How do I use portals to farm resources in the Deep North?

Portals are one of the most powerful tools in Valheim for efficient resource gathering, especially in challenging biomes like the Deep North. To use portals effectively for farming resources in this biome, you need to understand the game mechanics and plan your strategy carefully. Portals allow instant travel between two linked points, but they have restrictions: you cannot transport metal ores or ingots through them. This limitation means you’ll need to adapt your farming approach to maximize efficiency.\n\nFirst, you must craft a portal. To do this, you’ll need 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees, 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. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and another in the Deep North. Name both portals with the same tag to link them.\n\nBefore heading to the Deep North, prepare adequately. The biome is extremely cold, so you’ll need Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor to survive. Frost Resistance Mead requires 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 2 Bloodbags, and 1 Greydwarf Eye, brewed in a Fermenter. Wolf Armor, crafted from Wolf Pelts and Silver, provides permanent frost resistance. Bring a strong weapon, such as a Draugr Fang bow or Frostner, and plenty of food like Serpent Stew or Lox Meat Pie to maintain high health and stamina.\n\nOnce in the Deep North, set up a small base near your portal. This base should include a workbench, a chest for storing non-metal resources, and a campfire for warmth. Use the portal to transport items like Fenris Hair, Obsidian, and other non-metal resources back to your main base. For metal resources like Silver, you’ll need to transport them manually by ship or cart, as they cannot go through portals.\n\nA common challenge in the Deep North is dealing with hostile creatures like Wolves and Fenrings. To mitigate this, build defensive structures around your portal base, such as stake walls or raised earth walls. This will give you a safe zone to retreat to if overwhelmed. Additionally, use the terrain to your advantage by positioning your base on high ground or near natural barriers.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, plan your farming routes. Use the portal to quickly return to your main base to repair tools, restock supplies, or drop off resources. This minimizes downtime and keeps you focused on gathering. For example, if you’re farming Obsidian, mark the locations of Obsidian deposits on your map and create a looped path that ends near your portal.\n\nFinally, consider building multiple portals in the Deep North to cover larger areas. This allows you to explore further without losing access to your main base. Label each portal clearly to avoid confusion. For instance, name one portal ‘Deep North East’ and another ‘Deep North West’ to organize your exploration.\n\nIn summary, portals are essential for efficient resource farming in the Deep North. By preparing properly, setting up a secure base, and planning your routes, you can overcome the biome’s challenges and gather valuable resources with ease. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the resources you’re targeting and the threats you face.