Can I use portals to transport items from abandoned villages?

In Valheim, portals are a crucial tool for fast travel and resource management, but they come with specific limitations. One of the most common questions players have is whether portals can be used to transport items from abandoned villages. The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats and strategies to consider.\n\nPortals in Valheim allow players to travel instantly between two linked portals, but they do not allow the transport of certain items, particularly metals like copper, tin, iron, and silver. This restriction is a core game mechanic designed to balance progression and exploration. However, non-metal items, such as wood, stone, food, and other resources found in abandoned villages, can be transported through portals without issue.\n\nTo use portals effectively for transporting items from abandoned villages, you first need to locate a village. Abandoned villages are typically found in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. These villages often contain valuable resources like wood, stone, and occasionally chests with useful items. Once you’ve located a village, you’ll need to set up a portal nearby. To craft a portal, you’ll need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome.\n\nAfter crafting the portal, place it near the abandoned village and link it to another portal at your base. To link portals, both must be named the same. For example, if you name the portal near the village "Village1," you must name the portal at your base "Village1" as well. Once linked, you can use the portal to travel back and forth, transporting non-metal items like wood, stone, and food. This is especially useful for gathering resources quickly without the need for long overland trips.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing inventory space when transporting items. To maximize efficiency, consider bringing a cart or using a boat to transport larger quantities of resources to a nearby portal. For example, if you find a village near the coast, you can load a boat with resources and sail to a portal you’ve set up near the shore. This strategy is particularly effective in the Black Forest biome, where villages are often close to water.\n\nAnother practical tip is to use the portal to transport crafting materials like resin, leather scraps, and feathers, which are often found in chests within abandoned villages. These items are lightweight and can be carried in large quantities, making them ideal for portal transport. Additionally, if you find a village with a workbench or forge, you can dismantle these structures for materials like wood and stone, which can then be transported through the portal.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up a network of portals in key locations near abandoned villages or resource-rich areas. This allows for efficient resource gathering and reduces the time spent traveling. Always ensure you have enough materials to craft additional portals, as you may need to expand your network as you explore new biomes.\n\nIn summary, portals can be a powerful tool for transporting items from abandoned villages, but they require careful planning and resource management. By understanding the limitations of portal transport and using strategies like carts, boats, and portal networks, you can efficiently gather and transport resources to support your Viking adventures.