What is the best way to place portals near resource-rich areas?

Portals are one of the most valuable tools in Valheim for fast travel and efficient resource gathering. To maximize their utility near resource-rich areas, you need to understand their mechanics and plan their placement strategically. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes to craft, and they must be paired with another portal that shares the same tag name. This allows instant travel between two points, making them essential for exploring distant biomes or transporting resources.\n\nWhen placing portals near resource-rich areas, prioritize safety and accessibility. For example, in the Black Forest biome, where copper and tin are abundant, place your portal near a cleared area or a small outpost. This ensures you can quickly return to your base if you’re overwhelmed by enemies like Greydwarves or Trolls. Always build a small shelter or fence around the portal to protect it from damage during combat or raids.\n\nIn the Mountains biome, where silver and obsidian are key resources, portals are crucial due to the harsh environment and the presence of Drakes and Wolves. Place your portal near a safe spot, such as a stone tower or a cleared area, and ensure you have a nearby fire to recover stamina and health. Since you’ll often carry heavy resources like silver, having a portal nearby minimizes the need for long, dangerous treks back to your base.\n\nFor the Plains biome, which is rich in black metal and barley, portals are vital for managing the threat of Fulings and Deathsquitos. Build your portal on elevated terrain or within a fortified structure to avoid enemy attacks. Consider placing a workbench nearby to repair tools or craft additional defenses. This biome is particularly dangerous, so always scout the area thoroughly before setting up a portal.\n\nIn the Swamp biome, where iron scrap is abundant, portals should be placed on dry land or elevated platforms to avoid water damage and enemy ambushes. The Swamp is filled with hostile creatures like Leeches and Draugr, so building a small fortified shelter around your portal is highly recommended. Additionally, bring a hoe to level the ground and create a safe path to your portal.\n\nTo optimize portal usage, always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Surtling Cores, and Greydwarf Eyes) when exploring. This allows you to set up a temporary portal if you find a resource-rich area unexpectedly. For example, if you stumble upon a large silver vein in the Mountains, you can quickly build a portal to transport the ore back to your base without risking multiple trips.\n\nFinally, label your portals clearly to avoid confusion. Use descriptive names like ‘Black Forest Copper’ or ‘Swamp Iron’ to easily identify their locations. This is especially important if you have multiple portals in different biomes. By following these strategies, you can efficiently gather resources while minimizing risks and travel time.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a hammer and portal materials when exploring. Build small shelters around portals for safety. Use descriptive names for portals to stay organized. Prioritize elevated or fortified locations in dangerous biomes. With these steps, you’ll master portal placement and make resource gathering in Valheim a breeze.