What are the best portal locations for farming Ancient Bark?
Ancient Bark is a crucial resource in Valheim, primarily used for crafting high-tier items like the Draugr Fang bow, Frostner, and reinforced chests. It is obtained by chopping down Ancient Trees, which are found exclusively in the Swamp biome. To efficiently farm Ancient Bark, setting up strategic portal locations is essential for fast travel and resource management.\n\nFirst, you need to locate a Swamp biome. Swamps are typically found near Black Forests or Meadows and are identifiable by their dark, murky atmosphere, leafless trees, and waterlogged terrain. Once you’ve identified a Swamp, scout for areas with dense clusters of Ancient Trees. These trees are tall, dark, and have twisted trunks, making them easy to spot. Avoid areas with too many enemies or waterlogged sections, as these can slow down your farming process.\n\nBefore setting up portals, ensure you have the necessary materials: 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes per portal. Fine Wood is obtained from Birch and Oak trees in Meadows or Black Forests, Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands, and Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest. Craft a portal at your base and name it something memorable, like ''SwampFarm.''\n\nNext, travel to the Swamp and find a safe spot to place your second portal. Look for elevated ground or a small island to avoid flooding and enemy interference. Clear the area of enemies and place a workbench nearby to repair your tools. Once the portal is set up, link it to your base by naming it the same as your home portal. This allows for quick travel between your base and the Swamp.\n\nWhen farming Ancient Bark, equip a Bronze or Iron Axe, as these are the most efficient tools for chopping down Ancient Trees. Bring a cart or boat to transport large quantities of bark back to your base. If you’re using a cart, clear a path through the Swamp to avoid obstacles. If using a boat, place the portal near the coastline for easy access.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Swamp enemies like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs. To mitigate this, bring healing meads, poison resistance meads, and a strong weapon like a Mace or Sword. Clear the area before farming, and consider building a small outpost with walls and a fire to keep enemies at bay.\n\nFor maximum efficiency, set up multiple portals in different Swamp biomes. This allows you to rotate farming locations and avoid depleting resources in a single area. Additionally, mark Ancient Tree clusters on your map to save time during future farming sessions.\n\nFinally, always prepare for the Swamp’s harsh environment. Bring a rested buff from your base to increase stamina regeneration, and wear armor like Troll or Bronze for mobility and protection. With these strategies, you’ll be able to farm Ancient Bark efficiently and safely, ensuring you have enough resources for advanced crafting.\n\nIn summary, the best portal locations for farming Ancient Bark are safe, elevated spots in the Swamp biome near dense clusters of Ancient Trees. Prepare thoroughly with the right tools, weapons, and materials, and use multiple portals to optimize your farming routes. By following these steps, you’ll master the art of Ancient Bark farming in Valheim.