How do you craft a portal and what materials are needed?

Crafting a portal in Valheim is an essential step for efficient travel across the vast world. Portals allow you to instantly teleport between two linked locations, saving time and resources. To craft a portal, you must first unlock the recipe by obtaining Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, you can craft a portal at a level 2 Workbench. The materials needed for one portal are 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Ensure you have a Workbench upgraded with a Chopping Block and Tanning Rack to reach level 2.\n\nTo build the portal, place it on a flat surface near your base or desired location. The portal consists of two parts: the portal frame and the portal itself. The frame requires Fine Wood, while the portal requires Surtling Cores and Greydwarf Eyes. Once built, you must link two portals by assigning them the same tag. For example, if you name one portal ''Home'' and another ''Forest,'' they will not connect. Both portals must share the exact same name, such as ''Base'' or ''Mining Outpost.''\n\nA common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores early in the game. To solve this, focus on exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest. These dungeons often contain multiple Surtling Cores, and clearing them can provide enough resources for multiple portals. Additionally, if you find yourself in the Ashlands biome, defeating Surtlings is a reliable way to farm Surtling Cores.\n\nPortals cannot transport metals like Copper, Tin, or Iron, which is a key game mechanic to balance progression. To work around this, consider setting up a secondary base near resource-rich areas like the Black Forest or Swamp. Use a portal to travel back and forth for non-metal resources while transporting metals manually via boat or cart.\n\nFor new players, it’s recommended to build your first portal near your starting base. This allows you to explore further without losing progress or getting stranded. Experienced Vikings can use portals to create a network of fast travel points, connecting biomes like the Mountains, Plains, and Mistlands for efficient resource gathering and exploration.\n\nPractical tips for using portals include always carrying portal materials when exploring. This way, you can set up a temporary portal to return home quickly. Additionally, consider building a portal hub at your main base, where multiple portals are grouped together for easy access. Label each portal clearly to avoid confusion and ensure smooth travel.\n\nIn summary, crafting a portal in Valheim requires Fine Wood, Surtling Cores, and Greydwarf Eyes. Build it at a level 2 Workbench, link portals with matching tags, and use them strategically to save time and resources. Whether you’re a new player or an experienced Viking, portals are a game-changing tool for survival and exploration.