What is the best way to avoid getting lost while sailing a Longship?

Sailing a Longship in Valheim is one of the most efficient ways to explore the vast oceans and distant biomes, but it can be easy to get lost without proper preparation. The game’s procedurally generated world means that landmarks are unique to each player’s map, making navigation a key skill. To avoid getting lost, you need to combine in-game tools, map awareness, and strategic planning.\n\nFirst, always craft and carry a Cartography Table. This item allows you to share and update your map with other players in multiplayer, but it also serves as a way to mark important locations. Before setting sail, use the Cartography Table to mark your starting point and any key destinations, such as nearby biomes or resource-rich areas. This ensures you have a clear reference point to return to if you lose your way.\n\nNext, make use of the in-game map and its marking system. While sailing, press M to open the map and place custom markers. For example, you can mark the location of your home base, nearby islands, or dangerous areas like Plains or Swamps. Use different icons to differentiate between biomes, resources, and points of interest. This visual aid is invaluable when navigating vast oceans, especially during storms or foggy weather when visibility is low.\n\nAnother essential tool is the Hammer and its building menu. Before embarking on a long voyage, consider building small outposts or waypoints along your route. These can be simple structures with a Campfire, Bed, and Chest. Place these outposts on islands or coastal areas to serve as rest stops and navigation aids. If you get lost, you can use these structures to orient yourself and find your way back to your main base.\n\nWeather and time of day also play a significant role in navigation. Storms and fog can obscure your vision, making it harder to spot landmarks. To mitigate this, always check the weather forecast before setting sail. If a storm is approaching, consider waiting it out or sailing close to the shore. Additionally, sailing during the day is generally safer, as nighttime reduces visibility and increases the risk of encountering hostile creatures like Serpents.\n\nFinally, always carry essential items for navigation and survival. A fully upgraded Longship is crucial, as it provides the fastest and most durable means of travel. Stock up on food, healing items, and materials for repairs. Bring a Portal with you to establish a quick return route if you find a new biome or resource-rich area. Portals require Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes to craft, so ensure you have these materials before setting sail.\n\nIn summary, the best way to avoid getting lost while sailing a Longship is to prepare thoroughly. Use the Cartography Table and map markers to track your journey, build waypoints for navigation, and monitor weather conditions. Carry essential items and always have a backup plan, such as a Portal, to ensure a safe return. By following these steps, you can explore Valheim’s oceans with confidence and efficiency.