How do you deal with Leviathans in the Ocean biome?

Leviathans are massive, turtle-like creatures found in the Ocean biome in Valheim. They are not hostile but can be dangerous if not approached carefully. Leviathans are unique because they are stationary and appear as small islands with barnacles on their backs. These barnacles contain valuable resources, but disturbing them will cause the Leviathan to submerge, potentially sinking your ship or drowning you.\n\nTo safely harvest resources from a Leviathan, you need to prepare properly. First, ensure you have a sturdy ship, such as a Karve or Longship, as the Ocean biome can be treacherous with storms and Serpents. Bring a pickaxe to mine the barnacles, which drop Chitin, a rare material used for crafting high-tier items like the Abyssal Harpoon and Abyssal Razor. Additionally, carry a Hammer and enough Wood to repair your ship if it takes damage during the journey.\n\nWhen you spot a Leviathan, approach it slowly and anchor your ship nearby. Do not land directly on the Leviathan, as this can trigger it to submerge. Instead, use your ship to get close enough to jump onto its back. Once on the Leviathan, quickly mine the barnacles with your pickaxe. Be efficient, as the Leviathan will start to shake and submerge after a few hits. Aim to collect as much Chitin as possible before it disappears.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with the Leviathan submerging while you are still on its back. To avoid drowning, always keep an eye on the Leviathan''s movements. As soon as you notice it shaking, stop mining and prepare to jump back onto your ship. If you fall into the water, swim quickly to your ship and climb aboard. If your ship is too far, you may need to rely on your swimming stamina, so ensure you have enough food to replenish it.\n\nAnother challenge is encountering Serpents while exploring the Ocean biome. Serpents are aggressive sea creatures that can attack your ship. To deal with them, equip a bow and arrows or a melee weapon like the Abyssal Harpoon. If you are in a Longship, you can outrun Serpents by sailing at full speed. However, if you are in a Karve, you may need to fight them off. Always prioritize repairing your ship after any encounter to avoid sinking.\n\nFor new players, it is recommended to explore the Ocean biome only after you have progressed significantly in the game. Ensure you have upgraded armor, such as Troll or Bronze armor, and a strong weapon like a Finewood Bow or Bronze Sword. Experienced players can use the Abyssal Harpoon to drag Serpents onto land for easier kills, but this requires precise timing and positioning.\n\nIn summary, dealing with Leviathans involves careful preparation, efficient resource gathering, and quick reactions to avoid drowning. Always prioritize your safety and the integrity of your ship. With the right tools and strategy, you can successfully harvest Chitin and explore the Ocean biome without major setbacks.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal setup to quickly return to your base if needed. Use the wind to your advantage when sailing, and avoid exploring the Ocean biome during storms. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, and bring plenty of food for healing and stamina regeneration.