As players sail to new islands while exploring the massive, procedurally-generated world of Valheim, they are likely to eventually encounter a monster called the Sea Serpent. Sea Serpents have the head of a dragon and the body of a snake, with a few fins. Players can fight the Sea Serpent, but it is very likely they will struggle to do so until they have stronger, more durable, and upgraded equipment. In addition, players should avoid this creature at all cost until they have a longship, as Sea Serpents can make quick work of a raft or karve in one or two hits.
When killed, Sea Serpents drop meat and, if killed properly, Serpent Scales. These are used to craft a strong shield called the Serpent Scale Shield, a sturdy shield of overlapping scales. It provides 90/105 Block Power and can be useful against some of the stronger and more difficult enemies later in the game. Players can use typical bows and arrows to kill a Sea Serpent, but this will cause them to lose the Scales. Instead, players should consider crafting an Abyssal Harpoon that can be used to drag the Sea Serpent to shore, dead or alive. This will allow them to harvest the scales and even melee the creature if they prefer. Here's how to kill a Sea Serpent in Valheim.
How to Craft an Abyssal Harpoon in Valheim
While not required for killing a Sea Serpent, the Abyssal Harpoon makes the job easier and allows players to harvest its Scales and Trophy. Otherwise, the Scales will sink to the bottom of the sea and be lost forever.
The ingredients for the Abyssal Harpoon are:
- 8 Fine Wood
- 3 Leather Scraps
- 30 Chitin
While Fine Wood and Leather Scraps are fairly easy to find, Chitin might give players some trouble. This material can be mined from Abyssal Barnacles, which are found on Krakens. Unlike in traditional lore, the Kraken is not an aggressive enemy in Valheim. Instead, they appear as small islands players can walk on and harvest Chitin from.
Players will need to look for craters on the Kraken. These are Abyssal Barnacles, and inside, players can mine Chitin. Players can usually pick up a few Chitin from the Abyssal Barnacles before the Kraken notices and retreats back into the ocean, forcing the player to retreat back onto their boat.
Once players have all the necessary materials, they can craft the Abyssal Harpoon at their Workbench.
How to Hunt Sea Serpents in Valheim
Players may want to bring a few friends when they hunt the Sea Serpent in Valheim. This way, they can kill it using ranged weapons. However, it is also possible to take on a Sea Serpent solo.
Players will need to get into their boat and set sail until they reach open water. They will know they are in the right place if the biome name on their map in the upper righthand corner says Ocean. Players will want to keep as close to the shores as they can, though.
While Sea Serpents can appear in any weather conditions, they do tend to become more prolific during storms. Once players find one, they will need to throw the harpoon at it. While it may take a few tries, the harpoon doesn't disappear, so they can keep going until they manage to hook the creature.
The player holding the harpoon will not be able to take any other actions while the creature is hooked, which is why players will want someone else with them. One player can hold the harpoon while another sails the ship to shore or hits the Sea Serpent with arrows.
If players are working solo, staying close to the shore will allow them to drag the serpent into the shallows and fight it on or near land. It is less difficult to fight on land, essentially becoming a giant snake whose attacks can be dodged if players keep moving.
When the Sea Serpent dies in the shallows or on land, or dies while harpooned and has its body dragged to shore, players will be able to gather all its loot, including Serpent Meat, Serpent Scales, and the Serpent Trophy. Serpent Meat is the key ingredient in Serpent Stew, which gives players an 80 Health and 80 Stamina bonus for 2400 seconds. Serpent Scales are used to craft the Serpent Scale Shield, which is comparable to most of the endgame shields currently available in Early Access. The Serpent Trophy can be mounted in a player's home as a monument to their feat of defeating the creature.
Players can also simply kill the Sea Serpent by shooting it while at sea with a bow and arrows. This can be effective, but only the Serpent Meat will float and allow players to grab it. In a pinch, however, players may need to use this method, especially if they are alone and don't have the Abyssal Harpoon yet.
Valheim is in Steam Early Access and is available for PC.