How do I use portals to quickly return to my base?

Portals are one of the most essential tools in Valheim for fast travel and efficient exploration. They allow you to instantly teleport between two connected portals, saving you time and effort when returning to your base or moving between distant locations. To use portals effectively, you must first craft and place them strategically in your world.\n\nTo craft a portal, you need to unlock the recipe by obtaining Fine Wood and Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a workbench using 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Place the portal in a secure location near your base or other key areas.\n\nTo connect two portals, you must give them the same name. Interact with the portal and enter a unique name (e.g., ''Base'' or ''Swamp''). Ensure the name is identical for both portals, as even a single letter difference will prevent them from connecting. Once named, step into the portal to instantly travel to the linked portal. This mechanic is invaluable for quickly returning to your base after exploring dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Mountains.\n\nOne common challenge is transporting certain items through portals. Valheim restricts the teleportation of metals like Copper, Tin, Iron, and Silver, as well as some high-tier crafting materials. To work around this, you can either transport these items manually by sailing or use a secondary base near resource-rich areas to process materials locally. For example, set up a small outpost in the Black Forest to smelt Copper and Tin into Bronze before transporting the finished products back to your main base.\n\nPortals are also useful for managing inventory space during long expeditions. If you''re exploring a new biome and your inventory fills up, place a portal and return to your base to unload resources. This strategy is particularly helpful in the Plains biome, where you may gather large quantities of Black Metal or Flax. Always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Surtling Cores, and Greydwarf Eyes) in your inventory to set up temporary portals on the go.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to secure your portals. Place them inside or near your base to prevent enemy raids from destroying them. In dangerous biomes, build a small shelter around the portal to protect it from hostile creatures. Experienced players can optimize portal networks by creating multiple portals with descriptive names (e.g., ''Swamp1,'' ''Swamp2'') to manage exploration routes efficiently.\n\nIn summary, portals are a game-changing mechanic in Valheim that streamline exploration and resource management. By crafting and naming portals correctly, you can quickly return to your base or travel between key locations. Remember to plan for restricted items and secure your portals to maximize their utility. With these tips, you''ll master fast travel and enhance your Viking survival experience.