Upgrade the raft around the pressure ending the run: structure and storage first, then check the current build menu before relying on Sawmill, Crab Trap, Map Radar, defenses, or later support.
First make the raft stable, then add room and storage discipline. Read the current build menu before planning around a Sawmill or Crab Trap; use the options available in your run. If you cannot unload safely, the next upgrade should make the raft easier to work on, not send you farther away.
Use cooking or Crab Trap support only when the current menu and prompt confirm the option. If Map Radar appears in your build menu, inspect its cost and description. Read the live description before choosing it, and choose only a visible upgrade that addresses the pressure ending the run.
Bonfire badges confirm that level progression exists, but they do not establish a specific level-to-tool unlock chain. Keep fuel visible and read the current build menu before planning around later support tools.
A boat upgrade is ready only when it supports the next trip. If the raft cannot bring supplies home, wait, unload, cook, repair, and improve the station first.
Build basic structure and storage safety, then read the current build menu before choosing any Sawmill or Crab Trap route.
Read material costs in the live build and use this page for the order of decisions.
Fuel pressure clearly affects long runs, so plan raft upgrades around the bonfire instead of treating it as an afterthought.
Add defenses before long travel or enemy-heavy exploration.
Yes. Stable raft structure, fuel, food, storage, and defense make late-day mistakes less likely.
Treat them as live-menu decisions, not a fixed order. Read the live text and cost before choosing Map Radar.
Do not leave an island with useful items still in your hands. Store them, return, unload, then decide whether the next island trip is worth the risk.