How do you use portals to support long Ocean exploration trips?

Ocean exploration in Valheim is a thrilling but challenging endeavor, especially when venturing far from your base. Portals are essential tools for supporting long trips across the vast seas, as they allow you to quickly return to your base for repairs, restocking, or safety. To use portals effectively, you must first craft them using resources like Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores. Each portal requires a pair to function, meaning you must place one at your base and another at your destination or exploration point.\n\nBefore setting sail, prepare a portal at your base and name it. Naming portals is crucial because it links them together. For example, if you name your base portal ''Ocean1,'' the portal you place on your exploration site must also be named ''Ocean1'' to create a connection. Always carry the materials for a second portal (10 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 20 Greydwarf Eyes) on your ship, as well as a workbench to build it. This ensures you can establish a return point wherever you land.\n\nWhen exploring the Ocean biome, you may encounter storms, serpents, or other dangers that can damage your ship or deplete your resources. If you find yourself in trouble, quickly set up a portal on a nearby island or shoreline. This allows you to return to your base to heal, repair your gear, or gather more supplies. For example, if you’re low on food or arrows during a serpent encounter, you can portal back to your base, restock, and return to the fight without losing progress.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of portal materials mid-journey. To avoid this, always carry extra resources or plan your route to include stops at smaller islands where you can gather Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes. Additionally, if you’re exploring with friends, coordinate portal names to avoid confusion. Each player should have their own portal pair or agree on a shared naming system to prevent accidental overlaps.\n\nPortals also help when exploring dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mistlands, which are often found across the Ocean. For instance, if you discover a Plains biome with valuable resources like Black Metal or Fuling villages, setting up a portal ensures you can return safely after gathering materials or defeating enemies. This strategy minimizes the risk of losing your ship or valuable loot during long expeditions.\n\nFinally, remember that portals cannot transport metals like Copper, Tin, or Iron. If you’re planning to mine resources during your Ocean exploration, you’ll need to transport them back manually via your ship. However, you can still use portals to return to your base for repairs or restocking while leaving your ship anchored near the resource site.\n\nIn summary, portals are indispensable for Ocean exploration in Valheim. By crafting and naming them correctly, carrying extra materials, and using them strategically, you can ensure safe and efficient long-distance voyages. Always plan ahead, coordinate with teammates, and use portals to mitigate risks during your adventures.