How do I use a raft to escape a sea serpent attack?

Using a raft to escape a sea serpent attack in Valheim requires a combination of preparation, quick thinking, and understanding of game mechanics. Sea serpents are dangerous creatures found in the Ocean biome, and they can quickly destroy a raft if not handled properly. To survive, you need to know how to build a raft, navigate the waters, and react effectively during an attack.\n\nFirst, you must craft a raft. 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. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from boars, and Resin is dropped by Greydwarfs or found in abandoned structures. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and select the raft under the Misc tab. Place the raft in shallow water to deploy it.\n\nBefore setting sail, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies. Bring a weapon like a bow or spear for defense, as well as food to boost your health and stamina. Sea serpents are fast and aggressive, so having high stamina is crucial for maneuvering the raft. Additionally, consider bringing a repair hammer and extra wood to fix your raft if it takes damage during the encounter.\n\nWhen a sea serpent attacks, your primary goal is to escape its reach. Sea serpents are faster than rafts, so you cannot outrun them indefinitely. Instead, focus on steering the raft toward shallow water or land. Sea serpents cannot follow you into shallow areas, so this is your best chance to escape. Use the raft''s rudder to change direction quickly and avoid the serpent''s lunges.\n\nIf the serpent catches up to your raft, it will deal significant damage. To minimize this, try to keep the raft moving in a straight line while avoiding obstacles like rocks or other landmasses. If the raft takes damage, use your repair hammer and wood to fix it immediately. Repairing mid-fight can be challenging, so prioritize steering and evasion over repairs if the situation is dire.\n\nIn some cases, you may need to fight the sea serpent. While rafts are not ideal for combat, you can use a bow to attack the serpent from a distance. Aim for its head to deal the most damage. However, fighting a sea serpent on a raft is risky, as the raft''s low durability makes it vulnerable to destruction. If you choose to fight, be prepared to swim to safety if the raft is destroyed.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to a Karve or Longship is highly recommended. These vessels are faster, more durable, and better suited for ocean travel. However, if you are early in the game and only have access to a raft, following the above strategies will help you survive sea serpent encounters.\n\nFinally, always be aware of your surroundings. Sea serpents are more likely to appear during storms or at night, so avoid sailing during these times if possible. If you must travel in dangerous conditions, stay close to the shore and be ready to make a quick escape. With proper preparation and quick reflexes, you can use a raft to survive a sea serpent attack and continue your Viking adventures.