What’s the optimal amount of iron for crafting and upgrading a longship?

Crafting and upgrading a longship in Valheim is a significant milestone for any Viking, as it allows for faster and safer travel across the vast oceans. The longship is the largest and most durable ship in the game, making it ideal for exploring distant biomes like the Plains or Mistlands. To craft and fully upgrade a longship, you will need a substantial amount of iron, which is a critical resource found in the Swamp biome. Understanding the optimal amount of iron required and how to efficiently gather it is essential for both new and experienced players.\n\nTo craft a longship, you will need 100 iron nails, 40 ancient bark, 10 deer hide, and 40 fine wood. Iron nails are crafted at a forge using iron ingots, with each nail requiring one ingot. This means you need 100 iron ingots just for the nails. Additionally, upgrading the longship to its maximum level requires 60 more iron nails, which translates to another 60 iron ingots. In total, you will need 160 iron ingots to craft and fully upgrade a longship. This amount ensures your ship is durable and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the open seas.\n\nGathering iron efficiently requires venturing into the Swamp biome, where scrap iron can be found in Sunken Crypts. These crypts are guarded by Draugr and other hostile creatures, so it’s crucial to come prepared with strong armor, weapons, and healing items. Inside the crypts, you’ll find muddy scrap piles that can be mined with a pickaxe to obtain scrap iron. Each scrap iron can be smelted into one iron ingot at a smelter, so you’ll need to collect at least 160 scrap iron to meet the requirements for the longship.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the limited inventory space when mining scrap iron. To maximize efficiency, consider bringing a cart to store excess materials or setting up a temporary base near the Swamp biome with a smelter and forge. This allows you to process iron on-site, reducing the need for multiple trips. Additionally, using portals to transport non-metal items like ancient bark and deer hide can save time and effort.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that iron is a tier 3 resource, meaning you’ll need to defeat the second boss, The Elder, to gain access to the Swamp biome. Once you’ve secured a steady supply of iron, prioritize crafting the longship as it will significantly enhance your exploration capabilities. Experienced players can optimize their iron usage by planning ahead and gathering extra resources for future upgrades or crafting other iron-based items like weapons and armor.\n\nIn summary, the optimal amount of iron for crafting and upgrading a longship is 160 iron ingots. This includes 100 ingots for the initial crafting and 60 ingots for upgrades. Efficiently gathering and processing iron in the Swamp biome is key to achieving this goal. By preparing adequately and using smart strategies like temporary bases and portals, you can streamline the process and ensure your longship is ready for the high seas. Happy sailing, Viking!