Can I use a raft to transport ore from the Mountains biome?
Transporting ore from the Mountains biome using a raft in Valheim is possible but comes with significant challenges. The Mountains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, filled with hostile creatures like Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems. Additionally, the terrain is steep and treacherous, making it difficult to move heavy loads like ore. A raft, while an early-game option for water travel, is slow and vulnerable to attacks from sea creatures like Serpents, which can easily destroy it. Therefore, while a raft can technically be used to transport ore, it is not the most efficient or safe method.\n\nTo use a raft for ore transport, you must first gather the necessary materials to craft it. A raft requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greydwarfs. Once crafted, the raft can be deployed in water, but it is important to note that it cannot carry a cart or other storage containers. This means you will need to manually carry the ore from the Mountains to the raft, which can be time-consuming and risky due to enemy encounters.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges of using a raft for ore transport is the lack of storage capacity. Unlike the Karve or Longship, which have built-in storage, the raft has no inventory space. This means you will need to make multiple trips if you are transporting large quantities of ore. Additionally, the raft''s slow speed makes it vulnerable to Serpent attacks, especially in the Ocean biome. To mitigate this risk, avoid traveling at night or during storms, as Serpents are more likely to spawn under these conditions.\n\nA practical solution to improve the efficiency of ore transport is to establish a temporary base near the Mountains biome. This base can serve as a storage hub where you can deposit ore before transporting it to your main base. You can also build a portal at this temporary base to quickly travel back and forth, but remember that portals cannot transport ore or metal bars. This means you will still need to use the raft for the final leg of the journey, but the portal can save time by allowing you to return to the Mountains biome quickly.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to a Karve or Longship is highly recommended for ore transport. The Karve, which requires 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails, offers better speed and storage capacity than the raft. The Longship, requiring 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark, is even faster and has more storage space. Both ships are more durable and better suited for long-distance travel, making them ideal for transporting ore from the Mountains biome.\n\nIn conclusion, while a raft can be used to transport ore from the Mountains biome, it is not the most efficient or safe method. The raft''s lack of storage, slow speed, and vulnerability to Serpents make it a suboptimal choice for this task. Instead, consider establishing a temporary base near the Mountains and upgrading to a Karve or Longship for better results. Always plan your routes carefully, avoid dangerous weather conditions, and be prepared for enemy encounters to ensure a successful ore transport mission.