How do I use portals to quickly return to my base after death?

Portals are one of the most essential tools in Valheim for fast travel and efficient exploration. They allow you to instantly teleport between two linked portals, making it easier to return to your base after death or during long expeditions. To use portals effectively, you must first craft and place them strategically. Portals require specific materials: 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest.\n\nTo set up a portal, you need to craft it at a Workbench. Place the portal in a secure location at your base, preferably inside a building to protect it from enemy attacks. Once placed, you must name the portal by interacting with it. The name is crucial because it determines which portal you will teleport to. For example, if you name your base portal ''Home,'' you must name the corresponding portal in the wild with the same name. This ensures the two portals are linked and functional.\n\nWhen you die in Valheim, you respawn at your last used spawn point, which is typically your bed. However, if you die far from your base, retrieving your gear can be challenging. This is where portals become invaluable. Before venturing into dangerous areas, set up a portal near your base and carry the materials to build a second portal in the wild. When you die, you can quickly rebuild the portal in the wild, link it to your base portal, and retrieve your gear without a long trek.\n\nA common challenge is running out of portal materials while exploring. To avoid this, always carry extra Fine Wood, Surtling Cores, and Greydwarf Eyes in your inventory. Additionally, consider setting up multiple portals at your base with unique names for different biomes or expeditions. For example, you could have portals named ''Swamp,'' ''Mountain,'' and ''Plains'' to quickly access these areas. This strategy saves time and resources, especially when exploring late-game biomes.\n\nAnother tip is to use portals to transport non-teleportable items like metals. While portals cannot transport ores or ingots, you can use them to quickly return to your base, craft gear, and then head back to your mining location. This minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency. For example, if you are mining Copper in the Black Forest, set up a portal near the mining site and another at your base. After mining, teleport back to your base to smelt the ore and craft tools, then return to the mining site via the portal.\n\nIn summary, portals are a game-changing mechanic in Valheim that streamline exploration and recovery after death. By crafting and naming portals strategically, carrying extra materials, and setting up multiple portals for different biomes, you can save time and reduce frustration. Whether you are a new player or an experienced Viking, mastering portal usage will significantly enhance your Valheim experience.