What is the best way to use portals during the Elder boss fight?

Using portals effectively during the Elder boss fight in Valheim can significantly improve your chances of success. The Elder is a challenging boss found in the Black Forest biome, and preparing for the fight requires careful planning. Portals allow you to quickly travel between your base and the boss arena, ensuring you have access to resources, repairs, and healing items during the battle. Here’s how to use portals to your advantage.\n\nFirst, locate the Elder’s summoning altar in the Black Forest. Before activating the fight, set up a portal near the altar. To craft a portal, you’ll need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands. Place the portal close enough to the altar for quick access but far enough to avoid being destroyed during the fight.\n\nNext, link the portal to your base by placing a second portal at your home. Ensure your base is well-stocked with essential items like food, potions, and crafting materials. Cooked meat, berries, and honey are excellent food choices for stamina and health regeneration. Additionally, craft a workbench and forge near your base portal to repair weapons and armor if needed. This setup allows you to quickly return to your base for resupply without losing progress in the fight.\n\nDuring the Elder fight, the boss will summon roots and vines to attack you, making it a chaotic battle. If your health or stamina runs low, or if your gear breaks, retreat to the portal and travel back to your base. Use this time to heal, repair equipment, and restock on arrows or melee weapons. The Elder’s attacks are powerful, so having a backup plan is crucial. Portals provide a lifeline to recover and re-enter the fight without starting over.\n\nOne common challenge is the Elder destroying nearby structures, including your portal. To prevent this, place the portal behind natural terrain features like large rocks or trees, which can block the Elder’s line of sight. Alternatively, dig a trench around the portal area to create a barrier. This ensures the portal remains intact even if the fight spills over into its vicinity. Always keep an eye on the portal’s health during the battle.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up multiple portals in different locations around the boss arena. This provides additional escape routes and reduces the risk of being trapped. You can also use portals to transport resources like wood and stone to build defensive structures, such as walls or platforms, to gain an advantage during the fight. These structures can help you avoid the Elder’s ranged attacks and create safe zones for healing.\n\nIn summary, portals are a game-changing tool during the Elder boss fight. They allow you to maintain access to resources, repair equipment, and recover quickly. By setting up a well-placed portal, linking it to your base, and protecting it from destruction, you can turn a challenging battle into a manageable one. Always prepare thoroughly, and use portals strategically to outlast the Elder and claim victory.\n\nPractical Tip: Before engaging the Elder, practice using portals in other scenarios to familiarize yourself with their mechanics. This will help you react quickly during the fight and make the most of this powerful tool.