List of Boats: How to Sail a Boat

This is an article about sailing boats in Valheim. Here you can find how to build a boat, as well as the controls for sailing and steering your boat!

How to Sail the Raft, Karve, and Longshiop

Build a Boat

To start sailing and explore the vast oceans of Valheim, you need to build a boat. There are currently 3 types of boats in Valheim - each craftable on the early, mid, and late game.

You also have to be beside a body of water with a Workbench to plop the boat down.

List of Boats

Access the Controls at the Back of the Boat

To start sailing, approach the rudder at the back of the boat then press E.

Boats Have Different Speeds

Press W to move forward or S to move backward.

Forward Movement

Rudder Speed	Half-sail Speed	Full-sail Speed

There are three different increasing speeds for the forward movement - rudder, half-sail, and full-sail speeds with the latter two relying on the wind direction.

Just tap W until you are on your desired speed denoted by multiple arrows or icons on top of the wind direction compass! Pressing S will decrease the speed by one.

Backward Movement

There is only the rudder speed for reverse so it is pretty slow. This is usually only used for maneuvering and docking.

Mind the Direction of the Wind

Against the Wind	Catching the Wind

The wind is very important in sailing as it gives you access to the two fastest sailing speeds for your boat. A wind direction compass is there to help you navigate. Turn your boat so that the wind icon is on the brown area and harness the power of the winds.

How to Turn the Boat Properly

Press either the A key to turn left or the D key to turn right.

The turning mechanic in Valheim mimics that of a steering wheel. A meter will denote the angle at which your boat will try to turn. Be careful though because you need to manually recenter the wheel if you want the boat to go straight else it will continue turning.

Use Moder's Forsaken Power

Forsaken Powers are abilities you can activate once you have defeated the respective boss to obtain them. Moder's Forsaken Power allows you to keep sailing in any direction as it will allow you to always have a tailwind for a few minutes. With this Forsaken Power, sailing the ocean is going to be a breeze!

Moder's Forsaken Power

Valheim Related Guides

Guide for Beginners: How to Get Started

Valheim Tips and Tricks