What’s the best way to mark abandoned towers for building materials?

Marking abandoned towers for building materials in Valheim is a crucial strategy for efficient resource gathering and base building. Abandoned towers, often found in the Black Forest biome, are rich in stone, wood, and sometimes even valuable items like surtling cores. These structures are easily recognizable by their stone walls and wooden roofs, making them a prime target for players looking to stockpile materials.\n\nTo begin, you’ll need to explore the Black Forest biome, which is typically adjacent to the Meadows where most players start. Bring a hammer, a workbench, and a few basic tools like a pickaxe and an axe. These tools will allow you to dismantle the tower’s stone walls and wooden components. Before you start breaking things down, however, it’s essential to mark the location on your map for future reference.\n\nTo mark the tower, open your map (default key: M) and place a custom marker. Use a clear and descriptive icon, such as a house or a stone symbol, and label it something like “Tower Materials” or “Stone Source.” This will help you easily identify the location later, especially if you’re exploring multiple biomes. If you’re playing with friends, ensure everyone uses the same labeling system to avoid confusion.\n\nOnce the tower is marked, you can start dismantling it. Use your hammer to break down the stone walls and wooden beams. Stone is particularly valuable for building sturdy structures, while wood can be used for crafting or fuel. Be cautious of enemies like greydwarfs, which are common in the Black Forest. Always clear the area of threats before you begin harvesting materials.\n\nA common challenge is running out of inventory space while gathering materials. To address this, consider bringing a cart or a portal. Carts allow you to transport large quantities of stone and wood back to your base, while portals enable quick travel if you’re far from home. To craft a portal, you’ll need fine wood, greydwarf eyes, and surtling cores, which can sometimes be found in the same towers you’re dismantling.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize towers that are close to your base or other key locations. This minimizes travel time and reduces the risk of losing materials to enemies or environmental hazards. If you’re playing solo, consider building a small outpost near the tower to store materials temporarily. This outpost can include a workbench, a chest, and a fire for resting.\n\nFor experienced players, marking multiple towers across different Black Forest biomes can create a network of resource hubs. This strategy is especially useful in the late game when you need large amounts of stone for advanced builds like stone castles or defensive walls. Additionally, some towers may contain hidden treasures or spawners for enemies like skeletons, which can drop valuable loot.\n\nIn summary, marking abandoned towers for building materials involves careful exploration, strategic map marking, and efficient resource gathering. Always prepare for combat, manage your inventory wisely, and consider using carts or portals to streamline the process. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a steady supply of stone and wood for all your building needs in Valheim.