How do I use portals to quickly escape from a Serpent attack?

Portals in Valheim are one of the most powerful tools for fast travel and escaping dangerous situations, such as a Serpent attack in the Ocean biome. To use a portal effectively, you must first craft and place two portals with matching tags. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes to craft. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarves in the Black Forest.\n\nTo set up a portal for escaping Serpent attacks, you need to plan ahead. First, build a portal at your base or a safe location and assign it a unique tag, such as ''Escape.'' Then, carry the materials for a second portal in your inventory while sailing. When you encounter a Serpent, quickly sail to the nearest landmass, even if it''s a small island. Once on land, place the second portal and assign it the same tag as the first portal. Step through the portal to escape the Serpent and return to safety.\n\nOne common challenge is finding a safe spot to place the portal during a Serpent attack. Serpents are fast and aggressive, so you need to act quickly. If you''re far from land, consider using the wind to your advantage. Sail with the wind at your back to increase your speed and create distance from the Serpent. Look for any nearby land, even if it''s in a hostile biome like the Swamp or Mountains. Once on land, the Serpent will not follow you, giving you time to set up the portal.\n\nAnother practical solution is to pre-build portals in key locations. For example, if you frequently sail through a specific area of the Ocean biome, place a portal on a nearby island or coastline. This way, you can quickly escape to safety without needing to craft a new portal during an attack. Always carry portal materials in your ship''s storage to ensure you''re prepared for emergencies.\n\nUnderstanding the game mechanics is crucial for using portals effectively. Portals only work if both ends are active and have matching tags. If you destroy one portal, the other becomes unusable. Additionally, certain items, such as metals (e.g., Copper, Iron, Silver), cannot be transported through portals. This limitation means you must plan your resource transportation carefully, especially when sailing with valuable cargo.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to practice setting up portals in safe environments before relying on them in dangerous situations. Experiment with portal placement and tagging to ensure you understand how they work. Experienced Vikings can optimize their portal network by creating multiple escape routes and linking them to key locations, such as resource-rich biomes or distant bases.\n\nIn summary, portals are a lifesaving tool for escaping Serpent attacks in Valheim. By crafting and placing portals strategically, you can quickly retreat to safety when faced with danger. Always carry portal materials, plan your escape routes, and practice using portals to ensure you''re prepared for any situation. With these tips, you can navigate the Ocean biome confidently and avoid becoming a Serpent''s next meal.