What is the best way to secure portals in the Plains biome?

Securing portals in the Plains biome is crucial for safe and efficient travel, as this biome is home to some of the most dangerous enemies in Valheim, such as Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. Portals are your lifeline for quick escapes and resource transportation, so protecting them is essential. The Plains biome is unforgiving, and without proper precautions, your portal can be destroyed, leaving you stranded or forcing a long trek back to safety.\n\nTo begin, you must first craft a portal using 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained from birch and oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarves in the Black Forest, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands. Once crafted, place the portal in a strategic location in the Plains biome, ideally near a safe area like a small island or elevated ground. This reduces the chances of enemies spawning nearby.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to secure a portal is by building a protective structure around it. Use stone or wood to create walls, a roof, and a gate. Stone is preferable as it has higher durability and can withstand attacks from Fulings and Lox. To gather stone, mine large boulders or use a pickaxe on rocky terrain. Ensure the structure is fully enclosed to prevent Deathsquitos from flying in. Adding a workbench inside the structure will prevent enemy spawns nearby, further enhancing safety.\n\nAnother key strategy is to elevate the portal on a raised platform or hill. This makes it harder for ground-based enemies like Fulings and Lox to reach it. Use the hoe to level the ground or raise terrain to create a natural barrier. Combine this with a moat or trench dug around the perimeter using the pickaxe. Moat systems are highly effective as they prevent enemies from crossing, giving you time to react if they approach.\n\nLighting is also important for portal security. Place torches or standing braziers around the portal area to deter enemy spawns. Enemies are less likely to spawn in well-lit areas, reducing the risk of surprise attacks. Additionally, consider placing defensive structures like spike walls or ballistas nearby. These can automatically target and eliminate threats, providing an extra layer of protection.\n\nFor advanced players, consider building a small outpost with a bed, chests, and a cooking station near the portal. This allows you to respawn nearby if you die and provides a safe space to store resources. Use iron or black metal for reinforced doors and gates to ensure they can withstand attacks. Always keep a backup portal at your main base with the same tag, so you can quickly return if the Plains portal is compromised.\n\nFinally, always scout the area before placing a portal. Look for nearby Fuling villages, Lox herds, or Deathsquito spawns, and avoid these high-risk zones. If you encounter enemies while building, use a bow or melee weapon to clear the area first. By combining these strategies, you can create a secure portal setup in the Plains biome, ensuring safe and efficient travel throughout your Valheim adventures.