How do you build a raft, and when should you use it?

Building a raft in Valheim is one of the first steps to exploring the vast ocean biome, but it requires careful preparation and understanding of the game mechanics. To craft a raft, you need to unlock the Hammer tool and have access to a Workbench. The materials required are 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood is easily gathered by chopping trees in the Meadows biome, while Leather Scraps can be obtained by hunting Boars, and Resin drops from Greydwarfs or by chopping down certain trees.\n\nOnce you have the materials, approach a Workbench and open the crafting menu. Navigate to the Misc tab and select the raft. Place it in shallow water, as rafts cannot be built on land. After placing the raft, you can board it by pressing the interact key (default E). The raft is controlled using the WASD keys, with W to move forward and S to reverse. Steering is done by moving the mouse, and the raft moves slowly but steadily, making it ideal for short trips or calm waters.\n\nRafts are best used early in the game when you lack the resources or skills to build more advanced boats like the Karve or Longship. They are perfect for exploring nearby islands in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, where you can gather resources like Flint, Copper, or Tin. However, rafts are not suitable for long ocean voyages or stormy weather, as they are slow and vulnerable to damage from Sea Serpents or rough waves.\n\nOne common challenge players face is navigating the raft in tight spaces or shallow waters. To avoid getting stuck, always scout the area before setting sail and avoid areas with rocks or dense forests near the shore. If your raft does get stuck, you can use the Hammer to dismantle it and rebuild it in deeper water. Additionally, always carry a repair hammer and extra materials to fix your raft if it takes damage during your journey.\n\nAnother practical tip is to use the raft as a mobile storage unit. Since it has limited speed, you can load it with resources from nearby islands and slowly transport them back to your base. This is especially useful in the early game when you lack portals or carts for faster transportation. However, be cautious of enemies like Draugr or Trolls near the shore, as they can attack your raft while you are unloading.\n\nIn summary, the raft is a beginner-friendly vessel for short-distance exploration and resource gathering. It is best used in calm waters and safe biomes like the Meadows or Black Forest. As you progress, consider upgrading to the Karve or Longship for faster and more durable ocean travel. Always plan your route, avoid dangerous areas, and carry repair materials to ensure a smooth sailing experience.\n\nFor experienced players, the raft can still serve as a backup vessel or a quick way to transport small amounts of resources. However, its limitations make it less viable for late-game exploration or combat-heavy areas like the Plains or Mistlands. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can make the most of the raft in your Valheim adventures.