What’s the most efficient way to plan a portal network for fast travel?

Planning an efficient portal network in Valheim is essential for fast travel and resource management. Portals allow you to instantly travel between two linked points, saving time and reducing the risk of losing valuable items during long journeys. To create a portal, you need to craft it using 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.\n\nTo begin planning your portal network, identify key locations that you frequently visit or need quick access to. These include your main base, resource-rich biomes like the Black Forest, Swamp, or Mountains, and boss altars. Each portal requires a unique pair of tags to link them. For example, naming one portal ''Home'' and another ''Home'' will connect them, while a third portal named ''Swamp'' will only connect to another portal with the same tag.\n\nA common strategy is to create a central hub at your main base with multiple portals. This hub acts as a travel nexus, allowing you to quickly switch between destinations. For example, you can have portals labeled ''Swamp'', ''Mountain'', and ''Plains'' at your hub, with corresponding portals at those biomes. This setup minimizes the need to carry portal materials everywhere, as you can always return to your hub and access other locations.\n\nWhen exploring new areas, always carry portal materials to establish temporary connections. This is especially useful in dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Plains, where you may need to retreat quickly. Place a portal near your exploration site and link it to a temporary tag like ''Explore''. Once you’ve gathered resources or completed your objective, you can dismantle the portal and reuse the materials.\n\nOne challenge is managing portal tags to avoid confusion. Use clear, descriptive names like ''IronMine'' or ''Bonemass'' to ensure you know which portal leads where. If you run out of unique names, consider using numbers or abbreviations. For example, ''Swamp1'' and ''Swamp2'' can differentiate between two swamp locations.\n\nAnother tip is to build small shelters around your portals to protect them from enemy attacks. In biomes like the Plains, Fulings can destroy portals if left unprotected. Use walls, roofs, and workbenches to create a safe zone around your portal. Additionally, always carry a hammer and repair materials to fix any damage.\n\nFor long-term efficiency, consider creating dedicated resource portals. For example, a portal labeled ''Copper'' near a large Copper deposit in the Black Forest can save time when mining. Similarly, a portal near a Draugr Village in the Swamp can streamline farming for Entrails and other resources.\n\nFinally, remember that portals cannot transport metals like Copper, Iron, or Silver. To move these materials, you’ll need to use a Longship or Cart. Plan your portal network around this limitation by placing portals near coastal areas or resource-rich zones that are easy to access by boat.\n\nBy following these steps, you can create a streamlined portal network that enhances your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced Viking, a well-planned portal system will save time, reduce risks, and make exploration more enjoyable.