How do I build a ship in shallow water without it getting stuck?

Building a ship in shallow water in Valheim can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can avoid getting your vessel stuck. Ships are essential for exploring the vast oceans and reaching distant biomes like the Swamp, Plains, or Mistlands. However, shallow water can cause your ship to become immobile, especially if the water depth is insufficient for the ship''s draft. To avoid this, you need to carefully choose your construction site and understand the game mechanics related to shipbuilding and water depth.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the necessary materials to build a ship. The most basic ship, the Raft, requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. For more advanced ships like the Karve or Longship, you''ll need Bronze Nails, Fine Wood, and Deer Hides. Crafting these ships requires a Workbench nearby, so make sure to set one up on the shore before starting. Once you have the materials, you can begin the process of building your ship in shallow water.\n\nTo avoid getting your ship stuck, you need to find a location where the water is deep enough to accommodate the ship''s size. The Raft has the shallowest draft, making it the easiest to build in shallow water. However, the Karve and Longship require deeper water. To check the depth, look for areas where the water is dark blue rather than light blue or green. Dark blue indicates deeper water, which is ideal for larger ships. If you''re unsure, you can test the depth by swimming in the area and noting how far you sink.\n\nWhen building your ship, position the Workbench as close to the water as possible without it being submerged. This ensures you can place the ship in the deepest part of the water. Once the ship is placed, you can push it further into the water using the interact key (default E). If the ship is still stuck, try using a Hoe to dig out the seabed and create a deeper channel. This is particularly useful in biomes like the Meadows or Black Forest, where shallow water is common.\n\nAnother practical solution is to build a small dock or pier extending into deeper water. Use Wood or Core Wood to create a platform that allows you to place the ship in a deeper area. This method is especially helpful in biomes with uneven coastlines, such as the Swamp or Mountains. By extending your construction area, you can ensure your ship has enough depth to float freely.\n\nIf your ship does get stuck, don''t panic. You can use a pickaxe to break the ship and recover most of the materials. Alternatively, you can try pushing the ship with another boat or using the wind to nudge it into deeper water. Remember, patience and careful planning are key to successful shipbuilding in Valheim.\n\nIn summary, building a ship in shallow water requires careful site selection, understanding water depth, and sometimes modifying the environment. Use the Hoe to dig deeper channels, build docks to extend into deeper water, and always test the depth before placing your ship. With these tips, you can avoid getting your ship stuck and enjoy smooth sailing across Valheim''s vast oceans.