7 Essential Tips for Raft Survival

In Raft, you begin on a tiny raft amid a vast ocean and face the challenge of survival. It’s your responsibility to manage resources, endure harsh conditions, and navigate through the challenges the game throws at you. That said, there are certain strategies that can give you an edge.

It’s crucial to monitor your health, hunger, and other vital indicators. Craft tools, prepare meals, and defend against predators that could threaten your existence. Additionally, you’ll come across land, opportunities for research, and the chance to interact with other players, all of which can aid your survival in Raft.

1. Keep Track of Your Health, Hunger, and Thirst

Survival boils down to addressing three primary needs: hunger, thirst, and health. You can keep an eye on these through the indicator bars located on the left side of your screen. Additionally, if you venture underwater, pay attention to your Oxygen Level as well.

Starting on a modest wooden raft, look for resources to help expand and improve your craft. To facilitate this process, it’s essential to craft a net, which will automatically catch any floating materials, alleviating some of the hard work.

You can also use a hook to gather floating debris; just be cautious of the Shark lurking nearby. Furthermore, avoid straying too far from your raft, as it might drift away while you’re in pursuit of resources.

2. Create the Hammer

To elevate your crafting capabilities, you’ll need some vital tools for construction. If you’ve successfully gathered enough resources, you’ll gain the ability to create a Builder’s Hammer.

Access your inventory (by pressing I or using the tab button) and navigate to the tools tab. The hammer is one of the most crucial survival tools in Raft. It enables you to craft various items and also helps you repair your raft.

3. Collect Food & Water

There are two main ways to ensure a constant food supply. One option is to cultivate it. By establishing a planter, you can grow various vegetables within it.

From time to time, barrels will drift into your inventory, providing you beans, potatoes, and more. Plant these in your planter for a sustainable food source. Remember to water them regularly and stay vigilant to keep seagulls from disrupting your farming efforts.

Alternatively, you can utilize the ocean’s bounty by fishing. First, craft a fishing rod to start your fishing adventures. Once you catch a fish, you’ll need to cook it to satisfy your hunger. For that, construct a grill and use wooden planks as fuel.

As previously highlighted, water is essential, not just for quenching your thirst but also for growing food. You’re surrounded by water, but unfortunately, it’s too salty to drink.

Fortunately, you can set up a purification station to desalinate the seawater by adding a fire source, such as a wooden plank. Use a cup or any container to collect water from the ocean.

4. Develop Strategies to Handle the Shark

If you’re weary of the persistent threat posed by the shark, you can take actionable steps to counter it. Naturally, jumping into the water isn’t a viable solution. Instead, craft a weapon—a wooden spear will work perfectly.

When the shark approaches your raft, strike it with the spear until it retreats, typically after 3-4 hits. You can also utilize shark bait to distract or lure the shark to a specific area.

5. Unlock the Research Station

As you advance in the game, you’ll need more tools, weapons, and facilities to bolster your chances of survival. The research station plays a fundamental role in this progression.

The research menu contains a wealth of items, and unlocking them requires blueprints obtained from barrels and other sources. To initiate the research process, simply place the item on the research station.

6. Engage with Other Rafts

You will also encounter rafts belonging to other players, which you can choose to ram into or cooperate with. Engaging in mischievous behavior like destroying their boats can yield generous supplies.

Approach their rafts using sails or paddles, quickly gather the loot, and then return to your raft to avoid sharks or other players.

7. Utilize Islands to Your Advantage

On these smaller islands, you can discover various resources such as coconut seeds, plants, and other food supplies. The water surrounding these islands is typically shallower, making it easier to explore.

Just ensure that you anchor your raft securely first. If you can’t afford a safe anchoring, make sure to dash back to your raft as soon as you leave the island in order to maintain your survival in Raft.