How do I manage inventory when building large structures?

Managing inventory while building large structures in Valheim is a critical skill for both new and experienced players. Large builds require a significant amount of resources, and without proper inventory management, you may find yourself constantly running out of space or making unnecessary trips. The key to success lies in understanding game mechanics, planning ahead, and utilizing storage solutions effectively.\n\nFirst, prioritize your inventory space by carrying only essential items. When building, you’ll need materials like wood, stone, and core wood, as well as tools like the hammer, hoe, and cultivator. Avoid carrying unnecessary items such as food, weapons, or armor unless you’re in a dangerous biome like the Swamp or Mountains. Use a cart or portal system to transport bulk materials, which reduces the need to carry everything in your inventory.\n\nCarts are an excellent solution for transporting large quantities of resources. To craft a cart, you’ll need 20 wood and 10 bronze nails. Carts can hold up to 18 slots of items, making them ideal for hauling stone, wood, or other heavy materials. However, carts are slow and can be difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, so plan your routes carefully. For long-distance transport, consider building a network of portals to quickly move between your base and resource-gathering locations.\n\nPortals are a game-changer for inventory management. To craft a portal, you’ll need 20 fine wood, 10 greydwarf eyes, and 2 surtling cores. Portals allow instant travel between two points, but they cannot transport metal ores or ingots. To work around this limitation, smelt ores at the source biome (e.g., the Black Forest for copper or the Swamp for iron) and transport the ingots through the portal. This saves time and inventory space.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to set up temporary storage near your build site. Craft chests using 10 wood each and place them strategically around your construction area. Label chests with signs (1 wood and 1 coal) to organize materials like wood, stone, and resin. This reduces the need to carry everything in your inventory and allows you to focus on building without constant interruptions.\n\nFor large-scale projects, consider creating a dedicated storage area with multiple chests and a workbench. This setup allows you to repair tools and craft additional materials on-site, saving time and effort. If you’re building in a biome like the Plains or Mountains, where enemies are more dangerous, ensure your storage area is protected by walls or raised platforms to prevent raids.\n\nFinally, optimize your inventory by using the quick-access bar for frequently used items like the hammer, hoe, and building materials. Drop unnecessary items in a chest before heading out to gather resources, and always carry a pickaxe or axe for harvesting. If you’re working in a group, assign specific roles to each player, such as gathering wood or stone, to streamline the process.\n\nIn summary, managing inventory while building large structures in Valheim requires careful planning and the use of tools like carts, portals, and chests. By organizing your materials, optimizing your inventory, and leveraging game mechanics, you can focus on creating impressive builds without constant frustration. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the biome and scale of your project, and always prioritize efficiency over brute force.