What are the best ways to use a ship for transporting building materials?

Transporting building materials in Valheim is a critical part of expanding your base or establishing outposts in distant biomes. Ships are the most efficient way to move large quantities of resources like wood, stone, and metal ores across the map. The three main ship types—the Raft, Karve, and Longship—each have unique advantages for transporting materials. The Raft is the easiest to craft but slow and vulnerable, while the Longship offers the most storage and speed but requires advanced materials like Iron and Fine Wood.\n\nTo begin, you’ll need to craft a ship. For early-game players, the Raft is accessible with just 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. However, for transporting large amounts of building materials, the Karve or Longship is recommended. The Karve requires 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails, while the Longship demands 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark. Prioritize upgrading to a Karve or Longship as soon as possible for better speed and storage capacity.\n\nWhen loading your ship, organize your inventory efficiently. Ships have limited storage, so prioritize high-weight materials like stone, metal ores, and wood. For example, a Longship has 18 storage slots, making it ideal for transporting stacks of stone or iron. Avoid overloading your personal inventory, as this can slow you down and make you vulnerable to attacks. Instead, store materials directly in the ship’s storage to maximize efficiency.\n\nNavigating the seas safely is crucial. Always check the weather before setting sail, as storms can make sailing dangerous. Avoid sailing at night unless necessary, as visibility is reduced, and hostile creatures like Serpents are more likely to appear. If you encounter a Serpent, use a bow or harpoon to fend it off. For added safety, consider sailing with a friend to help manage threats and navigate more effectively.\n\nTo optimize your route, plan ahead by marking key locations on your map. Use the Cartography Table to share map data with friends if playing multiplayer. For example, if you’re transporting materials from the Black Forest to your base in the Meadows, chart a course that avoids dangerous biomes like the Plains or Ocean. If you need to cross large distances, consider building small outposts along the way to rest and repair your ship.\n\nOne common challenge is transporting metal ores, which cannot be teleported. To solve this, load your ship with ores like Copper, Tin, or Iron and sail them back to your main base. For example, if you’re mining in the Swamp biome, use a Karve or Longship to transport Iron Scrap to your base for smelting. Always ensure your ship is docked securely to avoid losing materials to storms or enemy attacks.\n\nFinally, consider building a dock at your base for easy loading and unloading. A simple dock can be made with wooden beams and floor tiles, allowing you to park your ship safely. For advanced players, a fully enclosed dock with gates can protect your ship from raids and weather. Always repair your ship after long voyages to maintain its durability.\n\nIn summary, ships are essential for transporting building materials in Valheim. Choose the right ship for your needs, organize your inventory efficiently, and plan your route carefully. With these tips, you’ll be able to move resources across the map safely and effectively, ensuring your Viking adventures are well-supported.