How do you build a base with a functional cartography table for map sharing?

Building a functional base with a cartography table in Valheim is essential for map sharing and cooperative gameplay. The cartography table allows players to share their explored map data with others, making it a vital tool for multiplayer sessions. To begin, you need to unlock the cartography table by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtaining Fine Wood from Birch trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biome. Fine Wood is a key resource for crafting the table, so ensure you have a Bronze Axe or better to harvest it.\n\nOnce you have Fine Wood, you can craft the cartography table at a workbench. The recipe requires 10 Fine Wood and 5 Bronze Nails. Bronze Nails are crafted at a forge using Bronze, which is made by combining Copper and Tin. Copper is found in the Black Forest biome, while Tin is located near water sources in the same biome. Gather these materials and craft the cartography table to place it in your base.\n\nWhen building your base, choose a location that is central and easily accessible to all players. The Meadows biome is ideal for beginners due to its low enemy threat, but experienced players may prefer the Black Forest or Plains for more advanced resources. Ensure your base has a sturdy foundation, as the cartography table requires a flat surface to function properly. Use wooden beams or stone blocks to create a level floor if necessary.\n\nTo use the cartography table, players must interact with it to share their map data. This is particularly useful for coordinating exploration or marking important locations like dungeons, boss altars, or resource nodes. However, the table only works if all players are in the same game session, so ensure everyone is online and in the same world before attempting to share maps.\n\nA common challenge is protecting your base and cartography table from enemy raids. To mitigate this, build defensive structures like walls, spikes, and moats around your base. Place workbenches or campfires nearby to prevent enemy spawns within your perimeter. Additionally, consider building a roof over the cartography table to protect it from weather damage, as rain can degrade wooden structures over time.\n\nFor advanced players, integrating the cartography table into a larger base design can enhance functionality. For example, create a dedicated map room with multiple tables for each player, or combine it with a portal hub for quick travel to explored areas. This setup is especially useful in large multiplayer servers where exploration is a shared effort.\n\nIn summary, building a base with a functional cartography table requires Fine Wood, Bronze Nails, and a strategic location. Protect your base with defenses, and consider integrating the table into a larger design for maximum efficiency. With these steps, you and your fellow Vikings can share map data seamlessly and conquer Valheim together.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when exploring to quickly return to your base and update your map. Use markers on the map to note valuable resources or dangerous areas. Finally, communicate with your team to ensure everyone contributes to the shared map data.