Valheim Sailing Mechanics

saloe@lemmy.ml to Gaming@lemmy.ml – 114 points –

This is my sailing experience every time I play Valheim. I'm starting to believe the devs put in an RNG variable that makes the wind constantly fight you for certain steam IDs or something.

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I am not entirely sure about the English names for the parts of a boat but I try my best: the Boat always tries moves towards where the bow is pointed because of the keel below the ship which acts like a guide rail because it creates a path of less resistance. And the hull makes it very hard to much it left and right. So even though the wind comes from a 45° the shape translates that in mostly forward movement and a little bit of sideways movement. Like a toy car you are stepping on: you are acting as a downwards force but the wheels translate it to forward movement. I hope that somewhat gives you a bit more insight!

Good explanation. Another way to think about it is with modern sails and hull design it's more like a wing. The sail above the water is the more obvious wing shape, and with some designs that use a centerboard or daggerboard that is like the other half of a wing turned on its side. With water having more drag than air, the centerboard is the continued wing shape under the water only shorter.