What are the risks of exploring the ocean biome without a raft?

Exploring the ocean biome in Valheim without a raft is extremely risky and often leads to death or significant setbacks. The ocean biome is vast and unforgiving, and without a proper vessel, you are left vulnerable to drowning, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards. The primary risk is the inability to traverse water effectively, as swimming consumes stamina rapidly and leaves you exposed to danger. Additionally, the ocean biome is home to aggressive sea creatures like Serpents, which can easily overwhelm you if you are not prepared.\n\nOne of the key mechanics to understand is stamina management. When swimming, your stamina depletes quickly, and if it runs out, you will drown. Without a raft or boat, you cannot rest or recover stamina while in the water, making long-distance travel impossible. Even if you are close to land, the ocean biome often features large waves and strong currents that can push you away from safety. This makes it essential to have a raft or better vessel to navigate the waters safely.\n\nAnother significant risk is encountering Serpents, which are hostile sea creatures that spawn in the ocean biome. These creatures deal high damage and can destroy a raft quickly, but without any vessel, you are completely defenseless. Serpents are especially dangerous at night or during storms, as their spawn rate increases. If you are caught swimming, you have no way to fight back or escape, making it a near-certain death sentence.\n\nEnvironmental hazards also pose a threat. Storms in Valheim can create massive waves that make swimming even more perilous. These waves can push you further away from land or into the open ocean, where you are more likely to encounter Serpents or run out of stamina. Additionally, the cold water in certain areas can cause the Wet debuff, which reduces stamina regeneration and makes it even harder to survive.\n\nTo mitigate these risks, it is crucial to craft a raft or better vessel before venturing into the ocean biome. A raft requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin, which are relatively easy to gather early in the game. Once you have a raft, you can safely explore the ocean biome, avoid drowning, and defend yourself against Serpents. For more advanced exploration, consider upgrading to a Karve or Longship, which offer better speed, storage, and durability.\n\nIf you find yourself stranded in the ocean biome without a raft, your best option is to swim toward the nearest landmass while conserving stamina. Avoid jumping or sprinting in the water, as these actions drain stamina faster. If you encounter a Serpent, try to swim away in a zigzag pattern to avoid its attacks. However, this is a last resort, and prevention is always the best strategy.\n\nIn summary, exploring the ocean biome without a raft is highly discouraged due to the risks of drowning, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards. Always prepare a raft or better vessel before venturing into the ocean, and be mindful of your stamina and surroundings. By following these tips, you can safely explore the ocean biome and uncover its many secrets.