> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.4thewords.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Universe & World Maps
> Navigate the interactive map, switch between world maps, and unlock new regions.
> **Where to find it:** Left sidebar → **Adventure** → **Universe** tab [Open in 4TW ↗](https://app.4thewords.com/adventure/universe)
The **Universe** tab shows an interactive map of 4thewords. Areas you've discovered are lit up and have a floating icon.
1. **Click any area** on the map to open its sidebar on the right.
2. The **area sidebar** shows the area's name, a short description, and previews of the monsters, quests, and markets waiting inside.
3. If you've unlocked the area, click **Explore town** to enter it.
4. Use the **map selector dropdown** at the top to switch between different worldmaps and areas as you unlock them.
5. Click **Enter Full Screen** to expand the map for easier navigation, and **Exit Full Screen** to return.
The sidebar also shows you what quest you need to complete for the next area in your journey. So you can plan which quests to complete to get there.
## World Maps
4thewords has four permanent world maps you unlock as you progress. Use the **map selector dropdown** at the top of the Universe tab to switch between them.
### Our Valley (Main)
The starting map. 11 main areas that form the core of the game's story. Your journey begins in **Luciola Forest** and advances east through the Valley. This is where you'll spend most of your early game.
### Winter's Island (Main)
The second main map, where the main story continues after you've completed the Valley. Once you finish the main storyline in Our Valley, you unlock the first Winter's Island area: **Nivali Camp**.
Main quests on Winter's Island continue to appear in your **[Questbook](/character-and-gear/questbook) → Main Storyline** tab. The same progression system you used in the Valley. Winter's Island is still being actively discovered, with new areas unlocked over time.
### Expedition Areas (Secondary)
A secondary map with **24 side areas** that complement the Valley's main areas with extra depth and content. Expedition Areas are unlocked by completing **optional side quests** found in Quest Markets of other areas.
Quests that unlock new Expedition Areas are easy to spot. They display an **Area Medal** as their main quest image. In some cases you'll need to complete other quests in an area before the unlock quest appears.
Notable Expedition Areas include the [Dragon Lair](/adventure/adventure-world/dragon-lair), [Shrine of Ages](/adventure/adventure-world/shrine-of-ages), and the Elder Library (home of the [Hunt for the Ancients](/adventure/adventure-world/hunt-for-the-ancients)).
### Aurilis Magic Academy (Secondary)
A standalone world map with its own areas, classes, and progression that is unlocked from Luciola Forest. Here you'll learn to craft Potions, earn Familiars and progress through a magical curriculum of Spells, Alchemy, and more.
See the full [Aurilis Magic Academy](/adventure/adventure-world/aurilis-magic-academy) guide.
#### Special Expedition Areas
Raise dragons from eggs through 6 growth stages into adult battle companions that boost your stats.
Permanently unlock and revisit past special events using Shrine Tickets and Bracelets.
Craft Potions, meet & train familiars and complete magic classes.
**Dive deeper**
Quests unlock new areas. Follow the Main Storyline to keep expanding your map.
Every area has its own creatures to fight. Browse the full monster list.
Limited-time areas appear during events. Check what's active.