What are the best ways to avoid poison damage while sailing?

Avoiding poison damage while sailing in Valheim is crucial for survival, especially when exploring dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Ocean. Poison can quickly drain your health, leaving you vulnerable to other threats. To minimize this risk, you need to prepare properly before setting sail and understand the game mechanics that can help you stay safe.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to avoid poison damage is by crafting and consuming Poison Resistance Mead. This potion provides temporary immunity to poison for 10 minutes, making it invaluable when sailing near Swamp biomes or encountering poisonous creatures like Leeches or Serpents. To craft Poison Resistance Mead, you need a Cauldron and Fermenter. The recipe requires 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 1 Neck Tail, and 10 Coal. Once brewed, keep a few bottles in your inventory for emergencies.\n\nAnother key strategy is to equip armor or items that provide poison resistance. The Root Armor set, crafted from materials found in the Swamp biome, offers significant poison resistance. To craft this set, you need Root, Deer Hide, and Leather Scraps. While it may not be the most durable armor, its poison resistance makes it ideal for sailing near hazardous areas. Additionally, the Troll Armor set provides stealth benefits, allowing you to avoid encounters with poisonous creatures altogether.\n\nWhen sailing, always keep an eye on your surroundings. Poisonous creatures like Serpents and Leeches are common in the Ocean and Swamp biomes. Serpents can attack your boat, while Leeches lurk in shallow waters. To avoid these threats, maintain a safe distance from Swamp shores and use the Harpoon to pull Serpents away from your boat. If you must land in a Swamp, scout the area first and clear out any Leeches before docking.\n\nYour choice of boat also matters. The Karve and Longship are more durable than the Raft and can withstand attacks from Serpents better. Always repair your boat before setting sail and carry extra materials like Wood and Resin for quick repairs. If you encounter a Serpent, use your bow to deal damage from a distance or sail away quickly to avoid prolonged combat.\n\nFinally, always bring healing items like Cooked Meat, Berries, or Health Mead to counteract any poison damage you might take. These items can save your life if you accidentally get poisoned. Additionally, having a Portal set up near your base allows you to quickly return for healing or supplies if needed.\n\nBy combining these strategies—using Poison Resistance Mead, equipping poison-resistant armor, staying vigilant, and preparing your boat—you can significantly reduce the risk of poison damage while sailing. These tips are especially useful for new players venturing into dangerous biomes and experienced Vikings exploring the far reaches of the map.