What are the best strategies for portal placement in the Mountains biome?

Portal placement in the Mountains biome is crucial for efficient exploration, resource gathering, and survival. The Mountains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim, with freezing temperatures, steep terrain, and hostile creatures like Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems. To maximize safety and efficiency, you need to carefully plan your portal network.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the necessary materials to craft portals. Each portal requires 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, 2 Surtling Cores, and a Workbench nearby. Fine Wood can be obtained from Birch or Oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarves, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands or Swamp biomes. Always carry portal materials with you when venturing into the Mountains to set up a quick escape route.\n\nWhen entering the Mountains biome, start by placing a portal near the biome''s edge, preferably in a safer area like the Black Forest or Meadows. This serves as your initial fallback point. Name this portal something like ''Mountain Base'' and pair it with a portal at your main base. This ensures you can quickly return home to repair gear, restock supplies, or recover if you die.\n\nAs you explore deeper into the Mountains, look for strategic locations to place additional portals. Ideal spots include near Silver Veins, Frost Caves, or Moder''s summoning altar. Silver is a critical resource for crafting high-tier gear, and Frost Caves contain valuable loot like Fenris Hair and Cultist Trophies. Placing portals near these locations minimizes travel time and reduces the risk of losing progress if you die.\n\nTo avoid portal destruction by enemies, build a small shelter around your portal. Use stone or wood walls to enclose it and add a roof to protect against Drakes. Place a Workbench nearby to repair structures and prevent enemy spawns in the immediate area. If you''re short on resources, at least place a campfire near the portal to provide warmth and prevent freezing damage.\n\nOne common challenge in the Mountains is navigating the steep terrain. Use the Hoe to level the ground around your portal for easier access. If you''re building near a cliff or high elevation, consider adding stairs or a ramp to ensure you can reach the portal quickly during emergencies. Always mark your portal locations on the map to avoid getting lost in the biome''s vast and treacherous landscape.\n\nFor experienced players, consider creating a portal hub in the Mountains. This involves setting up multiple portals in a central location, each leading to different key areas like Silver mining spots, Frost Caves, or Moder''s altar. This strategy saves inventory space by reducing the need to carry portal materials for every trip. However, ensure the hub is well-protected and easily accessible.\n\nFinally, always carry a backup portal in your inventory. Name it something like ''Emergency'' and keep it unpaired until needed. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, quickly place the portal and pair it with one at your base to escape. This is especially useful when fighting Moder or exploring deep into the biome.\n\nIn summary, portal placement in the Mountains biome requires careful planning and resource management. Prioritize safety by building shelters around portals, mark their locations on the map, and always carry backup materials. By following these strategies, you can navigate the Mountains biome efficiently and minimize the risks associated with its harsh environment.