How do you prepare for long ocean voyages in Valheim?

Preparing for long ocean voyages in Valheim requires careful planning, as the ocean biome is vast and filled with dangers. The first step is to craft a sturdy ship. The Karve is a good starting option, but for long voyages, the Longship is highly recommended due to its durability, speed, and storage capacity. To build a Longship, you will need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Resin. These materials can be gathered from the Black Forest and Swamp biomes, with Iron Nails requiring a Forge to craft.\n\nNext, ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies for the journey. A fully repaired weapon, such as a Bronze or Iron Mace, is essential for dealing with sea serpents, which are common threats in the ocean biome. Additionally, bring a bow and plenty of arrows to deal with these creatures from a distance. Food is critical for maintaining stamina and health during the voyage. Cooked meat, berries, and honey are good options, but for longer trips, consider bringing higher-tier foods like Serpent Stew or Sausages, which provide significant health and stamina boosts.\n\nNavigation is another key aspect of ocean exploration. Before setting sail, craft a Karve or Longship and place a Portal at your home base. This allows you to return quickly if needed. Bring materials to build another Portal (10 Fine Wood and 2 Surtling Cores) so you can establish a forward base or emergency exit point. Always carry a Hammer and Workbench materials to repair your ship if it takes damage during the voyage. Storms and sea serpents can quickly wear down your vessel, so being prepared to make repairs is crucial.\n\nWeather conditions in Valheim can change rapidly, and storms are a common occurrence in the ocean biome. During storms, waves become larger, making navigation more challenging. To mitigate this, avoid sailing directly into the wind, as it will slow your progress. Instead, angle your sails to catch the wind more effectively. If you encounter a sea serpent, try to outrun it if possible. If combat is unavoidable, use your bow to attack from a distance while keeping your ship moving to avoid being overwhelmed.\n\nFinally, plan your route carefully. Use the map to mark points of interest, such as islands or biomes you want to explore. The ocean biome often contains small islands with valuable resources, such as Leviathans (large creatures with Abyssal Barnacles that drop Chitin) or Fuling villages in the Plains biome. Be cautious when approaching new biomes, as they may contain hostile creatures. For example, the Plains biome is home to Deathsquitos, which can quickly end your voyage if you are unprepared.\n\nIn summary, preparing for long ocean voyages in Valheim involves crafting a sturdy ship, gathering essential supplies, and planning your route carefully. Bring weapons, food, and materials for repairs and Portals to ensure you can handle any challenges that arise. By following these steps, you can explore the vast ocean biome safely and efficiently, uncovering its many secrets and resources.