Stranded Deep is a unique survival game in which players are placed on an island and must make their way back to civilization. One of the most important elements for success is the ability to build a raft that will get you off the island and safely to shore. In this article, we’ll give you the best tips to build a strong raft and two designs you can consider in the game.
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Best raft building tips
All players start with a Life Raft in Stranded Deep. However, it’s better to build a raft than to stay on the Life Raft. Building your own raft will give you more freedom and allow you to explore further away from your starting point. Here are some tips on how to build a better raft in Stranded Deep.
Related: How to use the Hobo Stove in Stranded Deep
Gather materials
The first step of building any type of vessel is gathering materials, and this holds true with rafts as well. You can find wood, leaves, and other materials by foraging or scavenging around the island. You’ll also need a few tools to construct the raft, like an axe or knife.
Opt for a barrel base
Once you have all of your materials gathered, it’s time to start building the base of your raft. A barrel base is a great way to construct your raft base. Barrels are easy to find around the island, and they provide a strong foundation for your raft. Just make sure that you secure it tightly with rope or vines so that it won’t break apart while in use.
Choose steel or bricks for flooring
Next, you’ll have to build your floors. The best option is to use either steel or bricks. Steel will give you the most support and durability, but it’s heavier than other materials and requires more resources. Bricks are lighter and can be arranged in a variety of patterns for added stability. Both offer enough support for your raft construction needs.
Consider your propulsion system
Think about your propulsion system. The easiest option is using sails, as they can be built with just sticks, cloth, and lashing. However, sailing can be difficult in Stranded Deep due to the unpredictable currents and wind. Alternatively, you could craft a motor boat with a motor and fuel tank. You’ll need parts for the engine, fuel tank, and filter as well as electrical components and duct tape. These can be difficult to source since they aren’t naturally occurring and can only be usually found on shipwrecks.
Buy an anchor and rudder
An anchor can keep your raft from drifting away and help keep it stable. A rudder can also be bought to increase maneuverability, which is especially important if you’re navigating treacherous waters or shorelines. Both of these items are useful for anyone building a raft in Stranded Deep and will help you stay afloat.
Use crates to save space
One of the best tips for building a raft in Stranded Deep is to use crates. Crates will give you more storage space and allow your raft to look much neater than having several items spread out across the deck. They come in different sizes, so make sure that you pick one that fits your needs. You can also store food, tools and other supplies inside them, making them a great option for floating homes.
Best raft design in Stranded Deep
These are the two types of designs you can consider for your raft in Stranded Deep:
Tiny and fast
Image via x_Junkster_x on Reddit
The tiny and fast design involves using a simple 1×1 raft with just a sail. This can be enough to get you moving around the islands, but it’s not suitable for long trips. You can expand to 2×1 raft and equip it with a sail, anchor, and motor. This will give you enough speed and stability to venture out further into the open ocean, especially when you encounter sharks or storms. Take note, though, that tiny rafts can’t hold crates, so you might not bring a lot of supplies with you.
Small and full of storage
Image via welshyben2 on Reddit
If storage is an important factor for you, then you should opt for a 3×3 raft. Keep the center open with this type of design so that you can incorporate a crate for storage in the middle part of the boat. One thing to note, though, is that the extra weight can slow the raft down. Nonetheless, you can make the boat extra durable by using better materials and making sure that all the connections are secured.
About the author
Matthew Wilson
Matthew Wilson is currently the Managing Editor for Gamer Journalist. He's previously served as Managing Editor for the Lifestyle brand Outsider. Matthew has also worked for USA TODAY, Business Insider, Esquire, and Psychology Today. In his free time, he loves to travel and to play video games, two passions that fuel his work.
