How do you build a safe portal network for Ocean exploration?

Building a safe portal network for Ocean exploration in Valheim is essential for efficient travel, resource gathering, and avoiding dangerous situations. The Ocean biome is vast and unpredictable, with threats like serpents, storms, and the risk of getting lost. A well-planned portal network ensures you can quickly return to safety or resupply without losing progress.\n\nTo begin, you’ll need to craft portals, which require 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, while Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands or Swamp biomes. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and name it using the portal tag system. This allows you to link portals with matching names.\n\nWhen exploring the Ocean, always carry portal materials with you. This includes Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, as well as a workbench to craft the portal on the go. Place a portal on any small island or safe landmass you encounter. This ensures you have a quick escape route if you encounter a serpent or your ship is damaged. Always name the new portal to match your base portal, so you can return instantly.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of portal materials while exploring. To avoid this, stockpile resources before setting sail. Keep a chest on your ship with extra portal materials, food, and repair tools. Additionally, consider building a small outpost on a nearby island to store backup supplies. This outpost can serve as a midpoint between your base and further exploration, reducing the risk of being stranded.\n\nAnother important mechanic to consider is the portal’s range. Portals only work within the same world, so if you’re playing on a multiplayer server, ensure all players coordinate portal names. Additionally, portals cannot transport metals like Iron or Silver, so plan your resource trips accordingly. For example, if you find a valuable resource in the Ocean biome, mark its location on your map and return with a ship to transport the materials manually.\n\nTo maximize safety, always scout the area before placing a portal. Look for flat, elevated ground to avoid flooding during storms. If you’re in a dangerous area like the Ashlands, build a small fortified structure around the portal to protect it from enemies. Use walls, spikes, or even a moat to deter hostile creatures.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your ship is destroyed or you’re stranded without a portal, use the console command ‘devcommands’ to enable debug mode and spawn a new portal. While this is a last resort, it can save hours of progress. For a more immersive experience, carry a Karve or Longship with extra materials to rebuild if necessary.\n\nIn summary, building a safe portal network for Ocean exploration requires preparation, resource management, and strategic placement. Always carry portal materials, establish outposts, and protect your portals from environmental hazards. By following these steps, you can explore the Ocean biome with confidence and efficiency.