What’s the best way to mark locations for portal hubs on the map?

Marking locations for portal hubs in Valheim is a critical strategy for efficient exploration and resource management. Portal hubs act as central points connecting multiple portals, allowing you to travel quickly between key locations. To create an effective portal hub system, you need to understand the game mechanics of portals, map markers, and resource management.\n\nFirst, you must craft portals using Surtling Cores, Fine Wood, and Greydwarf Eyes. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, which require a Bronze Axe or better. Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and another at a distant location, ensuring both portals share the same tag name.\n\nTo mark portal hub locations on the map, use the map marker system. Press M to open the map, then right-click to place a marker. Choose an icon that represents the portal hub, such as the portal icon or a custom symbol. Label the marker clearly, such as ''Hub 1'' or ''Main Base,'' to avoid confusion. This is especially important when managing multiple portals across different biomes like the Meadows, Black Forest, or Mountains.\n\nWhen setting up a portal hub, consider the biome''s challenges. For example, in the Swamp biome, place the portal on higher ground to avoid water damage and enemy attacks. In the Mountains, ensure the portal is sheltered from freezing temperatures and Drakes. Always carry materials to repair or rebuild portals if they are destroyed by enemies or environmental hazards.\n\nA common challenge is running out of portal tags or forgetting which portals are connected. To solve this, create a naming system. For example, use ''Hub A'' for your main base and ''Hub A - Swamp'' for a portal in the Swamp biome. This ensures you always know which portal connects to which location. Additionally, keep a backup portal at your base with a generic tag like ''Emergency'' in case you need to return quickly.\n\nFor new players, start small by creating a single portal hub at your main base and expanding as you explore. Experienced Vikings can create multiple hubs in different biomes, such as a hub in the Plains for farming Lox or a hub in the Mistlands for endgame resources. Always prioritize safety by building walls or fences around your portals to protect them from raids.\n\nFinally, use the map to plan your portal network. Mark resource-rich areas, boss locations, and biomes you frequently visit. This helps you optimize travel routes and reduce backtracking. For example, if you find a large Copper deposit in the Black Forest, mark it and connect it to your hub for easy access. Over time, your map will become a detailed guide to your world, making navigation seamless.\n\nIn summary, marking portal hubs on the map requires careful planning, resource management, and a clear naming system. Use the map marker system to label locations, build portals in safe areas, and create a network that connects key biomes and resources. With these strategies, you can streamline your exploration and focus on conquering Valheim''s challenges.