Docking A Boat In Valheim: A Step-By-Step Guide

Docking a boat in Valheim can be challenging, especially if you want to prevent it from being destroyed by raids or spawns. While there is no proper way to anchor your boat, you can build a dock to prevent it from drifting away. This can be done by placing wood wall tiles in the water, with wood floor tiles above in a T-shape, and finishing off with wood stairs at the water's edge. Additionally, you can try parking your boat in meadows or black forests to avoid destruction by mobs.

Build a dock to stop your boat from drifting away

Building a dock is a great way to stop your boat from drifting away in Valheim. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build one:

Planning

Before building your dock, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Consider the location of your dock, ensuring it's near the coast for easy access to the water. Additionally, think about the design of your dock; it can be as simple or elaborate as you like, but make sure you have enough wood collected for the construction.

Gathering Resources

To build a basic dock, you will need wood. Each wood floor tile requires two wood, and each wood wall tile and wood stair tile will also need two wood each. Make sure you have enough wood gathered before starting construction.

Construction

To build a basic dock, follow these steps:

• Place wood wall tiles in the water to form the foundation of your dock.
• Build wood floor tiles on top of the wall tiles to create a platform. Arranging them in a T-shape is a common and effective method.
• Add wood stairs at the water's edge to provide easy access to and from your boat.
• Finish the end of the dock with additional wood walls to enclose the area and provide a secure space for your boat.

Enhancements

You can enhance your dock by adding a workbench, which is useful for repairing your boat. You can also consider building a roof or covering for your dock to protect it from the elements.

Docking Your Boat

Once your dock is built, docking your boat is straightforward. Simply guide your boat towards the dock and use the rudder to manoeuvre it into position. With a well-built dock, you won't have to worry about your boat drifting away!

Use stairs to dock your boat

Docking your boat in Valheim can be a tricky task, but using stairs is a simple and effective method. Here are some tips to help you use stairs to dock your boat successfully:

Build a Sturdy Dock

First, you need to construct a stable dock for your boat. Gather plenty of wood, as this will be the primary material for your dock. Place wood wall tiles in the water, forming a sturdy base. Use wood floor tiles to create a platform above the wall tiles, forming a "T" shape. This will provide a stable surface for your boat to rest on.

Install Stairs at the Water's Edge

At the water's edge of your dock, place wood stairs. These stairs will serve as your boat's entry and exit point. Make sure the stairs are securely attached to the dock and extend into the water, making it easy for you to get in and out of your boat.

Secure the Boat with Stairs

The stairs not only facilitate boarding and disembarking but also act as ["clamps" to hold your boat in place]. Position your boat so that it sits snugly against the stairs. This will prevent it from drifting away, especially during storms or high waves.

Easy Boarding and Disembarking

With the stairs in place, getting on and off your boat becomes a breeze. Simply walk up the stairs to board the boat, and when you want to disembark, just run into the side of the stairs to push your boat away from the dock safely and quickly.

Advantages of Using Stairs

Using stairs to dock your boat offers several benefits. It is a straightforward method that doesn't require complex building techniques. The stairs make it convenient to enter and exit your boat, and they also help keep your boat securely docked, reducing the chances of it drifting away.

Remember to adapt these tips to your specific situation and the surrounding environment. You can also combine this method with other boat docking techniques, such as building a protective enclosure or raising the terrain to create a shallow area for docking.

Docking your boat safely

Find a Suitable Location:

• Look for a spot near your base that is away from raid or spawn points. Consider building your dock in an area where enemies cannot reach it, such as on an isolated small island or by channelling into the shore near your base.
• Take note of enemy positions and try to park just out of their sight. Avoid parking too close to them, as they may attack your boat.
• If you're building a dock, choose a location with plenty of wood nearby. You'll need a lot of wood to construct the dock.

Constructing a Dock:

• Build a workbench and a chest near the coast to make repairs and store your boat materials.
• To build a basic dock, place wood wall tiles in the water with wood floor tiles above in a T-shape. Add wood stairs at the water's edge for easy access, and finish with more wood walls at the end of the dock.
• For added protection, consider building walls on three sides of your dock that are high enough so enemies cannot see your boat. Ensure there is no direct path for enemies to swim past the open side towards your boat.
• Alternatively, use stairs instead of a traditional dock. Place the stairs in the water, and you can easily dock your boat by running into the sides of the stairs.

Parking your Boat:

• When parking your boat, try to find a rock jutting out into the water to use as a natural "dock".
• If you're in a swamp or plains biome, be cautious as your boat may be destroyed by mobs. Look for meadows or black forests nearby to park your boat.
• Clear the area of enemies before parking. Once the area is cleared, no new spawns will occur unless you re-enter the area.
• Drop a workbench near your parked boat to prevent spawns and allow for easy repairs.

Destroying and Storing your Boat:

• If you're worried about your boat being destroyed, you can destroy it yourself and store the materials. Use an axe to break it down in shallow water to recover all the parts.
• Store the boat materials in a chest located in a safe area, such as a tree or your base.
• When you're ready to sail again, simply rebuild your boat using the stored materials.

Remember to be cautious and always prepare for the unexpected. Docking your boat safely in Valheim requires a combination of strategic thinking, quick reactions, and proper boat maintenance.

Docking your boat without a pier

Docking a boat in Valheim can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have a pier or dock to work with. Here are some tips and tricks to help you dock your boat safely without a pier:

• Build a simple dock: While you may not have a pier, you can still construct a basic dock to help secure your boat. Gather plenty of wood and build a T-shaped structure with wood wall tiles in the water and wood floor tiles above. Add some wood stairs at the water's edge, and finish the end of the dock with additional wood walls. This will provide a stable area to tie up your boat.
• Use doors as a dock gate: Doors can be used to create a makeshift dock gate that helps prevent your boat from sailing away. This method requires constant repairs, but adding roofing can reduce the maintenance needed.
• Docking with stairs: Stairs can also be used for docking your boat. Place stairs in the water, and when your boat is underneath, simply walk up the stairs to disembark. To undock, run into the sides of the stairs to push the boat away from the dock.
• Beach your boat: If you don't want to build a dock, you can try beaching your boat. Pull your boat as close to the shore as possible and ensure the sails are completely up to prevent it from catching the wind. This method may expose your boat to mobs and storms, so use it with caution.
• Use a portal: If you're travelling long distances, consider using a portal to transport yourself and your boat. Break down your boat and store the materials in a chest near the portal. This way, you can easily rebuild your boat when you reach your destination.
• Dig and dredge during storms: If you're planning to build a dock, pay attention to the water during storms. Dig and dredge the harbour during periods of calm between waves to make it safer for boats. Ensure your harbour is deep enough so that boats don't hit the ground during storms.
• Create a cradle with roofs: If you're building a dock, you can use roofs to create a cradle for your boat. Proper construction will allow the boat to rise during a storm without slamming into the sides of the dock.

How to sail a boat

To sail a boat in Valheim, you must first build one. You can choose from four seafaring vessels: the Raft, the Karve, the Longship, and the Drakkar. Each boat is faster and more durable than the last, with increased storage space and player seating.

To begin sailing, climb onto the boat and interact with the rudder. The mini-map on the upper right shows wind direction, which heavily affects sailing speed. Travelling in the same direction as the wind will be much faster than travelling against it. The sails automatically turn into the wind, and you can open and close them by double-tapping 'W' and 'S'.

Press 'W' and 'S' to change the forward speed of the boat, toggling between stop, half sail, and full sail. 'A' and 'D' turn the boat's rudder, allowing you to steer. You can also sail into the wind by 'tacking' back and forth in a zigzag motion, turning into the wind at each tack.

To stop the boat, press 'S' or 'W' until the sail and rudder icons are no longer showing. If you are the only player on the server, jumping off the boat will also bring it to a stop.

Frequently asked questions