How do you upgrade your Sailing skill while using a Longship?

Upgrading your Sailing skill in Valheim while using a Longship is a rewarding process that enhances your ability to navigate the seas efficiently. The Sailing skill improves as you spend time sailing, with faster progression when you perform advanced maneuvers or face challenging conditions. The Longship, being the largest and most durable ship in the game, is ideal for this purpose due to its speed and capacity to handle rough waters.\n\nTo begin, you must first craft a Longship. This requires 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. Fine Wood can be obtained from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Ancient Bark is harvested from Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome. Iron Nails are crafted from Iron, which is smelted from Scrap Iron found in Sunken Crypts within the Swamp. Deer Hide is collected by hunting Deer in the Meadows.\n\nOnce your Longship is ready, take it out to sea. The Sailing skill increases based on the distance traveled and the conditions you face. For example, sailing against the wind or through storms will yield more skill points than calm, straightforward sailing. To maximize skill gains, actively adjust the sail''s position using the WASD keys to catch the wind effectively. This not only improves your speed but also counts as a maneuver, boosting your skill progression.\n\nA practical way to level up your Sailing skill is to embark on long voyages across multiple biomes. For instance, sail from the Meadows to the Plains or Mistlands, as these journeys often involve navigating through varying wind conditions and waves. Additionally, exploring uncharted waters and discovering new islands will naturally increase your Sailing skill while providing valuable resources and landmarks for future expeditions.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Serpents, hostile sea creatures that can damage your Longship. To mitigate this, always carry a Finewood Bow and Frost or Poison arrows, as these are effective against Serpents. If a Serpent attacks, reduce your sail speed to maneuver more precisely and focus on defeating the threat before resuming your journey. This not only ensures your safety but also provides an opportunity to practice combat while sailing, which can indirectly improve your overall skill.\n\nAnother tip is to sail during storms whenever possible. While storms make navigation more difficult, they also provide the best conditions for skill progression. The increased wind speed and choppy waves force you to adapt your sailing techniques, resulting in faster skill gains. However, be cautious of your Longship''s durability, as storms can cause damage over time. Always carry a Hammer and enough Wood to repair your ship during long voyages.\n\nFor new players, it’s advisable to start with smaller ships like the Karve to get accustomed to sailing mechanics before transitioning to the Longship. Experienced Vikings, on the other hand, can focus on optimizing their routes and tackling more dangerous waters to level up their Sailing skill efficiently. Remember, the key to mastering Sailing is practice and persistence.\n\nIn summary, upgrading your Sailing skill with a Longship involves crafting the ship, sailing in diverse conditions, and actively managing your sails and navigation. By exploring new biomes, facing challenges like Serpents and storms, and practicing advanced maneuvers, you can steadily improve your Sailing skill and become a master of the seas in Valheim.