What is the best way to use a raft for transporting deer hides?

Using a raft to transport deer hides in Valheim is a practical and efficient method, especially for new players who haven''t yet unlocked more advanced boats like the Karve or Longship. Rafts are the first watercraft available in the game and are relatively easy to build, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are commonly found in the Meadows biome, making rafts accessible early in the game.\n\nTo begin, you''ll need to craft a raft at a Workbench. Place the Workbench near the shoreline for convenience. Once the raft is built, push it into the water by interacting with it. Rafts are slow compared to other boats, but they are ideal for short-distance travel and transporting resources like deer hides. Deer hides are obtained by hunting deer in the Meadows biome, and they are essential for crafting items like the Deer Hide Cape and upgrading your Workbench.\n\nWhen transporting deer hides, it''s important to plan your route carefully. Rafts are vulnerable to storms and hostile creatures like Serpents, which can spawn in the Ocean biome. Avoid venturing too far from the shore, especially if you''re carrying valuable resources. If you must cross open water, try to do so during the day when visibility is better, and storms are less frequent. Always keep an eye on your stamina while sailing, as running out of stamina can leave you stranded or vulnerable.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, consider building a small dock or storage area near your raft''s departure point. This allows you to quickly load and unload deer hides without wasting time. If you''re transporting hides over long distances, you may want to establish temporary outposts along the way. These outposts can serve as safe havens where you can rest, repair your raft, and store excess resources.\n\nOne common challenge when using a raft is dealing with Serpents. These hostile sea creatures can destroy your raft if you''re not careful. To avoid them, stick to shallow waters and avoid the Ocean biome until you have a stronger boat. If you do encounter a Serpent, try to outmaneuver it by sailing in zigzag patterns or heading toward the nearest shore. Alternatively, you can use a bow to fend it off, though this requires good aim and timing.\n\nAnother tip is to use the wind to your advantage. Rafts are powered by a sail, and their speed depends on the wind direction. Pay attention to the white arrow on the minimap, which indicates wind direction. Adjust your sail accordingly to move faster and conserve stamina. If the wind is against you, consider waiting for it to change or using a paddle to manually row the raft.\n\nIn summary, rafts are a reliable option for transporting deer hides in Valheim, especially in the early game. Plan your route carefully, avoid dangerous biomes, and use the wind to your advantage. With these strategies, you can efficiently transport deer hides and other resources while minimizing risks. As you progress, consider upgrading to faster boats like the Karve or Longship for more advanced exploration and transportation needs.