What’s the best way to use portals in a multiplayer session?
Portals are one of the most powerful tools in Valheim for multiplayer sessions, allowing players to quickly travel between distant locations. To use portals effectively, you must first craft them using resources like Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping Birch or Oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once crafted, portals require a Workbench nearby for placement and must be paired with another portal using the same tag name.\n\nIn multiplayer, coordination is key. Assign specific portal names for common destinations, such as ''Base'' for your main settlement or ''Swamp'' for a nearby swamp biome. This ensures everyone can easily navigate between key locations. For example, if your group is exploring the Mountains biome, set up a portal named ''Mountains'' near your base and another at the exploration site. This allows players to quickly return to base for repairs, rest, or resource storage without losing progress.\n\nOne common challenge in multiplayer is resource management. Portals cannot transport metals like Copper, Tin, or Iron, which are essential for crafting advanced gear. To overcome this, establish a central storage area near your main portal hub. Players can deposit non-metal resources like wood, stone, or leather through the portal, while metals must be transported manually via boat or cart. This strategy minimizes downtime and keeps your team productive.\n\nAnother tip is to create a ''Scout'' portal for exploration. When venturing into new biomes, carry portal materials (20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes) to quickly set up a temporary portal. Name it something like ''Scout1'' and pair it with a portal at your base. This allows you to retreat safely if you encounter dangerous enemies or harsh weather conditions. Once the area is secure, you can rename the portal to reflect its purpose, such as ''PlainsOutpost'' for a Plains biome base.\n\nFor larger groups, consider building a portal hub at your main base. This centralized location should have multiple portals leading to different biomes, outposts, or resource-rich areas. Label each portal clearly to avoid confusion. For example, a hub might include portals named ''SwampMine,'' ''MountainSummit,'' and ''OceanDock.'' This setup streamlines travel and ensures everyone can access the resources they need quickly.\n\nFinally, always carry portal materials when exploring. If you die in a remote area, having a portal nearby allows you to retrieve your items without a long trek. Additionally, if you''re playing with friends, they can use the portal to assist you in recovering your gear. This is especially useful in dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mistlands, where death can be frequent.\n\nIn summary, portals are essential for efficient multiplayer gameplay in Valheim. By crafting and naming them strategically, coordinating with your team, and adapting to resource limitations, you can maximize their potential. Whether you''re exploring new biomes, managing resources, or recovering from death, portals will save you time and keep your Viking adventures on track.