How do I create a reliable portal network for fast travel?

Creating a reliable portal network in Valheim is essential for efficient travel across the vast world. Portals allow you to instantly teleport between two connected points, saving time and resources. To start, you need to unlock the portal recipe by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtaining Hard Antlers. These are used to craft an Antler Pickaxe, which lets you mine Surtling Cores in the Black Forest biome. Surtling Cores are a key ingredient for crafting portals, along with Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes.\n\nOnce you have the necessary materials, craft a portal at your base. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest. Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarf enemies, which are common in the Black Forest. Place the portal in a secure location at your base, preferably indoors to protect it from enemy attacks.\n\nTo create a network, you need to name your portals. When placing a portal, you can assign it a unique name. For example, name your base portal ''Home.'' Then, craft a second portal and place it in a new location, such as near a resource-rich area or a distant biome. Name this portal the same as the first one (e.g., ''Home''). The two portals will automatically connect, allowing instant travel between them. Always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Surtling Cores, and Greydwarf Eyes) when exploring to set up temporary portals for quick returns.\n\nA common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores. To solve this, explore Burial Chambers in the Black Forest, as they often contain multiple Surtling Cores. Alternatively, farm Surtlings in the Ashlands biome or near Fire Geysers in the Swamp. Another issue is portal placement in dangerous areas. Always build a small shelter around your portal to protect it from enemies like Draugr or Fulings. Use walls, roofs, and workbenches to prevent spawns nearby.\n\nFor advanced players, consider creating a hub system. Build a central portal hub at your base with multiple portals, each named for a specific destination (e.g., ''Swamp,'' ''Mountain,'' ''Plains''). This allows you to quickly travel to any biome without renaming portals. Always keep a spare portal at your base named ''Emergency'' for unexpected situations, such as being stranded in a dangerous area.\n\nFinally, remember that portals cannot transport metals like Copper, Iron, or Black Metal. Plan your resource-gathering trips accordingly, using carts or boats to transport heavy materials. By following these steps, you can create a reliable portal network that enhances your survival and exploration in Valheim.