Can I use portals to transport items like iron scrap?

In Valheim, portals are a crucial tool for fast travel, but they come with specific limitations when it comes to transporting certain items. One of the most common questions players have is whether portals can be used to transport valuable resources like iron scrap. The short answer is no, portals cannot transport metal-based items, including iron scrap, silver, black metal, and other ores or bars. This restriction is a deliberate game mechanic designed to encourage exploration and resource management.\n\nTo understand why this limitation exists, it’s important to know how portals work in Valheim. Portals are crafted using fine wood, surtling cores, and greydwarf eyes, and they allow players to instantly travel between two linked portals. However, the game enforces a rule that prevents players from carrying metal-based items through portals. This means that if you attempt to transport iron scrap or any other metal, the item will be blocked, and you’ll receive a notification stating that the item cannot be taken through the portal.\n\nThis restriction forces players to plan their resource-gathering expeditions carefully. For example, if you’re mining iron scrap in the Swamp biome, you’ll need to transport it manually back to your base or a nearby outpost. This can be challenging, especially if your base is far from the Swamp. One practical solution is to build a temporary outpost near the Swamp biome, complete with a forge and storage chests, to process and store the iron scrap before transporting it by land or sea.\n\nTo transport iron scrap efficiently, you’ll need to use a cart or a longship. Carts are useful for overland travel, as they allow you to carry large quantities of resources. However, they can be slow and difficult to maneuver through rough terrain. Longships, on the other hand, are ideal for transporting iron scrap across water. They have a large storage capacity and are faster than carts, making them the preferred method for moving metal resources between distant locations.\n\nAnother strategy is to establish a network of outposts and storage facilities in key biomes. For example, you can build a small base near the Swamp with a portal for quick travel, but keep the iron scrap stored there until you’re ready to transport it. This approach minimizes the time spent traveling back and forth while still adhering to the game’s portal restrictions.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prioritize unlocking the necessary crafting recipes for carts and longships. Carts require bronze nails, which are crafted from bronze at a forge, while longships require iron nails and fine wood. Both of these transportation methods are essential for managing metal resources effectively.\n\nIn summary, while portals are incredibly useful for fast travel, they cannot be used to transport iron scrap or other metal-based items. To overcome this limitation, players must rely on carts, longships, and strategic outpost placement. By planning ahead and using these tools, you can efficiently gather and transport valuable resources like iron scrap, even in the most challenging biomes.\n\nPractical tip: Always carry materials to build a workbench and a portal when exploring new areas. This allows you to set up a quick travel point and store resources locally until you’re ready to transport them manually.