Surviving the endless ocean in Raft requires constant expansion, turning a fragile wooden platform into a floating fortress. While drifting debris provides basic wood and plastic, advanced crafting relies on resources hidden beneath the waves. Knowing how to efficiently gather sand and clay is a critical turning point for any player looking to transition from basic survival into advanced technology.
Locating Underwater Coral Reefs
Sand and clay are not found floating on the open water like barrels or planks. Instead, these essential resources are located exclusively in the shallow waters surrounding islands. When you anchor your raft near a landmass, dive down along the reef borders to find dark patches on the sandy seabed.
Recognizing the visual differences between the two materials saves valuable oxygen during your dive. Clay deposits appear as small, smooth, rounded mounds that are slightly darker than the surrounding terrain. Sand deposits look like flat, light-colored patches that blend more easily into the ocean floor.
Crafting and Utilizing the Plastic Hook
To successfully harvest these resources, you must equip yourself with a harvesting tool before entering the water. The standard plastic hook or the upgraded scrap hook are both capable of breaking these deposits apart. Simply swim down to the target, look directly at the material, and hold the action button to swing your tool.
Each deposit requires multiple hits with your hook before it breaks and automatically adds to your inventory. It is wise to clear out nearby resources quickly to maximize your time spent underwater. Upgrading your gear as soon as possible will drastically reduce the number of swings required to harvest each node.
Managing the Shark Threat
The biggest obstacle to underwater gathering is the persistent shark that follows your floating home everywhere. Attempting to harvest resources while the predator is active can lead to dangerous situations and lost health. Crafting a shark bait and tossing it into the water on the opposite side of your vessel will temporarily distract the beast.
Alternatively, players can choose to engage the shark directly using a wooden or metal spear to clear the waters safely. Defeating the predator grants you a few minutes of uninterrupted peace to gather resources along the ocean floor. Working quickly during this brief window ensures you can collect massive quantities of materials without taking damage.
Smelting Wet Bricks for Advanced Crafting
Once you return to the surface with your materials, combining sand and clay allows you to craft wet bricks. These wet items must be placed down on your wooden deck to dry naturally under the sun for several days. Once the bricks turn a lighter shade, they are ready to be used in advanced building projects.
Dry bricks are the fundamental component needed to construct a smelter, which unlocks the ability to refine metal ores. This progression loop allows survivors to transition into sturdier iron tools, stationary anchors, and advanced cooking facilities. Mastering this underwater routine ensures your base remains efficient and fully prepared for deep ocean exploration.
