Raft starts players off on a small, dilapidated raft in the middle of a vast, open ocean. The initial challenge is survival, using only a plastic hook to snag floating debris and other resources from the surrounding water. These materials are crucial for upgrading and expanding the raft from a barely-floating platform into a more robust and livable structure. Players must manage their hunger and thirst, fishing for food and purifying seawater, while keeping an eye out for the ever-present threat of shark attacks, which can destroy parts of the raft and set back progress.
Resource Management and Sustainability
As the game progresses, the scope of management expands. Players have to look after their basic needs and must think strategically about the layout and capabilities of their raft. Crafting becomes a key component, allowing players to build cooking stations, storage solutions, and advanced water purification systems. Each addition or upgrade to the raft requires careful consideration of resource allocation and placement to maximize efficiency and sustainability in the harsh ocean environment.
Exploration and Discovery
Exploration is a thrilling part of Raft, encouraging players to steer their crafted rafts towards mysterious islands and abandoned rigs. These places are rich in resources that are rare or unavailable in the open waters. However, landing on these islands isn’t without risks; they often house unique challenges, including aggressive wildlife and tricky terrain. Successfully navigating these islands can yield valuable seeds for growing food, new crafting materials, and other secrets that enhance the overall survival experience.
Combat and Protection Strategies
Protecting the raft and the player’s life becomes increasingly complex with advancements in the game. Players can craft weapons and tools to fend off the wildlife, particularly the sharks that continuously pose a threat to life and resources. Defensive strategies may involve building barriers or creating weapons like spears and bows. This aspect of the game tests players’ ability to balance defensive tactics with the ongoing need to expand and improve their floating home.
Raft also offers a multiplayer mode, where players can join forces with friends to build and defend their raft together. This mode introduces an element of teamwork and strategy, as players must communicate and coordinate their resource management and exploration efforts. Working together, players can build larger, more complex rafts, fend off predators more effectively, and explore the world more efficiently.
