How do I use portals to transport metals more efficiently?

In Valheim, transporting metals like Copper, Tin, and Iron can be a time-consuming process due to their weight and the inability to teleport them through portals. However, with careful planning and strategy, you can use portals to streamline the process and save time. Here’s how to do it effectively.\n\nFirst, understand the game mechanics. Portals in Valheim allow instant travel between two linked points, but they block the transport of metals and certain other items. This means you cannot carry Copper, Tin, Iron, or other metals through a portal directly. To work around this, you need to establish a system of resource management and transportation.\n\nStart by setting up a base near the biome where you are mining. For example, if you are mining Copper and Tin in the Black Forest, build a small outpost with a portal, a forge, and storage chests. This outpost will serve as your staging area for processing and transporting resources. Smelt the ores into bars at this location to reduce their weight and make them easier to transport.\n\nNext, create a network of portals. Place one portal at your main base and another at your mining outpost. Use descriptive names for your portals, such as ''Black Forest Mine'' or ''Swamp Iron Camp,'' to avoid confusion. This allows you to quickly travel between locations without carrying heavy metals. Instead, focus on transporting lighter materials like wood, stone, and food through the portals to support your mining operations.\n\nTo transport metals, you will need to use a Longship or Cart. Load the processed metal bars onto your ship or cart and sail or walk them back to your main base. While this method is slower than using portals, it is the only way to move metals over long distances. Plan your routes carefully to avoid dangerous biomes or hostile creatures that could slow you down.\n\nFor experienced players, consider building a secondary base near the biome where you are mining. This base can include a smelter, forge, and other crafting stations, allowing you to process metals on-site and reduce the need for frequent trips. You can then transport only the finished products, such as weapons or tools, back to your main base.\n\nA practical example: If you are mining Iron in the Swamp biome, set up a portal at your main base and another at a safe location near the Swamp. Use the portal to bring materials like wood and coal to the Swamp outpost, where you can smelt Iron Scrap into Iron Bars. Once you have a full load of Iron Bars, use a Longship to sail them back to your main base.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips. Always carry materials to build a portal when exploring new areas, as this allows you to establish quick travel routes. Use the Eikthyr power to reduce stamina consumption while running or sailing with heavy loads. And remember, while portals cannot transport metals, they are invaluable for moving other resources and supplies, making your mining operations more efficient.\n\nBy combining portals with strategic planning and resource management, you can minimize the time and effort required to transport metals in Valheim. This approach is especially useful for players who want to focus on building and crafting without spending hours hauling heavy loads.