Can I use a raft to transport resources for building a blast furnace?
Yes, you can use a raft to transport resources for building a blast furnace in Valheim. A raft is one of the earliest watercraft you can build, and it serves as a reliable way to move heavy or bulky materials across water. However, there are some important considerations and steps to follow to ensure a smooth and efficient transport process.\n\nFirst, you need to craft a raft. To do this, you must gather 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood is easily obtained by chopping down trees, while Leather Scraps come from hunting boars, and Resin is collected from Greydwarfs or by chopping down certain trees. 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 all the resources needed for the blast furnace. The blast furnace requires 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, 4 Chain, and 5 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained from birch or oak trees, Iron is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome, Chains are dropped by Wraiths in the Swamp or found in Sunken Crypts, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands. Transporting these resources can be challenging, especially Iron, which is heavy and requires multiple trips.\n\nTo transport resources efficiently, organize your inventory before boarding the raft. Place heavy items like Iron in your inventory slots, as the raft itself does not have storage. Be cautious of your weight limit, as overloading will slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Once aboard, use the rudder to steer the raft. Keep in mind that rafts are slow and vulnerable to storms, serpents, and other hazards, so plan your route carefully.\n\nA common challenge is navigating through dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Ocean. If you are transporting Iron from the Swamp, consider building a temporary dock near the Sunken Crypts to load your raft quickly. Avoid sailing at night or during storms, as visibility is low, and serpents are more likely to spawn. If you encounter a serpent, use a bow or melee weapon to fend it off, but prioritize reaching land if possible.\n\nOnce you arrive at your destination, unload the resources and store them in a secure location. If you are building the blast furnace near your base, ensure you have a workbench nearby to craft it. The blast furnace requires a Stonecutter to build, so make sure you have one available. Place the blast furnace in a strategic location, as it is used to smelt Black Metal and Flametal, which are essential for late-game crafting.\n\nIn summary, using a raft to transport resources for a blast furnace is a viable strategy, especially in the early to mid-game. While rafts are slow and vulnerable, they are cost-effective and accessible. Plan your trips carefully, avoid dangerous conditions, and organize your inventory to maximize efficiency. As you progress, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship for faster and safer transportation.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a hammer and materials for a workbench to repair your raft if it takes damage. Build small outposts or docks near resource-rich areas to streamline the loading process. Finally, consider using portals for lighter items like Surtling Cores to reduce the number of trips needed.