What’s the difference between the Raft, Karve, and Longship?

In Valheim, ships are essential for exploring the vast oceans and reaching distant biomes. The Raft, Karve, and Longship are the three main ship types, each with distinct features, crafting requirements, and uses. Understanding their differences is crucial for efficient exploration and resource management.\n\nThe Raft is the most basic ship and the first one players can craft. It requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. While it is easy to build early in the game, the Raft is slow and has limited storage space. It is best used for short trips across small bodies of water or as a temporary solution until better ships are unlocked. However, its slow speed makes it vulnerable to sea serpents and rough waves, so avoid using it in the Ocean biome.\n\nThe Karve is a significant upgrade over the Raft and becomes available after players unlock Bronze through smelting Copper and Tin in the Black Forest biome. Crafting a Karve requires 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails. The Karve is faster, more durable, and has a small storage compartment, making it ideal for medium-distance travel and transporting resources. It can also handle rougher waters better than the Raft, making it safer for crossing the Ocean biome. However, it is still not the best choice for long expeditions or heavy cargo.\n\nThe Longship is the ultimate ship in Valheim and is designed for long voyages and heavy cargo. To craft a Longship, players need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 40 Ancient Bark, and 10 Deer Hide. Iron Nails require Iron, which is found in the Swamp biome, making the Longship a mid-to-late-game vessel. The Longship is fast, highly durable, and has a large storage capacity, making it perfect for transporting large amounts of resources or exploring distant lands. Its speed and durability also make it more resistant to sea serpents and storms, ensuring safer travels across the Ocean biome.\n\nWhen choosing a ship, consider your current progression and the purpose of your journey. For new players, the Raft is a starting point, but upgrading to the Karve as soon as possible is recommended. Experienced players should aim for the Longship to maximize efficiency and safety. Always prepare for sea voyages by bringing a Hammer, Workbench, and repair materials, as ships can take damage from waves, serpents, or accidental collisions.\n\nPractical tips for sailing include marking your ship''s location on the map to avoid losing it, using the wind direction to your advantage, and avoiding the Plains biome''s shores, as Deathsquitos can attack you while sailing. Additionally, always carry a portal setup to establish a quick return point in case of emergencies. By understanding the differences between the Raft, Karve, and Longship, you can make informed decisions and conquer Valheim''s seas with confidence.