The fun but challenging game Raft throws players in the middle of the ocean on a raft. Players must control characters throughout the game as they collect items to survive. They can collect items in the water, on islands, and in the depths of the forest. The characters in Raft face many dangers during their time on the ocean. This is why it's important to craft a lot of items.

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These items help them cook, grow food, drink water, and help them feel comfortable in the middle of the ocean. Since there are many items that the characters can craft, players must choose wisely when they begin the game. In other words, there are many important items that are useful right away. Then, there are items that are also useful but can wait until players are further along in the game.

Updated June 25, 2022 by Nikole Brinkman: Raft can be a challenging game for those starting out. But just like any survival game, there are certain mechanics that are similar to the rest. The biggest difference is that resources can be hard to come by, especially if players stick by an island. The main source of materials is by finding them out in the ocean, or at the bottom of it.

But what should players do when they have a stockpile of resources? Of course, there's an overwhelming amount of items that players can craft and have on their raft, but some are more important than others. Which ones should players focus on?

10 Research Table

raft research table

A research table is exactly what it sounds like. When players gather resources, some of those materials can be placed on the research table and the various recipes associated with those items will be revealed. This is a great first object to have to make sure that players know what can be made in the future.

Like many survival games, a lot of new items can be crafted once it's been researched and discovered, so this is a crucial object to have at the beginning. To build the table, players will need 14 Planks and 2 Scrap. Note that when researching an item will make it disappear as the table does absorb it, however, it is well worth it when players find more recipes.

9 Smelter

raft smelter

Further down the road will require more advanced items for crafting, so players who work on building a few smelters at the beginning will save a large process down the road. The smelter will burn down materials to create new items such as metal ingots, vine goo and glass.

In order to craft this item, players will need to gather 4 Planks, 6 Dry Clay Bricks,4 Scrap and 6 Nails.The biggest obstacle to crafting these items is the dry clay bricks that are required to make them. Players will need to gather clay and then place it on the raft somewhere and then wait about five minutes for it to properly dry and craft. This can consume a lot of time so working on this at the beginning will save a lot of time.

8 Bed

raft hammock

Whether a player is in a group or alone, a bed is never a bad option. In fact, for those playing with a group will at some point need a bed to revive their buddies. To craft it, players will need 10 Palm Leaves, 6 Planks, 4 Plastic, and 3 Nails. Even if players aren't dying, this is a great tool for those low on health. Sleeping in the bed will regenerate 40% health, but drains 20% thirst and hunger.

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Another great alternative from the bed with a higher crafting recipe is the hammock! It revives players at a greater level and regenerates 70% health when slept in. It costs 10 Planks, 12 Palm Leaves, 8 Feathers and 6 Nails. Crafting one of these at the beginning is vital to ensure that players don't have to wait around to be revived, or quickly heal up damaged health.

7 Net

raft collection nets

At the very beginning of the game, players will realize that the majority of the item and resource gathering is from collecting the items floating around in the ocean. Players will start by using their hooks to pull in items, or even swimming out in the ocean if they're brave enough. However, to save a lot of time while exploring the world, having collection nets is crucial.

It would be best to always have collection nets surrounding the raft that way no matter which direction players are going, they will gather the items. This not only saves players time to do other activities on the raft without worrying about missing goods but ensures that players are gathering the most at a fast pace. Players should try and have boards around the nets though in case the shark attacks the raft, they should not be at the very edge of the raft, or they might break.

6 Anchor

raft anchor

Another crucial object when players are getting ready to explore the various islands that they pass. There are two types of anchors that players can craft, but the easiest one is the throwable anchor which only requires 2 Plank, 4 Rope and 4 Stone. While it is only a one-time use, it's incredibly helpful for players who want to take their time at an island without worrying about the raft naturally floating away.

The second type of anchor, which is more expensive but able to be used several times is the stationary anchor. PLayers will need advanced crafting items like a hinge, therefore don't worry too much about getting that made at the beginning. The throwable anchor is cheap enough to craft several times. Or, if players are in a group, having someone on the raft keeping the raft near the island would be just as helpful.

5 Cooking Pot

A large cooking pot is useful for anyone. Even if they are not in the middle of the ocean on a raft. The cooking pot in Raft requires a fair amount of materials, but it is well worth it. This pot can cook a medley of food for the characters, and it can cook a lot of it.

The cooking pot can fulfill both hunger and thirst for characters. That's right. This pot can make food and water. Moreover, players receive bonuses after eating recipes made from the cooking pot. Crafting this pot when players begin the game is important because it kills many birds with one stone.

4 Simple Purifier

One of the most important elements when it comes to survival is water. That is why the simple purifier is an important item to craft in Raft. This purifier is effortless but handy. It turns undrinkable saltwater into clean water within 30 seconds.

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The simple purifier requires planks to help fuel it, and these planks last around 50 seconds. It is quite easy and makes clean water fast for survivors. The simple purifier works wonders. It's important for players who are just starting the game to quench their thirsty characters.

3 Empty Bottle

An empty bottle might seem like a minuscule item, but it's actually very important in Raft. Players who craft empty bottles when beginning the game provide the characters something to drink out of. With an empty bottle, characters can fill it with water and carry it with them at all times.

For example, characters can take it with them while hunting or collecting food in forests and islands. They can also use it on the raft to drink out of and to collect water. The empty bottle is versatile and important to craft when starting Raft.

2 Medium Crop Pot

Characters in Raft cannot just rely on hunting and gathering as their only source of food. After all, they are in the middle of the ocean most of the time. Players who craft the medium crop pot to start can continuously grow food on the raft itself.

This important item only requires two materials, and it can grow a ton of fruit and vegetables. The medium crop pot sustains characters for a long time on the raft until they hunt and gather more food. Crafting this item from the get-go is essential.

1 Bucket

A bucket seems so minuscule, but it is actually very important. Even though buckets in Raft are mainly for collecting goat milk, buckets have many uses. Characters can use them for milk, water, carrying food, or even eating out of if they are in a pinch.

Buckets are simple to craft and characters get a lot of use out of them. It's important for players to craft a bucket right away. It provides characters with a handy object that they can use throughout the rest of the game whenever necessary.

Raft is available on PC

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