What is the best way to gather wood for crafting a raft?

Gathering wood for crafting a raft in Valheim is a fundamental task that requires understanding the game''s mechanics and efficient resource collection strategies. A raft is one of the first watercraft you can build, requiring 20 wood, 6 leather scraps, and 6 resin. Wood is the primary resource, and collecting it effectively will save time and effort.\n\nTo gather wood, you need a tool capable of chopping down trees. The most basic tool for this is the Stone Axe, which can be crafted using 5 wood and 4 stone. Once you have the Stone Axe, head to the Meadows biome, the starting area of the game, where trees are abundant. Look for Beech trees, as they are the most common and easiest to chop down. Pine trees are also a good option, but they require more hits to fell.\n\nWhen chopping trees, position yourself so that the tree falls away from you to avoid taking damage. Trees can fall unpredictably, so always be ready to move. Once a tree is down, use your axe to chop it into smaller logs, which will yield wood. Each tree typically provides 10-20 wood, depending on its size. Be mindful of your stamina, as chopping trees consumes it quickly. Eating food like berries or cooked meat before gathering wood will help maintain stamina.\n\nA common challenge for new players is running out of stamina while chopping trees. To mitigate this, always carry food that boosts stamina regeneration, such as raspberries or cooked deer meat. Additionally, avoid chopping trees during rain, as it reduces stamina regeneration. If you encounter Greylings or Greydwarfs while gathering wood, use your axe or a club to fend them off quickly.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to a Bronze Axe can significantly speed up wood gathering. The Bronze Axe requires 4 wood, 8 bronze, and 2 leather scraps. Bronze is crafted by combining copper and tin at a Forge, which requires venturing into the Black Forest biome. While this requires more effort, the increased efficiency is worth it for large-scale wood collection.\n\nAnother advanced strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Chopping trees near other trees can cause a domino effect, where falling trees knock down nearby ones. This method saves time and stamina, especially in dense forests. However, be cautious of falling trees, as they can deal significant damage if they hit you or your structures.\n\nOnce you have enough wood, return to your workbench to craft the raft. Place the workbench near water, as rafts can only be deployed in water. To build the raft, open the crafting menu, select the raft, and place it in the water. Ensure you have enough space to board it without obstacles.\n\nIn summary, gathering wood for a raft involves using a Stone Axe or Bronze Axe to chop trees in the Meadows biome. Manage your stamina with food, avoid hazards like falling trees and enemies, and consider upgrading tools for efficiency. With these tips, you''ll be sailing the seas of Valheim in no time.