What’s the best way to monitor my progress in building a portal network?

Building a portal network in Valheim is a crucial step for efficient exploration and resource management. To monitor your progress effectively, start by understanding the game mechanics. Portals require two key resources: Fine Wood and Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Crafting a portal requires 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes, which are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest.\n\nTo begin, establish a central hub for your portal network. This hub should be located near your main base for easy access. Build a portal here and name it something like ''Hub'' or ''Home.'' This will serve as the starting point for all your portal connections. As you explore new biomes, carry portal materials with you to set up new portals on the go. Always ensure you have at least 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes in your inventory before venturing out.\n\nWhen setting up a new portal, name it descriptively to reflect its location or purpose. For example, if you''re building a portal near a Swamp biome for iron farming, name it ''Swamp Iron.'' This naming convention helps you quickly identify and use the correct portal. To connect portals, both must have the same name. If you accidentally misname a portal, you can rename it by interacting with the portal and entering the correct name.\n\nA common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores early in the game. To overcome this, prioritize exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest. These dungeons often contain multiple Surtling Cores, making them a reliable source. Additionally, consider setting up a portal near a Surtling spawner in the Ashlands biome for a steady supply of cores. This requires venturing into dangerous territory, so ensure you''re well-equipped with armor, weapons, and food.\n\nTo track your progress, create a map or list of all your portal locations and their names. This can be done in-game using the map markers or externally on paper or a digital document. Update this list every time you add a new portal. This method ensures you never lose track of your network, even as it expands across multiple biomes.\n\nFor experienced players, optimizing your portal network is key. Consider creating specialized portals for resource farming, such as ''Black Forest Copper'' or ''Mountain Silver.'' This allows you to quickly travel to resource-rich areas without cluttering your main hub. Additionally, use portals to connect distant bases or outposts, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency.\n\nFinally, always carry portal materials when exploring new areas. This allows you to set up a quick escape route if you encounter danger. For example, if you''re exploring the Plains biome and stumble upon a Fuling village, placing a portal nearby lets you retreat and regroup safely. This strategy is especially useful for new players who may not yet have strong gear or combat skills.\n\nIn summary, monitoring your portal network progress involves careful planning, resource management, and consistent tracking. By following these steps and adapting to challenges, you can build a robust and efficient portal network that enhances your Valheim experience.