How do I find a safe landing spot for my raft in new biomes?

Finding a safe landing spot for your raft in new biomes in Valheim is crucial for survival and exploration. Rafts are one of the first watercraft you can build, requiring 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. While they are slow and vulnerable, they are essential for early-game exploration, especially when venturing into new biomes like the Black Forest, Swamp, or Plains. To ensure a safe landing, you need to carefully assess the shoreline, avoid hostile creatures, and prepare for potential threats.\n\nBefore setting sail, always scout the coastline from a distance. Use the raft''s slow speed to your advantage by observing the biome''s terrain and wildlife. Look for flat, open areas with minimal obstacles like rocks or trees. Avoid landing near enemy spawns, such as Greydwarf nests in the Black Forest or Draugr villages in the Swamp. If you spot hostile creatures, consider sailing further along the coast to find a safer spot.\n\nWhen approaching a new biome, keep your inventory prepared for emergencies. Bring essential items like a Hammer, Workbench materials, and a few Wood pieces to quickly build a small shelter or repair your raft if needed. Additionally, carry a weapon, shield, and food to defend yourself against unexpected attacks. For example, in the Swamp biome, you may encounter Leeches or Draugr, so having a Flint Spear or Bow can save your life.\n\nOnce you identify a potential landing spot, approach slowly and angle your raft to avoid getting stuck on rocks or shallow areas. Use the rudder to carefully maneuver into position. If the water is too shallow, you may need to jump off the raft and push it closer to shore. Be cautious of waves, as they can push your raft back into deeper water or damage it against rocks.\n\nAfter landing, secure your raft by building a temporary dock or anchoring it with a Workbench. Place a Workbench near the shore and use it to craft a few Wooden Stakes or a small fence to protect your raft from waves or enemies. This is especially important in biomes like the Plains, where Deathsquitos can attack your raft from the air. A simple fence can prevent them from reaching your vessel.\n\nIf you encounter hostile creatures upon landing, prioritize defending yourself and your raft. Use your weapon to fend off attackers while keeping an eye on your raft''s health. If the raft is damaged, quickly repair it using Wood and your Hammer. In extreme cases, you may need to abandon the raft temporarily and retreat to a safer location before returning to repair or retrieve it.\n\nFinally, always mark your landing spot on the map using a custom marker. This will help you navigate back to your raft if you venture further inland. Use descriptive names like ''Safe Swamp Landing'' or ''Plains Dock'' to easily identify the location later. This is particularly useful in large biomes where landmarks can be hard to distinguish.\n\nIn summary, finding a safe landing spot for your raft in new biomes requires careful planning, observation, and preparation. Scout the coastline, prepare for emergencies, and secure your raft upon landing. By following these steps, you can safely explore new biomes and avoid losing your raft to hostile creatures or environmental hazards.