How do I find and use the Elder power for sailing?

To use the Elder power for sailing in Valheim, you must first defeat The Elder, the second boss in the game. The Elder is found in the Black Forest biome, and summoning it requires placing three Ancient Seeds in its altar. Ancient Seeds are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes, Greydwarf Shamans, or by looting chests in Burial Chambers. Once you have the seeds, locate The Elder''s summoning altar, which is marked by a glowing red rune on your map. Place the seeds in the altar to summon The Elder and prepare for a challenging fight.\n\nDefeating The Elder grants you the Swamp Key, which unlocks Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome, and the Elder power. The Elder power reduces stamina consumption when chopping wood by 60%, which indirectly benefits sailing. While this power doesn''t directly affect sailing mechanics, it helps you gather wood more efficiently, a crucial resource for crafting ships like the Karve or Longship. To activate the Elder power, open your inventory, navigate to the power selection menu, and choose The Elder''s icon. Once activated, the power lasts for 5 minutes and has a 20-minute cooldown.\n\nTo make the most of the Elder power for sailing, focus on gathering wood for shipbuilding. The Karve, an early-game ship, requires 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails. The Longship, a more advanced vessel, requires 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 40 Ancient Bark, and 10 Deer Hide. Both ships require significant wood resources, and the Elder power makes gathering these materials faster and less stamina-intensive. For example, with the Elder power active, you can chop down multiple Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows biome without exhausting your stamina, allowing you to stockpile Fine Wood quickly.\n\nWhen sailing, the Elder power can also help you repair your ship during long voyages. Ships take damage from collisions, storms, or enemy attacks, and repairing them requires wood. By activating the Elder power before gathering wood for repairs, you can quickly collect the necessary materials without wasting time or stamina. This is especially useful in dangerous biomes like the Ocean or Plains, where stopping for extended periods can be risky.\n\nA common challenge players face is running out of stamina while gathering wood for shipbuilding or repairs. The Elder power mitigates this issue, but it''s still important to manage your stamina effectively. Always carry stamina-boosting foods like Honey, Carrot Soup, or Sausages to maximize your efficiency. Additionally, plan your wood-gathering trips during the day to avoid hostile mobs and ensure you have enough time to return to your ship or base.\n\nIn summary, the Elder power is a valuable tool for sailing in Valheim, even though its primary effect is related to woodcutting. By reducing stamina consumption, it allows you to gather wood more efficiently for shipbuilding and repairs, making your sailing adventures smoother and more enjoyable. Activate the power strategically, manage your stamina with food, and always be prepared for the challenges of the open seas.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when sailing to quickly return to your base for repairs or supplies. Use the Elder power in combination with a Bronze Axe or better to maximize woodcutting efficiency. When exploring new biomes, mark resource-rich areas on your map for future visits. Finally, keep an eye on your ship''s durability and repair it regularly to avoid unexpected disasters.