What are the best ways to avoid Longship damage from Serpents?

The Longship is one of the most valuable assets in Valheim, offering the fastest and most durable means of transporting large quantities of resources across the ocean. However, Serpents, the aggressive sea creatures found in the Ocean biome, pose a significant threat to your Longship. Avoiding damage from Serpents requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and quick decision-making.\n\nFirst, understanding Serpent behavior is crucial. Serpents spawn in the Ocean biome during storms or at night, and they are attracted to the noise and movement of your ship. They deal significant damage to the Longship with their bites, and if left unchecked, they can destroy your vessel, leaving you stranded in the ocean. To avoid this, always check the weather before setting sail. If a storm is approaching, consider delaying your voyage until the weather clears, as Serpents are more likely to spawn during storms.\n\nWhen sailing, keep an eye on your surroundings. Serpents are easier to spot during the day, as their large bodies create noticeable ripples in the water. If you see a Serpent approaching, immediately change your course to create distance. The Longship is fast enough to outrun Serpents if you act quickly. However, if the Serpent is already close, you may need to engage it in combat. Equip a bow and arrows, preferably fire or poison arrows, as these deal extra damage over time. Aim for the Serpent''s head to maximize damage and reduce the risk of it attacking your ship.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the harpoon. Crafting a harpoon requires Chitin, which is obtained by killing Leviathans in the Ocean biome. Once you have a harpoon, you can use it to drag the Serpent away from your ship. This is particularly useful if you are sailing with a crew, as one player can focus on steering while another handles the harpoon. Dragging the Serpent to shallow water or land can make it easier to kill, as it will become stranded and unable to attack your ship.\n\nIf you are sailing alone, consider bringing a backup raft or karve. While these ships are slower and less durable than the Longship, they can serve as a temporary escape if your Longship is heavily damaged. Additionally, always carry materials to repair your Longship, such as Fine Wood and Iron Nails. This allows you to make quick repairs if your ship takes damage, ensuring you can continue your journey without being stranded.\n\nFor experienced players, building a Serpent trap can be a game-changer. This involves constructing a dock or platform in the Ocean biome with walls or spikes to trap and kill Serpents. While this requires significant resources and planning, it can provide a safe zone for your Longship and a reliable source of Serpent meat and scales. Serpent meat is a valuable food item, and Serpent scales are used to craft the Serpent Scale Shield, one of the best shields in the game.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry healing items like cooked food and meads to restore health if you are attacked. Equip armor with high durability, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, to reduce damage from Serpent attacks. If you are traveling with a group, assign roles to each player, such as steering, combat, and repairs, to ensure a coordinated response to Serpent encounters.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Longship damage from Serpents requires a combination of preparation, awareness, and quick action. Check the weather before sailing, use ranged weapons or a harpoon to deal with Serpents, and always carry repair materials. For advanced players, building a Serpent trap can provide long-term safety and resources. By following these strategies, you can protect your Longship and ensure smooth voyages across Valheim''s dangerous oceans.