What is the best way to set up a portal network for exploration?

Setting up an efficient portal network in Valheim is essential for exploration, resource gathering, and survival. Portals allow you to fast travel between locations, saving time and reducing the risk of losing valuable items during long journeys. To begin, you must first craft a portal, which requires 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarf enemies, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome.\n\nOnce you have the materials, craft a portal at your base and give it a unique name. Portals are linked by their names, so ensure the name is specific and easy to remember. For example, naming a portal ''SwampOutpost'' will help you identify its purpose. To link portals, place a second portal in a new location and give it the same name. Once both portals are named identically, they will connect instantly, allowing you to travel between them.\n\nWhen exploring, always carry portal materials with you. This includes Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, as well as a workbench to craft the portal on the go. Place a portal at key locations, such as near biome borders, resource-rich areas, or boss altars. For example, setting up a portal near the Swamp biome ensures quick access to Iron, while a portal near the Mountains provides easy access to Silver and Drakes.\n\nA common challenge is running out of portal materials while exploring. To avoid this, establish a central hub at your base with multiple portals, each named for a specific destination. This way, you only need to carry materials for one portal when venturing out. For instance, name one portal ''Swamp,'' another ''Mountains,'' and a third ''Plains.'' This system keeps your inventory manageable and ensures you always have a way back.\n\nAnother tip is to use temporary portals for dangerous expeditions. If you''re venturing into a new biome or fighting a boss, set up a portal nearby but keep it unnamed. This allows you to retreat quickly if things go wrong. Once you''re safe, name the portal to link it to your base. This strategy is particularly useful in the Plains biome, where Deathsquitos and Fulings pose a significant threat.\n\nFinally, consider the limitations of portals. Certain items, such as metals (e.g., Copper, Iron, Silver), cannot be transported through portals. To work around this, use a Longship or Cart to transport metals back to your base. Alternatively, set up a smelting outpost near resource-rich areas to process metals on-site and transport the finished products through portals.\n\nIn summary, a well-planned portal network is key to efficient exploration in Valheim. Always carry portal materials, name portals clearly, and establish a central hub for easy access. Use temporary portals for risky ventures and plan around portal limitations for transporting metals. With these strategies, you''ll save time, reduce risks, and conquer Valheim''s vast world with ease.