Valheim: Complete Boats Guide – Raft, Karve, Longship & Drakkar Explained

Sailing in Valheim has no limits when it comes to the extent of exploration, questing, and getting into danger. Going through narrow rivers, or sweltering oceans of the Ashlands, the seafaring is the only way to cover the vast world map.

Now, in this detailed guide, we’ll uncover all four vessels that are available in the game: the Raft, the Karve, the Longship, and the Drakkar. Each boat type has a set of distinct advantages in terms of speed, durability, storage, and functionality that will guide you in finding the one that fits your Viking journey best.

Rafts

Rafts in the Valheim game are the most basic and least expensive ships in Valheim, which are created for brief or emergency situations. They are definitely not good for long ocean voyages because they have low durability, no storage, and bad handling.

Specifications:

1. HP: 300
2. Size: 6m (L) x 4m (W) x ~8m (H)
3. Seats: 1 (pilot only)
4. Storage: 0 slots
5. Maneuverability: Poor
6. Speed:
   • Full sails: 3.1 m/s (100% wind), 2.5 m/s (50% wind)
   • Half sailS: 2.2 m/s (100%), 1.7 m/s (50%)
   • Paddling: 1.6 m/s

Ideal Use:

• Temporary water crossings
• Early exploration

Karve

The Karve is a ship of medium class, giving you the same speed, handling, but with limited cargo space. It is the first actually feasible choice for traversing vast waters.

Specifications:

1. HP: 500
2. Size: 10m (L) x 3m (W) x 8m (air draft)
3. Seats: 2 + pilot
4. Storage: 4 slots
5. Maneuverability: Good
6. Speed:
   • Full sails: up to 7.0 m/s (100% wind)
   • Half sails: up to 4.8 m/s
   • Paddling: 3.14 m/s
7. Turning Radius: ~20m

Ideal Use:

• Mid-game exploration
• Short trade runs

Caution:

• Fragile against sea creatures like Serpents
• Can capsize in rough weather (takes 20 damage/sec if flipped)

Longship

The Longship is the ideal boat for going on late-game expeditions and conducting trade. It not only has good durability, but also carries cargo and is moderately easy to handle.

Specifications:

• HP: 1000
• Size: 22m (L) x 6m (W) x ~11m (air draft)
• Seats: 4 + pilot
• Storage: 18 slots
• Maneuverability: Moderate
• Speed:
  • Full sails: 5.04 to 9.75 m/s depending on wind
  • Half sails: 3.6 to 6.7 m/s
  • Paddling: 3.16 m/s
• Turning Radius: ~60m

Ideal Use:

1. Long-distance exploration
2. Large cargo transport
3. Combat situations

Strengths:

1. Balanced durability and maneuverability
2. Great storage capacity

Drakkar

Drakkar longships are the top ships in Valheim, the only vessels that can sail through the Ashlands’ dangerous waters without any trouble. They were costly but no one could defeat them in terms of durability and carrying capacity.

Specifications:

• HP: High (exact value not confirmed)
• Size: 30m (L) x 12m (W) x 20m (H)
• Seats: Multiple (supports large crews)
• Storage: Massive
• Maneuverability: Poor
• Unique Feature: Immune to Ashland’s lava damage

Ideal Use:

1. High-capacity cargo transport
2. Expeditions in dangerous waters
3. Multiplayer sailing missions

How to Sail a Boat in Valheim

To control the rudder, climb and physically interact with it. Using [W] and [S] changes these inputs:

1. Reverse (paddle)
2. Stop
3. Forward (paddle)
4. Half sail
5. Full sail

Steering is through [A] and [D]. The boat however, turns only when it is moving, and going backwards will also change the direction of your steering. On your way to the sea, it is advisable to have all the preparations done such as making repair kits, collecting food, and going through Valheim Workbench Upgrades, which provide the necessary tools and materials for boat building and repair.

Understanding Wind and Sails

On your mini-map the wind is given. Black icons are of unfavorable wind, while white ones indicate that the wind is in your favor. When the wind direction is suitable, use sails to increase the speed, and change to paddling if going upwind.

To go against the wind, you can either go in a zigzag pattern, or paddle, which is definitely the faster option.

Stopping Your Boat

To bring your ship to a standstill, increase the sail power by holding [S] until the rudder UI is no longer there. The vessel will glide to a stop. In case you are the only player on the server, simply leaving the rudder will stop the boat instantly.

Boat Damage and Durability

Boats in Valheim are vulnerable to different types of damage:

1. Collision Damage: At 1.5–7 m/s, blunt damage is applied.
2. Wave Damage: Happens during vertical falls (3–5 m/s, source: size).
3. Capsizing: Karves might turn in tall waves which is equal to 20 damage/sec.
4. Combat Damage:
   • Vulnerable: Fire
   • Resistant: Frost, Pierce
   • Neutral: Slash, Blunt, Lightning
   • Immune: Pickaxe, Chop, Poison, Spirit
5. Wreckage: The destroyed boats leave a container where the materials are; heavy things, however, can go to the bottom of the lake and there may be no way to bring them back.

Final Thoughts

This Valheim boat guide has indeed given you a complete rundown on rafts, Karves, Longships, and Drakkars. If you are going to follow a coastal trade route or venture into the Ashlands, knowing the capabilities of each boat will be your best tool for survival and success. Consult this Valheim boat guide for selecting the most suitable boat, handling your sailing functionalities, and steering clear of expensive blunders while at sea. As you create your fleet and go deeper into the game, you can come back to this Valheim boat guide for instant information and comparisons.

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