Valheim: Exploration Guide - islands, biomes Valheim guide, walkthrough
Last update: 26 February 2021
On this page of the Valheim guide, you will learn how does the exploration work in the game. You will find information on how the world is divided into islands and biomes.
The world in Valheim is divided into islands. Each has its own unique look and climate. Your adventure will begin on an island roughly in the center of the entire map. You have to keep in mind that the world is generated based on the so-called seed, so the starting locations may look different.
Beginnings and the first island
First, you must familiarize yourself with the starting island. Walk around it carefully, familiarize yourself with its layout and the distribution of biomes. Because of the randomness of the world, you should assume that you can run into just about anything. You also need to be objective about your strength.
If you reach the Swamps or the Mountains during your first exploration, the only decision is to retreat. Without proper equipment when exploring these regions, you can die from an enemy's single attack or temperature. Return to these locations when you have more advanced equipment, such as troll leather armor and a bronze axe. Each of the biomes is marked on the world map, so you won't have any trouble finding your way back to them.
As you explore the world, you also discover parts of the map. You can place markers on it and sign them. Use this to mark more important locations, such as metal deposits or troll spawn points. In this way, you will easily be able to revisit a specific location.
Expansion to other islands
Over time, you will discover the technology to build a boat. Then you will be able to leave the starting island and go to other locations. As you sail through the ocean, you must watch out for Serpents, which appear occasionally and can attack your boat. You can eliminate them by using a bow.
When you reach a new island, the first thing you need to do is to build a house with a bed – it will serve as your respawn point. That way, if you die in a new area, you won't go back to square one, and you will be able to recover items more easily. Then do the same as you did on the original island – go around it and mark the most important places on the map.
Also, don't forget that you can build portals. They allow you to connect two areas you have already discovered and travel between them without using a boat. They must have the same name entered in order to work and connect. Of course, this technology has its limitations – you won't be able to transport various types of ores.