Can I use portals to access hidden or hard-to-reach locations?

Portals in Valheim are a powerful tool for fast travel, but they have limitations when it comes to accessing hidden or hard-to-reach locations. Portals require a clear path and cannot be placed in areas with significant elevation changes or tight spaces. However, with careful planning and creativity, you can use portals to simplify exploration and reach challenging areas more efficiently.\n\nTo craft a portal, you need 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands, and Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest. Once crafted, portals must be paired by assigning them the same tag, allowing instant travel between them.\n\nWhile portals cannot be placed directly in hard-to-reach locations like mountain peaks or deep dungeons, you can use them to create a nearby access point. For example, if you''re exploring a mountain biome, place a portal at the base of the mountain and another at your base. This allows you to quickly return to safety or resupply without losing progress. Similarly, in the Swamp biome, place a portal near the edge to avoid long treks through dangerous terrain.\n\nOne common challenge is accessing islands or remote areas. Portals cannot be placed on boats, but you can carry portal materials with you to set up a new portal upon arrival. For example, if you''re sailing to a distant island, bring the required materials and set up a portal as soon as you land. This ensures you can return to your main base without repeating the journey.\n\nAnother practical use for portals is during boss fights. Before engaging a boss, set up a portal nearby to allow quick retreats for healing or repairs. This is especially useful in biomes like the Plains, where deaths can be frequent due to powerful enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Always ensure your portal is hidden or protected to prevent enemies from destroying it.\n\nFor hidden locations like caves or crypts, portals cannot be placed inside. However, you can place a portal outside the entrance to minimize backtracking. In the Swamp biome, for instance, place a portal near Sunken Crypts to quickly deposit loot and return to mining. This strategy also works for Frost Caves in the Mountains or Troll Caves in the Black Forest.\n\nExperienced players can use portals to create a network of fast travel points across the map. Assign unique tags to each portal and keep a list of their locations at your main base. This allows you to quickly navigate between biomes and resources without wasting time. For example, you might have portals labeled ''Swamp,'' ''Mountain,'' and ''Plains'' for easy access to specific areas.\n\nIn summary, while portals cannot directly access hidden or hard-to-reach locations, they are invaluable for creating nearby access points and simplifying exploration. Always carry portal materials when venturing into new areas, and use portals strategically to save time and resources. With careful planning, portals can make even the most challenging biomes more manageable.