How do I use the Raft for early-game resource gathering?

The Raft is the first ship you can craft in Valheim, and it is essential for early-game resource gathering, especially when exploring islands or crossing water bodies. To build a Raft, you need 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. These materials are relatively easy to obtain in the Meadows biome, where you start the game. Wood can be gathered by chopping trees, Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is dropped by Greydwarfs or found in abandoned structures.\n\nOnce you have the materials, craft the Raft at a Workbench. Place the Workbench near water, as the Raft must be deployed in water to be used. To deploy the Raft, equip the Hammer, select the Raft from the Build menu, and place it in the water. You can then interact with the Raft to board it. The Raft has a rudder for steering and a sail for speed control. Use the rudder to navigate and the sail to adjust your speed by pressing the interact key (default E) to raise or lower it.\n\nEarly-game resource gathering with the Raft is particularly useful for accessing nearby islands or coastal areas. For example, you might need to cross water to reach Black Forest biomes, which contain valuable resources like Copper and Tin. These metals are crucial for crafting better tools and weapons. The Raft allows you to transport these heavy resources back to your base without swimming, which is slow and dangerous due to stamina limitations and potential enemy encounters.\n\nOne common challenge when using the Raft is dealing with Serpents, hostile sea creatures that can attack your ship. If you encounter a Serpent, avoid engaging it directly, as the Raft is fragile and can be destroyed quickly. Instead, steer away from the Serpent and use the sail to increase your speed. If you are forced to fight, use a Bow and arrows to attack from a distance. Always carry extra materials to repair your Raft if it takes damage.\n\nAnother practical use for the Raft is transporting large amounts of resources, such as Wood or Stone, from distant locations. For example, if you find a large deposit of Fine Wood or Core Wood on an island, you can chop the trees and load the logs onto the Raft. The Raft has limited storage space, so prioritize high-value resources. You can also use the Raft to explore coastal areas for Abandoned Huts, which often contain valuable loot like Flint or Leather Scraps.\n\nTo maximize the Raft''s efficiency, always plan your route before setting sail. Use the map to mark resource-rich locations and avoid areas with high enemy density. If you are traveling long distances, consider building small outposts along the coast to rest and repair your Raft. These outposts can also serve as storage points for resources you gather during your journey.\n\nIn summary, the Raft is a versatile tool for early-game resource gathering in Valheim. It allows you to explore new biomes, transport heavy resources, and access valuable loot. While it is slow and vulnerable, careful planning and navigation can help you overcome these limitations. As you progress, you can upgrade to faster and more durable ships like the Karve or Longship, but the Raft remains a reliable option for early-game exploration and resource management.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry extra materials to repair your Raft, avoid open water during storms, and use the Raft to establish a network of coastal outposts for efficient resource gathering.