How do you use a raft to explore the Swamp biome safely?

Exploring the Swamp biome in Valheim can be dangerous due to its hostile creatures, such as Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs, as well as the constant threat of poison and wet debuffs. Using a raft is a practical way to navigate the biome safely, especially for new players who may not yet have access to stronger boats like the Karve or Longship. The raft is the first boat you can craft, requiring only 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin, making it accessible early in the game.\n\nTo build a raft, you’ll need to craft a Hammer and place a Workbench near water. Open the crafting menu and select the raft under the Misc tab. Once built, you can place it in the water and interact with it to board. The raft is slow compared to other boats, but it’s ideal for short trips and exploring shallow waters, which are common in the Swamp biome. Its low profile also makes it less likely to attract attention from sea serpents, a common threat in deeper waters.\n\nWhen using a raft in the Swamp, stick to the edges of the biome where the water is shallow. This allows you to avoid most land-based enemies while still being close enough to gather resources like Guck, Ancient Bark, and Scrap Iron. Be cautious of Leeches, which can attack your raft and deal significant damage. If you encounter a Leech, use a bow or spear to kill it from a safe distance before it destroys your boat.\n\nOne common challenge is navigating the dense, maze-like waterways of the Swamp. To avoid getting lost, mark key locations on your map, such as Sunken Crypts or resource-rich areas. You can also use the raft to create a mobile base of sorts by parking it in a safe spot and using it as a respawn point if you die. This is especially useful if you’re venturing deep into the Swamp for the first time and don’t have a nearby portal or bed.\n\nAnother tip is to bring a Hoe to level the ground near the water’s edge. This allows you to create a safe landing spot for your raft, making it easier to disembark and gather resources without being ambushed by enemies. Additionally, always carry a weapon, shield, and healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey, as you may need to defend yourself if enemies wander too close to your raft.\n\nFinally, remember that the raft is not indestructible. If it takes too much damage, it will break, leaving you stranded. To mitigate this, always have the materials to build a new raft on hand, or consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship once you’ve gathered enough resources. These boats are faster, more durable, and better suited for long-term exploration, but the raft remains a reliable option for early-game Swamp exploration.\n\nIn summary, the raft is a simple yet effective tool for safely navigating the Swamp biome. Stick to shallow waters, avoid direct combat with enemies, and use the raft as a mobile base to gather resources and explore without risking too much. With careful planning and preparation, you can use the raft to conquer the Swamp and progress further in your Valheim journey.