What’s the safest way to explore the Ocean biome for resources?

Exploring the Ocean biome in Valheim can be both rewarding and dangerous. The Ocean biome is home to valuable resources like Chitin, which is used to craft the Abyssal Harpoon and Abyssal Razor, as well as Leviathans that drop rare materials. However, the Ocean is also filled with threats like Serpents and unpredictable weather. To safely explore this biome, preparation and strategy are key.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a sturdy ship. The Longship is the best option for Ocean exploration due to its durability, speed, and storage capacity. To craft a Longship, you’ll need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. Fine Wood can be obtained from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, while Ancient Bark comes from Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome. Iron Nails require Iron, which is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp. Always repair your ship at a Workbench before setting sail to avoid mid-voyage breakdowns.\n\nNext, prepare for combat and survival. Equip yourself with a strong weapon like the Draugr Fang bow or a Blackmetal sword, as Serpents can attack your ship. Bring plenty of arrows, especially Frost or Poison arrows, to deal with these threats from a distance. Additionally, pack healing items like Cooked Meat, Serpent Stew, or Health Mead to recover from damage. A fully upgraded set of armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, will provide the necessary protection against Serpents and other dangers.\n\nWeather is a major factor in Ocean exploration. Storms can make sailing treacherous, so always check the weather before departing. If a storm hits while you’re at sea, reduce your sail speed to avoid losing control of your ship. If you encounter a Serpent during a storm, prioritize killing it quickly to prevent it from damaging your ship. If your ship takes too much damage, it will sink, leaving you stranded in the Ocean.\n\nWhen exploring, keep an eye out for Leviathans. These massive creatures appear as small islands but are actually living beings. Use a Pickaxe to harvest Chitin from their barnacle-covered backs. Be cautious, as hitting a Leviathan too many times will cause it to submerge, potentially capsizing your ship. To avoid this, harvest Chitin quickly and retreat to your ship before the Leviathan reacts.\n\nFinally, always have a plan for emergencies. Carry materials to build a Portal, such as 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. If you’re far from home, set up a Portal on a nearby island to ensure a quick escape. Additionally, mark your map with the locations of Leviathans and other points of interest to make future trips more efficient.\n\nIn summary, the safest way to explore the Ocean biome involves thorough preparation, including a sturdy Longship, strong weapons, healing items, and a plan for emergencies. Pay attention to weather conditions and be ready to defend against Serpents. By following these steps, you can safely harvest valuable resources and navigate the dangers of the Ocean biome.