How do I use a raft to transport resources for building a portal?

Using a raft to transport resources for building a portal in Valheim is a practical and efficient way to move materials across water. Portals require specific resources, such as Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, which are often found in different biomes. A raft allows you to carry these items safely across rivers, lakes, or oceans, especially when overland travel is risky or time-consuming.\n\nTo begin, you must craft a raft. The raft requires 20 Wood, 6 Leather Scraps, and 6 Resin. Wood is easily gathered by chopping trees, while Leather Scraps come from hunting Boars, and Resin is obtained from Greydwarfs or by chopping Pine Trees. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and select the raft under the Hammer''s Misc tab. Place the raft in shallow water to spawn it.\n\nBefore setting sail, ensure you have all the portal materials in your inventory. A portal requires 10 Greydwarf Eyes, 20 Fine Wood, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping Birch or Oak trees, which are found in Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Organize your inventory to prioritize these items, as space on the raft is limited.\n\nTo use the raft, approach it and press E to board. Once aboard, use the WASD keys to move and the mouse to steer. The raft is slow but reliable for short to medium distances. Be cautious of storms or rough waters, as they can slow your progress or damage the raft. If you encounter enemies like Serpents or Leeches, use your bow or melee weapon to defend yourself while staying on the raft.\n\nWhen transporting resources, plan your route carefully. For example, if you need to cross a large ocean to reach a Black Forest biome for Surtling Cores, ensure you have enough stamina and food for the journey. Bring a Hammer and Workbench materials to repair the raft if it takes damage. Additionally, consider building a small dock or shelter at your destination to store resources safely.\n\nA common challenge is navigating narrow rivers or avoiding rocks. To solve this, approach obstacles slowly and use the raft''s turning radius to maneuver carefully. If you get stuck, you can dismount and push the raft free. Another issue is running out of inventory space. To address this, prioritize essential portal materials and leave non-essential items behind or store them in a nearby chest.\n\nOnce you arrive at your destination, disembark by pressing E and unload your resources. Build the portal by placing two portal frames (each requiring 2 Fine Wood and 1 Greydwarf Eye) and connecting them with a portal tag. Activate the portal by placing 2 Surtling Cores in the center. This allows instant travel between linked portals, saving time and effort for future trips.\n\nIn summary, using a raft to transport portal resources in Valheim is a strategic and efficient method. Craft the raft, gather the necessary materials, and plan your route carefully. Be prepared for environmental challenges and prioritize essential items. With these steps, you can successfully build and use portals to enhance your gameplay experience.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a Hammer and repair materials for your raft. Use the raft for short to medium distances and consider building multiple portals for long-term convenience. Avoid sailing at night or during storms to minimize risks.