What’s the best way to monitor my progress in exploring all ocean biomes?

Monitoring your progress in exploring all ocean biomes in Valheim requires a combination of in-game tools, strategic planning, and careful observation. The ocean biome is vast and dangerous, but with the right approach, you can systematically explore and track your discoveries. Start by crafting a Karve or Longship, as these are essential for navigating the open waters. The Karve is easier to build early on, requiring 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails, while the Longship offers more storage and durability for longer expeditions.\n\nOnce you have a boat, prepare for your journey by stocking up on essential supplies. Bring plenty of food, such as Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Honey, to maintain your health and stamina. Additionally, pack materials for a Portal, including 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes, so you can quickly return to your base if needed. A Hammer and Workbench are also useful for repairing your boat during long voyages.\n\nTo track your progress, use the in-game map to mark areas you’ve explored. When you enter a new ocean biome, press M to open the map and place a custom marker, such as a dot or a specific icon, to indicate that you’ve visited the area. This method helps you visualize which regions remain unexplored. Additionally, pay attention to the biome name displayed in the top-right corner of the screen when sailing. The ocean biome is divided into smaller sections, and each section will display as ''Ocean'' when you enter it.\n\nOne common challenge is encountering hostile creatures like Serpents or Leviathans. To mitigate this risk, sail during the day when visibility is better, and avoid storms, which can damage your boat and spawn more Serpents. If you encounter a Serpent, use a bow with Flinthead Arrows or better to defeat it from a distance. Leviathans, on the other hand, are passive unless attacked, so avoid provoking them unless you’re prepared for a fight.\n\nAnother practical tip is to explore the edges of the map, as ocean biomes often border other biomes like Plains, Swamps, or Mountains. These transitional areas can provide valuable resources and landmarks to help you navigate. For example, if you spot a Swamp biome along the coast, mark it on your map for future reference, as Swamps are rich in Iron and other materials.\n\nFinally, consider teaming up with other players to cover more ground. Multiplayer exploration allows you to divide the ocean into sections and assign each player a specific area to explore. This collaborative approach not only speeds up the process but also makes it easier to defend against threats like Serpents or unexpected storms.\n\nBy following these steps and using the map to track your progress, you can systematically explore all ocean biomes in Valheim. Remember to stay prepared, mark your discoveries, and adapt to the challenges of the open sea. Happy sailing!