Traversing the Ocean biome in Valheim can be treacherous, with the formidable Serpent on your tail. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you defeat it and craft their scales in to a shield.
How to Kill a Serpent
First off we recommend that you have a Karve — this raft gives you the advantage of manoeuvrability which will come in handy when trying to outmanoeuvre the Serpent. Though the Karve can be quite fragile, so it’s best to go hunting in a group. If possible, you need a good bow per person, at least one Noble Wood Bow created with Precious Wood, as well as Flint Arrows if possible.
Ideally, you need an Abyssal Harpoon, especially if you're playing multiplayer. Since it allows the Serpent to be pulled, which will prevent it from running away and manoeuvring. If the coasts are not far, you can even shoot it on the shore, which allows it to be easily knocked down in melee. This will make the operation much easier, although you can get away with a bow as well.
Scour the deep areas of the oceans in search of Serpents, they circle around and tread by default, you'll have to keep your eyes open and approach them until you somehow get their attention, preferably by sticking an arrow in their eye. The fight will then begin.
To limit the damage inflicted on your boat and prevent the snake from moving in all directions, place the wind behind your back and set all sails out. All you have to do is turn the snake into a pincushion, trying not to damage the stern of the ship with your own attacks. If you have trouble with this method, or if there are several of you, you can also present the side of the ship to him and take advantage of the moment when he is attacking to strafe it. It is then close and still, which makes it easy to hit, especially with the harpoon. This is an easier tactic to use with a Longship, since it has more health, as well as more space for other players.
Craft: Serpent Scales and Meat
Once the Serpent is dead, you should collect quite a bit of meat with which you can cook one of the most effective dishes in the game, Serpent stew. It is a good source of food for bosses.
It will also drop scales on occasion, they are used to forge a large shield with a fantastic blocking score (90, which is as much as the dark metal shield), but which does not parry. You will need 8 scales to create it. It will slow you down, but it's a great choice for taking on bosses or big enemies like the Golem.
After picking up your loot, don't forget to repair your ship if it has taken any damage. You just have to build a workbench on the bank and then use the hammer "repair" function.
The Workbench can be used for crafting and repairing items, and with a higher level you can improve some items multiple times. Here’s our guide on how to upgrade your Workbench in Valheim
