How do I use the Raft for early-game survival?

The Raft is one of the earliest and most accessible ships in Valheim, making it a crucial tool for early-game survival and exploration. To craft a Raft, you will need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to gather in the Meadows biome, which is where most players start their journey. Wood can be obtained by chopping down trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greydwarfs or found in abandoned structures.\n\nOnce you have the materials, you can craft the Raft at a Workbench. Place the Workbench near water, as the Raft must be built close to a shoreline or body of water. After crafting, the Raft will appear in the water, ready for use. To board the Raft, simply walk onto it and interact with the rudder to start sailing. The Raft is controlled using the WASD keys, with W to move forward, S to reverse, and A/D to turn left or right.\n\nThe Raft is slow compared to other ships like the Karve or Longship, but it is invaluable for early exploration. Use it to cross rivers, lakes, or even venture into the ocean to reach nearby islands. However, be cautious when sailing in the ocean, as the Raft is not well-suited for rough waters or storms. If you encounter a Serpent, a hostile sea creature, it is best to retreat to shore immediately, as the Raft has low durability and can be destroyed quickly.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is navigating the Raft in tight spaces or shallow waters. To avoid getting stuck, always scout the area before sailing and ensure there is enough depth for the Raft to move freely. If you do get stuck, you can use a pickaxe to dig out shallow areas or dismantle the Raft and rebuild it in a better location. Additionally, always carry a Hammer and enough materials to repair the Raft, as it can take damage from collisions or enemy attacks.\n\nAnother practical use for the Raft is transporting resources. Early in the game, you may need to gather materials like Flint or Copper from distant locations. The Raft allows you to carry these resources back to your base without overburdening your inventory. For example, if you find a Copper deposit on a nearby island, you can mine it, load the ore onto the Raft, and sail back to your base for smelting.\n\nTo maximize the Raft''s utility, consider building a small dock or storage area near your base. This will make it easier to load and unload resources, as well as repair the Raft when needed. You can also use the Raft to explore the Black Forest biome, which often contains valuable resources like Tin and Core Wood. Just be prepared to defend yourself against hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls.\n\nIn summary, the Raft is an essential tool for early-game survival in Valheim. It provides a means of transportation, resource gathering, and exploration, even if it is slower and less durable than other ships. By mastering its use and planning your voyages carefully, you can overcome many of the challenges faced in the early stages of the game. Always be prepared for unexpected dangers, and remember to repair and maintain your Raft to ensure it remains a reliable asset.