What are the limitations of a raft compared to a karve or longship?

The raft is the first boat you can craft in Valheim, but it has significant limitations compared to the karve and longship. To build a raft, you need 20 wood, 6 leather scraps, and 6 resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the raft accessible for new players. However, its slow speed, low durability, and limited storage make it less practical for advanced exploration or transporting heavy resources.\n\nThe raft''s speed is its most noticeable limitation. It moves at a sluggish pace, even with the wind at your back. This makes long voyages tedious and risky, especially in dangerous biomes like the Ocean or Plains, where serpents or deathsquitos can attack. In contrast, the karve and longship are much faster, allowing you to traverse large bodies of water more efficiently. The karve, for example, requires 30 fine wood, 10 deer hide, 20 resin, and 80 bronze nails, while the longship demands 100 iron nails, 40 fine wood, 10 deer hide, and 40 ancient bark. Both are faster and more durable than the raft.\n\nAnother major limitation of the raft is its lack of storage. The raft has no inventory space, meaning you must carry all your items in your personal inventory. This becomes a problem when transporting heavy resources like ore or ingots, as your weight limit will quickly be reached. The karve, on the other hand, has four storage slots, and the longship boasts 18 slots, making them far superior for resource transportation.\n\nDurability is another concern. The raft has low health and can be destroyed quickly by serpents or rough waves. Repairing it requires a workbench nearby, which is often impractical in the middle of the ocean. The karve and longship are sturdier and can withstand more damage, making them safer for long journeys. Additionally, the longship has a higher health pool and can even ram into rocks without taking significant damage.\n\nTo mitigate the raft''s limitations, plan your trips carefully. Stick to coastal areas and avoid venturing too far into the ocean until you can craft a karve or longship. If you must use a raft, bring materials to build a temporary workbench and repair it during your journey. Always keep an eye out for serpents and storms, as these can quickly end your voyage.\n\nFor new players, the raft is a stepping stone to better boats. Focus on gathering materials for the karve as soon as possible. Fine wood can be obtained from birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, while bronze nails require copper and tin, which are found in the Black Forest. Once you have a karve, you can explore more efficiently and transport resources with ease.\n\nIn summary, the raft is a basic vessel with limited speed, storage, and durability. While it serves as an introduction to sailing, it is quickly outclassed by the karve and longship. Prioritize upgrading to these boats to enhance your exploration and resource-gathering capabilities in Valheim.