How do I avoid serpents while sailing on a raft in the ocean biome?

Sailing on a raft in Valheim can be a thrilling but dangerous experience, especially when encountering serpents in the ocean biome. Serpents are aggressive sea creatures that can quickly destroy your raft and leave you stranded. To avoid these threats, you need to understand their behavior, plan your route carefully, and use in-game mechanics to your advantage.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know when and where serpents spawn. Serpents are more likely to appear during storms or at night, so avoid sailing during these times if possible. They also tend to spawn in deeper parts of the ocean biome, so sticking closer to shorelines can reduce your chances of encountering them. However, this isn’t always practical if you’re traveling long distances or exploring new islands.\n\nTo minimize risk, always prepare before setting sail. Craft a Karve or Longship as soon as possible, as these vessels are faster and more durable than a raft. If you’re still using a raft, ensure you have a backup plan, such as a portal set up on both ends of your journey. This way, if your raft is destroyed, you can quickly teleport back to safety. Additionally, bring a bow and arrows to defend yourself if a serpent does attack.\n\nWhen sailing, keep an eye on the horizon for serpent fins. If you spot one, immediately change course to avoid it. Serpents are slower than rafts when turning, so sharp maneuvers can help you escape. If a serpent catches up, use your bow to attack it from a distance. Aim for its head to deal the most damage. If you’re forced into close combat, use a melee weapon like a spear or axe, but be cautious as serpents can deal significant damage.\n\nAnother strategy is to sail during clear weather and daylight hours. Serpents are less likely to spawn under these conditions, making your journey safer. If you must sail at night or during a storm, consider bringing a friend to help fend off any threats. Multiplayer cooperation can make sailing much easier and safer.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the worst. Carry extra materials to repair your raft if it takes damage, and keep healing items like cooked meat or berries on hand. If you’re exploring far from home, consider building small outposts along the way with portals and storage chests. This ensures you have a safe place to retreat if needed.\n\nBy understanding serpent behavior, planning your route, and using the right tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering these dangerous creatures. With practice and preparation, sailing in Valheim can become a rewarding and enjoyable part of your Viking adventure.