How do I use portals to farm rare materials like Black Metal?

Portals in Valheim are essential for fast travel and efficient resource gathering, especially when farming rare materials like Black Metal. Black Metal is a late-game resource primarily obtained by defeating Fulings in the Plains biome. To use portals effectively for farming Black Metal, you need to understand the game mechanics and plan your strategy carefully.\n\nFirst, you must craft a portal. Portals require 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. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a workbench and place it in a secure location, such as your base or a fortified outpost.\n\nTo use portals for farming Black Metal, you need to establish a network of portals. Place one portal at your base and another in the Plains biome near a Fuling camp or village. Ensure the Plains portal is well-protected, as Fulings are aggressive and can destroy structures. You can reinforce the portal area with walls, spikes, or a moat. When naming portals, use clear and consistent labels, such as ''Base'' and ''Plains Farm,'' to avoid confusion.\n\nOnce your portal network is set up, travel to the Plains biome and begin farming Black Metal. Fulings drop Black Metal Scraps when defeated, which can be smelted into Black Metal at a Blast Furnace. The Blast Furnace requires 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, 5 Surtling Cores, and 20 Stone. Smelt the Black Metal Scraps into bars, then use them to craft powerful weapons and armor, such as the Black Metal Sword or Black Metal Shield.\n\nA common challenge when farming Black Metal is dealing with Fuling Berserkers and Shamans, which are tougher enemies in the Plains biome. To overcome this, bring high-tier gear, such as Padded Armor, and powerful weapons like the Frostner or Draugr Fang bow. Use the terrain to your advantage by luring enemies into narrow spaces or using ranged attacks from a safe distance. Additionally, consider bringing healing items like Mead or cooked food to sustain yourself during battles.\n\nAnother practical tip is to use a cart or ship to transport large quantities of Black Metal Scraps back to your base. While portals allow fast travel, they restrict the transport of metal ores and bars. To bypass this limitation, place a cart near your Plains portal and load it with Black Metal Scraps. Then, travel through the portal to your base, retrieve the cart, and transport the scraps to your smelting area. Alternatively, use a Longship to sail back to your base if the Plains biome is near water.\n\nIn summary, portals are a game-changing tool for farming Black Metal in Valheim. By setting up a secure portal network, equipping yourself with the right gear, and using creative transportation methods, you can efficiently gather this rare resource. Always prioritize safety and preparation when venturing into the dangerous Plains biome, and remember to label your portals clearly to avoid confusion. With these strategies, you''ll be well-equipped to craft powerful Black Metal gear and dominate the late-game challenges of Valheim.