What is the best way to protect a Longship from Surtling attacks?

Protecting your Longship from Surtling attacks in Valheim is crucial, especially when exploring dangerous biomes like the Ashlands or near Surtling spawners. Surtlings are fire-based enemies that can quickly destroy your ship if left unchecked. To safeguard your Longship, you need to understand their behavior, prepare your ship, and use strategic gameplay tactics.\n\nFirst, Surtlings are weak to water and will take damage if they step into it. This is a key mechanic to exploit. When sailing near Surtling spawners or in the Ashlands, try to keep your Longship in deeper water. Surtlings cannot swim and will avoid venturing too far into the ocean. This natural barrier can prevent them from reaching your ship in the first place.\n\nIf you must dock near a Surtling spawner, choose a location carefully. Look for areas where the shoreline is steep or where you can create a natural barrier using terrain. For example, dig a trench or raise the ground around your docking area using the Hoe. This will make it harder for Surtlings to reach your Longship. Additionally, consider building a small outpost with defensive structures like stake walls or stone walls to keep Surtlings at bay.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to clear Surtling spawners before docking. Surtlings spawn from Geysers in the Swamp biome or naturally in the Ashlands. Use a Pickaxe to destroy Geysers permanently, eliminating the threat. In the Ashlands, Surtlings spawn randomly, so be prepared for encounters. Carry a strong weapon like an Iron Mace or Frostner, as Surtlings are weak to frost damage. Defeating them quickly will reduce the risk to your ship.\n\nWhen sailing, always keep an eye on your surroundings. Surtlings can appear unexpectedly, especially in the Ashlands. If you spot them approaching, maneuver your Longship away from the shore. Use the wind to your advantage by adjusting your sails for maximum speed. If you are caught off guard, jump off the ship and engage the Surtlings on land to prevent them from damaging your vessel.\n\nFor added protection, consider upgrading your Longship with a Karve or Longship, as they have more durability than the basic Raft. While this won''t make your ship immune to damage, it will buy you more time to react to threats. Additionally, always carry materials for repairs, such as Fine Wood and Bronze Nails, in case your ship takes damage.\n\nFinally, teamwork can make a significant difference. If you are playing with friends, assign one person to defend the ship while others explore or fight. This ensures that your Longship is always protected, even during intense battles.\n\nIn summary, protecting your Longship from Surtling attacks requires a combination of strategic planning, terrain manipulation, and quick reflexes. By keeping your ship in deep water, clearing Surtling spawners, and using defensive structures, you can minimize the risk of losing your vessel. Always be prepared for unexpected encounters and carry repair materials to keep your Longship in top condition.