How do I use a raft to transport resources for crafting a workbench?

Using a raft to transport resources for crafting a workbench in Valheim is a fundamental skill for early-game survival and progression. A raft is one of the first vehicles you can craft, and it allows you to traverse water bodies, which are often barriers to accessing valuable resources. To begin, you need to craft a raft, which requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather in the Meadows biome, where you start the game. Wood can be obtained by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greylings or found in abandoned structures.\n\nOnce you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and navigate to the Misc tab. Select the raft and place it in shallow water. To board the raft, approach it and press E. The raft is controlled using the WASD keys, with W to move forward, S to reverse, and A/D to turn. Keep in mind that the raft is slow and not ideal for long-distance travel, but it is perfect for short trips across rivers or small lakes to transport resources.\n\nTo use the raft for transporting resources, you need to gather the materials required for a workbench. A workbench requires 10 Wood, which can be easily collected from trees in the Meadows biome. However, if you need to cross water to reach a forest or another biome, the raft becomes essential. For example, if you spawn on an island with limited resources, you may need to sail to a nearby landmass to gather Wood. Once you have the Wood, return to your raft and sail back to your base.\n\nOne common challenge is managing inventory space while transporting resources. Your inventory can fill up quickly, especially if you are carrying other items like food or tools. To maximize efficiency, prioritize carrying only the resources you need for the workbench. If you have extra space, consider bringing additional Wood for future crafting projects. Another tip is to build a small storage chest near the shore where you dock your raft. This allows you to unload resources quickly and make multiple trips if necessary.\n\nGame mechanics also play a role in raft navigation. Wind direction affects the speed of your raft, so try to sail with the wind at your back for faster travel. If you encounter storms or rough waters, be cautious, as waves can push your raft off course. Additionally, be aware of hostile creatures like Leeches in the Black Forest biome or Serpents in the Ocean biome. These can damage your raft or even attack you directly, so avoid sailing near dangerous areas until you are better equipped.\n\nFor new players, it is important to plan your route before setting sail. Use the map to identify nearby landmasses and mark resource-rich areas. Experienced Vikings can optimize their trips by combining resource gathering with exploration. For example, while transporting Wood for a workbench, you might also scout for Flint or Copper in the Black Forest biome. This saves time and ensures you make the most of each journey.\n\nIn summary, using a raft to transport resources for crafting a workbench involves gathering materials, crafting the raft, and navigating water bodies efficiently. Plan your trips carefully, manage your inventory, and be mindful of environmental hazards. With these tips, you can master raft travel and ensure a steady supply of resources for your crafting needs.