How do you build a portal on a small island in the Ocean biome?

Building a portal on a small island in the Ocean biome in Valheim requires careful planning and resource management. Portals are essential for fast travel between distant locations, but constructing one in the Ocean biome presents unique challenges due to limited space and resources. To begin, you must first unlock the portal recipe by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtaining Hard Antlers, which allow you to craft an Antler Pickaxe. This tool is necessary to mine Surtling Cores from Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome, a key ingredient for portals.\n\nOnce you have at least two Surtling Cores, you can craft a portal at a Workbench. The portal recipe requires 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarf enemies. Ensure you have these materials before venturing into the Ocean biome, as small islands often lack the necessary resources.\n\nWhen exploring the Ocean biome, use a Karve or Longship to navigate the waters. Small islands are scattered throughout this biome, and you’ll need to identify one with enough flat land to place a portal. Look for islands with minimal elevation changes, as uneven terrain can make construction difficult. Once you’ve found a suitable island, drop anchor and disembark with your materials.\n\nTo build the portal, place a Workbench on the island first. This is required to construct most structures, including portals. Ensure the Workbench is protected from waves by placing it slightly inland. Next, open the build menu and select the portal. Place it on flat ground, ensuring there’s enough space around it for you to interact with it. If the island is too small, you may need to terraform the area using a Hoe to create a flat surface.\n\nAfter placing the portal, you must link it to another portal in your world. Portals are paired by assigning them the same tag. For example, if you name your island portal “Island1,” you must have another portal elsewhere named “Island1” to establish a connection. This allows you to travel instantly between the two locations. Always carry portal materials with you when exploring to set up temporary connections and avoid being stranded.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of materials while on a small island. To mitigate this, always carry extra resources in your ship’s storage or inventory. Additionally, consider building a small shelter with a bed to set your spawn point, ensuring you can respawn on the island if you die. This is especially useful in the Ocean biome, where storms and sea serpents can pose significant threats.\n\nIn summary, building a portal on a small island in the Ocean biome involves gathering the necessary materials, finding a suitable location, and ensuring proper connectivity with another portal. By preparing in advance and understanding the mechanics, you can create a reliable fast-travel system that enhances your exploration and survival in Valheim.