are slow compared to other boats like the Karve or Longship, making long journeys time-consuming. Additionally, rafts are vulnerable to damage from enemies or storms. To mitigate these risks, avoid sailing during storms or near hostile creatures. If you encounter a Serpent, try to outmaneuver it or use a bow to defend yourself. For longer voyages, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship once you have the necessary resources.\n\nIn summary, using a raft in Valheim is a practical and safe alternative to swimming. It conserves stamina, provides a mobile platform for exploration, and allows you to transport resources across water. While it has limitations, the raft is an essential tool for early-game players and a stepping stone to more advanced watercraft. By mastering raft navigation and understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can confidently explore Valheim''s vast world and unlock new opportunities for survival and adventure.