Can I use portals to transport items like ancient bark?

In Valheim, portals are a crucial tool for fast travel, but they come with specific limitations when it comes to transporting items. Portals cannot transport certain materials, including ancient bark, ores, and metals. This restriction is a core game mechanic designed to balance exploration and resource gathering. Ancient bark, a valuable resource found in the Swamp biome, is one such item that cannot be transported through portals. This means you must physically carry it or use alternative methods to move it across the map.\n\nTo craft a portal, you need 20 fine wood, 10 greydwarf eyes, and 2 surtling cores. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Greydwarf eyes drop from greydwarves, common enemies in the Black Forest, and surtling cores are found in burial chambers or dropped by surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once crafted, portals require two linked structures to function. Each portal must be named identically, and only one pair of portals can share the same name at a time.\n\nIf you need to transport ancient bark, you have a few options. First, you can manually carry it by sailing or running to your destination. This method is time-consuming but reliable. Alternatively, you can set up a temporary base near the Swamp biome to process the ancient bark into usable items like weapons or tools, which can then be transported through portals. For example, ancient bark can be crafted into a Draugr Fang bow or an iron sledge, both of which are portal-friendly.\n\nAnother strategy is to use a cart or longship to transport large quantities of ancient bark. Carts are useful for overland travel, while longships are ideal for moving resources across water. However, both methods require careful planning to avoid losing your cargo to enemies or environmental hazards. Always scout your route and clear out nearby threats before transporting valuable resources.\n\nFor experienced players, a common workaround is to create a network of portals and storage bases. For instance, you can place a portal near the Swamp biome and another near your main base. While you cannot transport ancient bark directly, you can use the portal to quickly return to your base for repairs, food, or rest, then head back to continue gathering. This approach minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency.\n\nIn summary, while portals are incredibly useful for fast travel, they cannot transport ancient bark or similar restricted items. To overcome this limitation, plan your resource-gathering trips carefully, use carts or ships for bulk transport, and consider crafting items on-site to make them portal-compatible. By understanding these mechanics and adapting your strategies, you can efficiently manage your resources and thrive in Valheim''s challenging world.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal kit (fine wood, greydwarf eyes, and surtling cores) when exploring new areas. This allows you to set up a quick escape route or resource drop-off point. Additionally, mark resource-rich locations on your map to streamline future trips. Finally, prioritize upgrading your gear and tools to handle the Swamp biome''s dangers, such as draugr and leeches, which can complicate resource gathering.