What’s the best way to monitor my progress in finding and using surtling cores?

Monitoring your progress in finding and using Surtling Cores in Valheim is essential for advancing your gameplay, especially when building and upgrading key structures like the Smelter, Charcoal Kiln, and Portals. Surtling Cores are rare resources found primarily in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome and in Fire Geysers in the Ashlands biome. To track your progress effectively, you need to understand where to find them, how to collect them, and how to use them efficiently.\n\nFirst, focus on locating Burial Chambers in the Black Forest. These dungeons are marked by green torches outside their entrances and are relatively easy to spot. Inside, you’ll find Surtling Cores in chests or on the ground, often guarded by Skeletons. Bring a weapon like a Club or Flint Spear to deal with enemies, and carry a torch to light your way. Clearing a single Burial Chamber can yield 2-6 Surtling Cores, depending on its size and layout. Keep a mental or written note of how many you’ve collected and how many you still need for your crafting goals.\n\nFor more advanced players, Fire Geysers in the Ashlands biome are another excellent source of Surtling Cores. These geysers spawn Surtlings, fiery enemies that drop cores when defeated. However, the Ashlands biome is dangerous and requires strong gear, such as Iron or Silver armor, to survive. To farm Surtling Cores efficiently, dig a trench around the Fire Geyser to trap the Surtlings, then use a bow or melee weapon to kill them safely. This method allows you to collect cores repeatedly as Surtlings respawn over time.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered Surtling Cores, prioritize their use based on your current needs. Early-game players should focus on building a Smelter and Charcoal Kiln to process metals like Copper and Tin, which are essential for crafting better tools and weapons. Each Smelter and Charcoal Kiln requires 5 Surtling Cores, so plan accordingly. Later, you’ll need 2 Surtling Cores per Portal to create fast-travel networks across your world. Keep a stockpile of cores to avoid backtracking to dungeons or geysers.\n\nTo track your progress, consider creating a checklist or using in-game markers. For example, place a map marker on every Burial Chamber you’ve cleared or Fire Geyser you’ve found. This helps you avoid revisiting the same locations and ensures you’re exploring new areas for additional cores. Additionally, store your cores in a secure chest near your crafting stations to keep them organized and accessible.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of cores before completing your crafting goals or struggling to find enough Burial Chambers. To address this, explore the Black Forest thoroughly, as multiple dungeons are often clustered together. If you’re still short on cores, consider venturing into the Ashlands biome for Fire Geysers, but only if you’re well-prepared for the dangers there. Finally, remember that Surtling Cores cannot be crafted or farmed indefinitely, so use them wisely and plan your builds in advance.\n\nIn summary, the best way to monitor your progress with Surtling Cores is to track your collection and usage systematically. Explore Burial Chambers in the Black Forest and Fire Geysers in the Ashlands, mark cleared locations on your map, and prioritize crafting Smelters, Charcoal Kilns, and Portals. By staying organized and planning ahead, you’ll ensure a steady supply of this valuable resource throughout your Valheim journey.