What is the best strategy for setting up portals in the Mountains?

Setting up portals in the Mountains biome in Valheim is a critical strategy for efficient exploration, resource gathering, and survival. The Mountains are one of the most dangerous biomes, home to Drakes, Wolves, and the deadly Stone Golems. Portals allow you to quickly travel between your base and the Mountains, reducing the risk of losing valuable gear or resources. To set up a portal network effectively, you need to understand the game mechanics, prepare the necessary materials, and plan your portal placements strategically.\n\nFirst, you must craft a portal. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained from Birch and Oak trees, Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands, and Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and assign it a unique name using the portal''s tag system. This name will be used to link it to another portal in the Mountains.\n\nWhen venturing into the Mountains, bring the materials to build a second portal. Carry at least 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes in your inventory. It''s also wise to bring a workbench, as you''ll need it to construct the portal. Place the portal in a safe location, such as near the base of the mountain or in a sheltered area, to avoid enemy attacks while building. Once the portal is constructed, assign it the same name as the portal at your base to establish a connection.\n\nA common challenge in the Mountains is the lack of flat terrain, making it difficult to place portals. To solve this, use the Hoe to level the ground or create a small platform. This ensures the portal is stable and accessible. Additionally, consider building a small shelter around the portal to protect it from Drakes and Wolves. Use wooden walls and a roof to shield the portal from damage.\n\nAnother strategy is to set up multiple portals in the Mountains to cover different areas. For example, place one portal near a Silver vein for mining and another near a Frost Cave for exploration. Label each portal with a descriptive name, such as ''MountainSilver'' or ''FrostCave,'' to avoid confusion. This approach minimizes travel time and allows you to focus on specific tasks without backtracking.\n\nGame mechanics also play a role in portal usage. Portals cannot transport metals like Silver or Iron, so you''ll need to transport these materials manually. However, you can use portals to quickly return to your base for repairs, food, or rest, then head back to the Mountains to continue your work. This is especially useful when mining Silver, as the process can be time-consuming and dangerous.\n\nFor new players, it''s essential to prepare thoroughly before entering the Mountains. Equip Frost Resistance Mead to withstand the cold, and bring strong weapons like an Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow to deal with enemies. Experienced Vikings can optimize their portal network by linking it to other biomes, such as the Plains or Swamp, for seamless travel across the map.\n\nIn summary, the best strategy for setting up portals in the Mountains involves careful planning, resource preparation, and strategic placement. Use the Hoe to create flat terrain, build shelters to protect portals, and label them clearly for easy navigation. By leveraging portals effectively, you can conquer the Mountains biome with confidence and efficiency.