What’s the best way to build a base near the ocean for fishing and sailing?

Building a base near the ocean in Valheim is an excellent strategy for fishing, sailing, and accessing resources from multiple biomes. To start, choose a location where the ocean meets a Black Forest or Meadows biome. These areas provide a balance of safety, resources, and accessibility. The Meadows biome is ideal for beginners due to its low enemy threat, while the Black Forest offers proximity to valuable materials like copper and tin.\n\nWhen selecting a site, prioritize flat terrain near the shoreline to simplify construction. Use the Hoe tool to level the ground and create a stable foundation for your base. This prevents uneven structures and ensures your buildings are secure. Additionally, clear nearby trees and rocks to maximize space and visibility, which is crucial for spotting incoming threats or ships.\n\nConstruct a dock for your Karve or Longship to make sailing and fishing more efficient. Use Core Wood or regular Wood to build a platform extending into the water. Ensure the dock is wide enough to accommodate your ship and has a clear path for launching. Adding a roof or shelter to the dock protects your ship from weather damage and provides storage for fishing gear.\n\nFor fishing, place a workbench near the dock and craft a Fishing Rod using 8 Fine Wood and 4 Leather Scraps. Fine Wood is obtained from Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, while Leather Scraps come from Boars. Bait can be crafted using 1 Fishing Rod and 1 Insect (found in the Swamp biome). Fishing near your ocean base provides a steady food source, as fish like Raw Fish and Raw Perch are excellent for cooking.\n\nTo defend your base, build a perimeter wall using Wood or Stone. Stone walls are more durable and resistant to enemy attacks, but they require a Stonecutter, which is unlocked after defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Place defensive structures like stake walls or spike traps around the perimeter to deter Greydwarfs or other hostile creatures. Adding a watchtower near the shoreline can help you spot incoming threats or ships from a distance.\n\nFor storage and crafting, build a central hub with a workbench, forge, and storage chests. This hub should be close to the dock for easy access to resources. Use the Forge to repair your ship and fishing gear, and store extra materials like Wood, Stone, and Metal in nearby chests. Organizing your storage by category (e.g., building materials, food, tools) saves time and keeps your base efficient.\n\nFinally, consider adding a portal to your ocean base for quick travel to other biomes or your main base. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores, which can be found in Burial Chambers or the Swamp biome. This allows you to transport resources or escape danger quickly.\n\nIn summary, building an ocean base in Valheim requires careful planning, resource management, and defense strategies. Choose a safe location, level the terrain, and construct a functional dock and storage hub. Prioritize fishing and sailing by crafting the necessary tools and defending your base from threats. With these steps, your ocean base will become a vital hub for exploration and survival.