What are the best ways to use portals in a multiplayer server?

Portals are one of the most essential tools in Valheim for multiplayer servers, allowing players to travel quickly between distant locations. To use portals effectively, you must first craft them using resources like Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs in the Black Forest, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once crafted, portals require a workbench nearby for placement and must be paired with another portal using the same tag name.\n\nTo set up a portal, place it in a secure location, such as near your base or a key resource area. Name the portal using the interact menu (e.g., ''Base'' or ''Swamp''). Then, travel to the desired location and place a second portal with the same name. This creates a direct link between the two points, allowing instant travel. Portals are especially useful for transporting resources, exploring new biomes, or regrouping with teammates during raids or boss fights.\n\nOne common challenge in multiplayer servers is coordinating portal names to avoid confusion. To solve this, establish a naming convention with your team, such as using biome names (e.g., ''Swamp1'' or ''Mountain2'') or player-specific tags (e.g., ''Player1_Base''). This ensures everyone can easily identify and use the correct portals. Additionally, always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores) when exploring, so you can quickly set up a return portal if needed.\n\nPortals cannot transport certain items, such as metals (e.g., Copper, Iron, Silver). To overcome this, players must manually transport these materials by foot or ship. For example, if you''re mining Iron in the Swamp biome, you''ll need to sail back to your base with the ore. However, you can use portals to quickly return to the mining site, reducing travel time. This mechanic encourages strategic planning and teamwork, as players can divide tasks like mining and transporting.\n\nIn multiplayer servers, portals can also serve as emergency escape routes. For instance, if you''re overwhelmed by enemies in the Plains biome, you can place a portal near your location and retreat to safety. This is particularly useful during nighttime or when facing powerful foes like Fulings or Deathsquitos. Always ensure your portals are well-protected, as enemies can destroy them if left unattended.\n\nFor new players, focus on building a central hub with multiple portals leading to key biomes like the Black Forest, Swamp, and Mountains. This creates a reliable network for exploration and resource gathering. Experienced Vikings can optimize portal usage by creating specialized outposts, such as a portal near a Draugr Village for farming entrails or one near a Frost Cave for Fenris Hair. These strategies save time and enhance efficiency.\n\nFinally, remember that portals require a clear path to function. Avoid placing them in cramped spaces or near obstacles, as this can prevent activation. Always test your portals after setup to ensure they work correctly. By mastering portal mechanics and coordinating with your team, you can streamline your adventures and conquer Valheim''s challenges with ease.