Can I use portals to transport items between multiplayer bases?

In Valheim, portals are a crucial tool for fast travel, but they come with specific limitations when it comes to transporting items. Portals allow players to instantly travel between two connected portals, but they do not permit the transfer of most items. This restriction is a core game mechanic designed to balance exploration and resource gathering. However, there are ways to work around this limitation, especially in multiplayer settings where bases are spread across different biomes.\n\nTo use portals effectively, you must first craft them. 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 biomes. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a workbench and place it in your desired location.\n\nTo connect two portals, you must give them the same tag. When interacting with a portal, you can input a unique name (tag) for it. Any portal with the same tag will be linked, allowing instant travel between them. This is particularly useful for multiplayer bases, as players can coordinate to name their portals identically. For example, if two players name their portals ''Base1,'' they can travel between their bases instantly.\n\nHowever, the primary limitation of portals is that they do not allow the transport of most items. Items like ores (e.g., Copper, Tin, Iron) and bars (e.g., Bronze, Iron) cannot be carried through portals. This restriction encourages players to explore and transport resources manually, often requiring long voyages by boat or cart. For example, if you mine Iron in the Swamp biome, you must sail it back to your main base rather than using a portal.\n\nDespite this limitation, there are strategies to transport items indirectly. One common method is to use a second character or account as a ''mule.'' By logging into a second account, you can transfer items to that character, travel through the portal, and then transfer the items back. This workaround is particularly useful in multiplayer servers where players can coordinate to help each other transport resources.\n\nAnother solution is to establish multiple bases near resource-rich areas. For example, if you need a steady supply of Iron, consider building a small base in the Swamp biome. Smelt the Iron on-site and craft items there, then use portals to transport the finished products. This approach minimizes the need to transport heavy ores and bars while still leveraging the convenience of portals.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to plan your portal network carefully. Place portals near key locations like resource nodes, dungeons, and other points of interest. In multiplayer, coordinate with your team to ensure everyone has access to the same portal tags. This will streamline travel and resource sharing, even if items cannot be transported directly.\n\nIn summary, while portals in Valheim cannot transport most items, they remain an essential tool for fast travel and multiplayer coordination. By understanding their limitations and using creative strategies, you can optimize your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a new Viking or an experienced player, mastering portal usage will significantly enhance your survival and exploration in Valheim.