How do you build a functional portal near your shelter?

Building a functional portal near your shelter in Valheim is a game-changing step that allows you to travel quickly between locations. Portals are essential for efficient exploration, resource gathering, and base management. To build a portal, you must first unlock the recipe by obtaining Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes, which are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest biome. Once you have these materials, you can craft a portal at a Workbench.\n\nTo begin, gather the required materials: 20 Fine Wood, 2 Greydwarf Eyes, and 10 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows biome, while Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs in the Black Forest. 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 Workbench if you don’t already have one, and then craft the portal.\n\nPlace the portal near your shelter in a secure location to prevent enemy interference. Portals require a flat surface, so clear the area of debris and ensure there’s enough space. Once placed, you’ll need to name the portal by interacting with it. The name must match the name of the portal you want to connect to. For example, if you name your portal ‘Home,’ the other portal you build elsewhere must also be named ‘Home’ to establish a connection.\n\nA common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores, which are essential for crafting portals. To overcome this, explore multiple Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or venture into the Ashlands to farm Surtlings. Another issue is portal placement in dangerous biomes. To mitigate this, build a small protective structure around your portal using walls and a roof to shield it from enemies and weather.\n\nPortals cannot transport metals like Copper, Tin, or Iron, so plan your resource-gathering trips accordingly. If you need to transport metals, you’ll have to sail or walk them back to your base. Additionally, portals can be destroyed by enemies, so always reinforce the area around them with defensive structures like spikes or walls.\n\nFor new players, it’s recommended to build your first portal in the Meadows biome near your starting shelter. This ensures a safe and accessible location for quick travel. Experienced players can expand their portal network to include key biomes like the Black Forest, Swamp, and Mountains for efficient resource gathering and exploration.\n\nIn summary, building a functional portal near your shelter involves gathering Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, crafting the portal at a Workbench, and naming it to connect with another portal. Protect your portal from enemies and plan your resource transport carefully. With a well-placed portal network, you can explore Valheim’s vast world with ease and efficiency.