How do you use a raft to transport resources between islands?

Using a raft to transport resources between islands in Valheim is an essential skill for early-game exploration and resource gathering. The raft is the first watercraft available to players and is relatively easy to craft, making it a go-to option for crossing water bodies. However, it is slow and vulnerable to storms and sea creatures, so careful planning is required.\n\nTo craft a raft, you will need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood can be gathered by chopping trees, Leather Scraps are obtained from boars, and Resin drops from Greydwarfs or can be found in the Black Forest biome. 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 begin using it.\n\nTo use the raft, approach it and press E to board. Once aboard, you can control the raft using the WASD keys. W moves the raft forward, S slows it down or reverses, and A and D turn it left and right. The raft is powered by a rudder, which you can interact with by pressing E while on the raft. Keep in mind that the raft is slow, so plan your trips carefully, especially when transporting heavy resources like ore or stone.\n\nTransporting resources between islands requires careful inventory management. Before setting sail, ensure you have enough space in your inventory to carry the resources you plan to gather. If you are transporting ore or other heavy items, consider making multiple trips or using a cart to move items to the shore before loading them onto the raft. Be cautious of storms, as they can push your raft off course or even damage it. If you encounter a storm, try to steer toward calmer waters or wait it out near the shore.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with sea creatures like the Serpent, which can attack your raft. If you encounter a Serpent, avoid engaging it directly, as the raft has low durability and can be destroyed quickly. Instead, try to outmaneuver it by steering toward land or shallow water. If you are carrying valuable resources, consider building a small outpost on the destination island to store items safely before making the return trip.\n\nFor new players, it is recommended to stick to short trips between nearby islands until you are comfortable with raft mechanics. Experienced Vikings can use the raft to explore further, but upgrading to a Karve or Longship is advisable for longer journeys. The Karve, for example, is faster and more durable, making it a better choice for transporting large quantities of resources.\n\nIn summary, using a raft to transport resources in Valheim requires preparation, patience, and awareness of environmental hazards. Always plan your route, manage your inventory, and be ready to adapt to changing conditions. With practice, you can efficiently use the raft to expand your exploration and resource gathering capabilities.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a Hammer and some Wood to repair your raft if it gets damaged. Build a portal on the destination island to avoid multiple trips for non-ore items. Avoid sailing at night or during storms to reduce risks. Finally, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship as soon as possible for safer and faster travel.