Raft

Raft: Surviving the Ocean’s Challenges

What Is Raft?

Raft is a survival adventure game developed by Redbeet Interactive, set in an endless expanse of ocean. Starting on a small wooden platform, you are tasked with collecting resources, building a raft, and fending off the constant dangers of the sea. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, Raft is a journey of resilience and ingenuity, combining crafting, exploration, and survival mechanics.

The premise is simple but challenging: gather materials, fight off predators, and explore islands while keeping your raft and yourself afloat. The beauty of Raft lies in its evolving gameplay, where every upgrade and new discovery pushes you closer to becoming the master of the high seas.

The Threats You Face

Raft keeps you on edge with its variety of environmental and gameplay threats, ensuring survival is never guaranteed.

The Ocean’s Predator: Sharks

Sharks are your most consistent adversaries. They circle your raft, waiting to attack and destroy sections of it.
To fend them off, you’ll need weapons like a spear. Timing is key—attack just as the shark bites to minimize damage.
Over time, you may encounter more aggressive sharks or unique variations in tougher waters.

Hunger and Thirst

Your character’s survival depends on managing hunger and thirst. Without food and fresh water, you won’t last long.
Build water purifiers and grills early to secure these essentials. Catch fish, grow crops, or scavenge islands for sustenance.
Advanced recipes, like stews, provide better sustenance but require more complex ingredients.

Wildlife on Islands

While islands provide a wealth of resources, they are home to dangers like wild boars and birds. These creatures can attack you or steal crops from your raft.
Poisonous plants and snakes can also pose threats in some areas, making exploration risky but rewarding.

The Unpredictable Environment

Storms can destabilize your raft, throwing items overboard and making navigation harder.
Strong currents might carry your raft away from crucial resources or islands if you don’t anchor it securely.

Building and Upgrading Your Raft

Starting Small

Your journey begins on a tiny platform. Using a basic hook, you’ll collect debris like planks, plastic, and barrels floating by. These materials are the foundation for all crafting and upgrades.

Expanding the Raft

Use planks and plastic to expand your raft’s size, giving yourself more room to add features.
Build multiple levels to optimize space and protect essential tools like purifiers from shark attacks.

Essential Crafting Stations

Water Purifiers: Allow you to desalinate ocean water for drinking.
Grills and Cooking Stations: Prepare raw fish, potatoes, and other food items.
Storage Boxes: Keep your resources organized and safe from the elements.
Research Table: Unlocks advanced crafting options, from weapons to navigation tools.

Advanced Features

As you progress, you can build:

Engines and Sails: Gain control over your raft’s direction and speed.
Collection Nets: Automatically gather floating debris while you focus on other tasks.
Animal Pens: House animals like goats and chickens to harvest resources like eggs and milk.
Advanced Smelters: Process ores faster, enabling high-tier crafting like metal tools.

Exploration and Secrets of the Ocean

Islands as Resource Hubs

Islands are scattered across the ocean and serve as treasure troves of resources like ores, clay, and rare seeds.
Explore caves to find hidden chests with valuable blueprints or supplies.

Diving for Resources

The ocean floor around islands is rich with materials like sand, copper, and scrap metal.
Sharks make diving dangerous. Craft shark bait to distract them while you scavenge.

Hidden Lore

Raft is not just a survival game; it also has a deeper narrative. Through notes and abandoned structures, you’ll uncover the mystery of the flooded world and humanity’s fate. These story elements add layers of intrigue to your survival journey.

Tips for Thriving in Raft

Prioritize Basic Survival: Focus on crafting a purifier and grill early to meet your hunger and thirst needs.
Defend Against Sharks: Keep a spear ready and repair damaged sections of your raft immediately.
Efficient Gathering: Craft collection nets to passively gather debris, freeing you up for exploration and crafting.
Strategic Expansion: Add protective edges to your raft to safeguard essential tools and stations.
Island Preparation: Before landing, stock up on weapons, food, and tools to handle wildlife and harvest resources effectively.
Use Shark Bait: Throw shark bait before diving to safely collect underwater resources.
Research Consistently: The Research Table unlocks critical upgrades. Regularly collect new materials to expand your crafting options.
Work as a Team: In multiplayer, divide tasks such as fishing, building, and exploring for maximum efficiency.

Secrets and Strategies

Efficient Smelting

Use advanced smelters to process multiple ores simultaneously. Smelted materials unlock high-tier tools like metal spears and bolts.

Bird Control

Place scarecrows to protect your crops from birds. Alternatively, let birds land and hunt them for feathers and meat.

Exploring Large Islands

Larger islands often have hidden caves containing rare metals or treasure chests. Look for entrances near rock formations or underwater cliffs.

Blueprint Discoveries

Some abandoned rafts or islands contain blueprints for advanced tools like fuel tanks and water purifiers. Always check chests and debris thoroughly.

Why Raft Stands Out

Raft’s appeal lies in its balance of survival tension, crafting creativity, and exploration freedom. The open ocean setting feels both isolating and expansive, pushing players to adapt and think strategically. Whether you’re building a floating fortress, diving into the depths for rare treasures, or uncovering the secrets of the world, Raft offers a unique and deeply rewarding experience.

Conclusion

The blend of constant threats, endless possibilities for upgrades, and the thrill of exploration keeps players engaged for hours. Whether you’re new to survival games or a seasoned veteran, Raft offers challenges and rewards that few games can match.

So grab your hook, gather your resources, and set sail into the unknown. The ocean is vast, but with strategy and perseverance, you can conquer its challenges and thrive. Adventure awaits in Raft!