How to build the best raft in Stranded Deep

Traveling between islands is mandatory in Stranded Deep. Resources are finite, and players will eventually need to find a way to get from one place to another without getting eaten alive by the ocean. The basic rubber raft is good for the early stretches of the game but sooner or later, you will want something that rides the waves faster. Here’s how to build the best sea-faring raft that won’t get you killed out in the open.

How to build a raft

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Building rafts in Stranded Deep involves putting together a base and a floor supported by some sort of propulsion system and an anchor. Floors and bases can be made with various types of materials, though they aren’t that different from each other in terms of actual resilience or buoyancy.  Feel free to make a raft based on its looks or the availability of materials. For reference, here’s the list of possible raft parts:

• Raft Base
  • Wood Bundle Raft Base
  • Buoy Ball Raft Baste
  • Tire Raft Base
  • Barrel Raft Base
• Raft Floor
  • Wood Raft Floor
  • Plank Raft Floor
  • Corrugated Raft Floor
  • Brick Raft Floor
• Raft Propulsion
  • Sail
  • Boat Motor
  • Rudder
  • Anchor

To build a raft, equip a hammer, open up the Crafting Menu, then click on the category buttons on the upper right until you reach the Vehicles window. Here, all of the available raft parts will be visible. Hover over each to see the ingredients they require and get ready to build. Keep in mind that a raft cannot move without a sail or motor, and a base must be built first before floors can be placed. A rudder is required to steer a sailing raft, while the boat motor comes with its own steering function. In the absence of fuel, the latter can be used as a rudder for manual sailing.

How to build the best raft in Stranded Deep

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Given how all material types perform the same regardless of what they’re made of, the “best” raft in Stranded Deep is the one that caters to the immediate needs of players. A small 2×1 boat with a sail, rudder, and anchor is good enough for island hopping. However, such a layout won’t leave much space for storage containers and other furniture. The limited floor space also means players won’t have much room to move in, which could be problematic when the game’s angrier fish folk come knocking.

A 3×3 raft is going to be the go-to for many players. It allows enough space for a generous helping of containers and collecting materials for it won’t be as tedious. On the other hand, players can also aim to make a mobile base if they want to keep adventuring without making frequent pitstops back home. Place canopies for shade, hooks for holding torches and lanterns, and sleeping bags to act as mobile save points.

Raft-building tips

• Sails will always propel rafts toward whichever direction they are facing. Consider making one sail for each direction to increase maneuverability.
• It’s a good idea to keep the sails, anchors, and rudder close to each other. This saves you the effort of having to run around every time you need to toggle something for movement.
• When building a raft and the base gets stuck on the shore, press and hold ‘RMB’ to drag the raft back into the open water.
• Consider stockpiling all of the necessary raft materials near the building site before beginning construction to save time.