Can I use portals to travel between different worlds or servers?
In Valheim, portals are a crucial tool for fast travel, but they have specific limitations. Portals cannot be used to travel between different worlds or servers. They are designed to work only within the same world, allowing you to connect two or more locations for quick movement. This means if you have multiple worlds or play on different servers, you cannot use portals to move between them. Instead, you must manually log out and switch worlds or servers to access different characters or bases.\n\nTo use portals effectively, you must first craft them. Portals require specific materials: 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, which are found in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Surtling Cores are dropped by Surtlings in the Swamp biome or found in Burial Chambers. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a Workbench.\n\nPortals must be paired to function. When you place a portal, you can name it using the interact key (default E). To connect two portals, they must have the exact same name. For example, if you name one portal ''Home'' and another ''Home,'' they will link together, allowing instant travel between them. This is useful for connecting your main base to distant biomes like the Mountains or Plains, where resources are abundant but dangerous to traverse.\n\nOne common challenge is forgetting to name portals or mismatching names. If you place a portal and forget to name it, it will not connect to any other portal. Always double-check the names to ensure they match exactly. Another issue is portal placement. Portals require a flat, open area to function. If you place a portal in a cramped or uneven location, it may not work properly. Always clear the area and ensure there is enough space around the portal.\n\nPortals also have restrictions on what you can carry through them. Certain items, like metals (e.g., Copper, Iron, Silver), cannot be transported through portals. This is a deliberate game mechanic to encourage exploration and resource management. To transport metals, you must sail or walk them to your destination. This adds a layer of strategy, as you must plan your routes and protect your cargo from enemies and environmental hazards.\n\nFor new players, portals are a game-changer. They allow you to explore dangerous biomes without worrying about long treks back to your base. For experienced Vikings, portals are essential for managing multiple outposts and resource-gathering operations. Always carry portal materials with you when exploring, so you can set up a quick escape route if needed. Additionally, consider building a ''portal hub'' at your main base, with multiple portals labeled for different biomes or outposts.\n\nIn summary, portals are a powerful tool for fast travel within a single world, but they cannot be used to travel between different worlds or servers. Crafting and naming portals correctly is key to their functionality. Be mindful of their limitations, such as item restrictions and placement requirements. With proper planning, portals can greatly enhance your Valheim experience, making exploration and resource management more efficient and enjoyable.