What’s the quickest way to unlock portals in Valheim?

Unlocking portals in Valheim is a game-changing milestone that allows for fast travel between two linked portals. To unlock portals quickly, you need to focus on gathering specific resources and progressing through the early game efficiently. The key materials required are Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, which are essential for crafting the Portal and Portal Tag items. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you unlock portals as fast as possible.\n\nFirst, prioritize gathering Fine Wood, which is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows biome. These trees require a Bronze Axe or better to chop, so you’ll need to craft a Bronze Axe early. To do this, gather Copper and Tin from the Black Forest biome, smelt them in a Smelter, and combine them at a Forge to create Bronze. Once you have the Bronze Axe, head to the Meadows and chop down Birch or Oak trees to collect Fine Wood.\n\nNext, you’ll need Greydwarf Eyes, which are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest biome. Greydwarfs are common enemies in this biome, so simply explore the Black Forest and defeat them to collect their eyes. You’ll need 10 Greydwarf Eyes to craft a Portal, so focus on clearing Greydwarf nests or roaming groups to gather enough quickly.\n\nThe most challenging resource to obtain is Surtling Cores, which are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. For early-game players, Burial Chambers are the most accessible source. These dungeons are scattered throughout the Black Forest and contain Surtling Cores in chests or as loot from destroyed Surtling spawners. You’ll need 2 Surtling Cores per Portal, so explore multiple Burial Chambers to gather enough.\n\nOnce you have all the required materials, craft a Workbench and place it in a safe location. Use the Workbench to craft the Portal, which requires 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. After crafting the first Portal, you’ll need to craft a second one to link them. Portals must be named with the same tag to connect, so ensure both Portals have matching names.\n\nA common challenge is finding enough Surtling Cores early in the game. If you’re struggling to locate Burial Chambers, explore the edges of the Black Forest biome, as they are often found near large rock formations. Additionally, consider teaming up with other players to clear dungeons faster and share resources.\n\nFor experienced players looking to speedrun, you can skip some early-game steps by rushing to the Black Forest and looting Burial Chambers immediately after crafting basic tools. This high-risk strategy can save time but requires careful planning and combat skills to survive.\n\nFinally, practical tips for using portals include placing them near key locations like your base, resource-rich areas, or boss arenas. Always carry portal materials with you when exploring to set up temporary portals for quick escapes or resource transport. By following these steps and tips, you can unlock portals quickly and streamline your Valheim gameplay experience.