How do I store items on a raft without losing them if it sinks?

Storing items on a raft in Valheim can be risky, as rafts are fragile and prone to sinking, especially in rough waters or when attacked by sea creatures. However, with careful planning and understanding of game mechanics, you can minimize the risk of losing your items. The key is to use storage solutions that are secure and to avoid overloading the raft with too many items.\n\nFirst, you need to craft a raft. To build a raft, you will need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees in the Meadows biome, Leather Scraps come from boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, craft the raft at a Workbench and place it in the water.\n\nTo store items on the raft, you can build a storage chest. Crafting a chest requires 10 Wood, which is easy to gather. Place the chest on the raft by standing on the raft and selecting the chest from the building menu. Ensure the chest is placed in a secure spot, preferably near the center of the raft, to avoid it falling off during rough waves or collisions.\n\nOne important mechanic to understand is that rafts have limited durability and can be destroyed by sea serpents or harsh weather. If the raft sinks, any items stored in the chest will float to the surface, allowing you to retrieve them. However, if the chest itself is destroyed, the items will be lost. To prevent this, avoid sailing in dangerous areas like the Ocean biome during storms or at night when sea serpents are more active.\n\nAnother practical solution is to use multiple rafts or boats for storage. For example, you can build a Karve, which is a more durable and faster boat than the raft. The Karve has built-in storage and can carry more items safely. To craft a Karve, you will need 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails. Fine Wood is obtained from birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, Deer Hide comes from deer, and Bronze Nails are crafted at a Forge using Bronze.\n\nIf you are transporting valuable items, consider making multiple trips or using portals to reduce the risk of losing everything at once. Portals can be built using 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Place one portal at your base and carry the materials to build another portal at your destination. This way, you can quickly transport items without relying solely on the raft.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for emergencies. Carry a Hammer and enough materials to repair your raft or build a new one if it gets damaged. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, especially when sailing in dangerous waters. By following these steps and understanding the game mechanics, you can safely store and transport items on a raft without losing them.\n\nIn summary, use a chest for storage, avoid dangerous waters, consider upgrading to a Karve, and use portals for long-distance transport. These strategies will help you protect your items and ensure a successful voyage in Valheim.