What is the best way to set up portals for mining expeditions?

Setting up portals for mining expeditions in Valheim is a crucial strategy to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. Portals allow you to quickly travel between your base and remote mining locations, saving time and resources. To begin, you must first craft a portal, which requires 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down birch or 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.\n\nOnce you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and give it a unique name. This name will be used to link it to another portal. Next, carry the materials for a second portal with you on your mining expedition. When you find a suitable mining location, such as a Black Forest for copper or a Mountain biome for silver, place the second portal and name it the same as the one at your base. This will instantly link the two portals, allowing you to travel back and forth instantly.\n\nA common challenge is running out of inventory space while mining. To solve this, set up a temporary storage area near the mining portal. Use chests to store excess ore and other materials. Since metal ores like copper, iron, and silver cannot be transported through portals, you will need to transport them manually. However, you can use the portal to quickly return to your base for repairs, food, or additional tools, then head back to continue mining.\n\nFor longer expeditions, consider setting up a small outpost near the mining site. Build a workbench, a fire, and a bed to establish a spawn point. This allows you to respawn nearby if you die and provides a place to repair tools and rest. Additionally, bring a cart or boat to transport large quantities of ore back to your base. Carts are ideal for overland travel, while boats are necessary for crossing water.\n\nTo optimize your portal setup, always carry portal materials with you when exploring. This ensures you can quickly establish a connection if you find a valuable resource. Additionally, label your portals clearly to avoid confusion. For example, name a portal in the Mountains ''Mountain Mine'' and one in the Swamp ''Swamp Iron.'' This helps you keep track of multiple mining locations.\n\nFinally, remember that portals are not indestructible. Enemies can destroy them if left unprotected. To prevent this, build a small enclosure around your portal using walls and a roof. This keeps it safe from hostile creatures while allowing easy access. By following these steps, you can create an efficient portal network that supports your mining expeditions and enhances your overall gameplay experience in Valheim.