How do I use portals to transport large quantities of wood or stone?
Portals in Valheim are a powerful tool for fast travel, but they come with limitations when transporting certain resources. By default, portals cannot transport metal ores (like copper, tin, or iron) or raw materials like wood and stone. However, there are ways to work around these restrictions to efficiently move large quantities of wood or stone across the map.\n\nFirst, understand the portal mechanics. Portals require two linked structures: one at your starting point and one at your destination. To craft a portal, you need 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained from birch or oak trees, Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome, and Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs in the Black Forest biome. Once built, portals must be named identically to link them.\n\nTo transport wood or stone, you’ll need to process these materials into items that portals can carry. For wood, craft it into items like wooden arrows, wooden shields, or building components such as beams or poles. For stone, craft it into stone blocks or other building materials. These crafted items can be transported through portals, allowing you to move resources indirectly. For example, if you need to transport 100 wood, craft it into 100 wooden arrows, which can then be carried through a portal and deconstructed back into wood at your destination.\n\nAnother method is to use carts or boats to transport large quantities of raw materials. Carts can be crafted with 20 Bronze Nails and 10 Wood, and they allow you to haul heavy loads over land. Boats, such as the Karve or Longship, are ideal for moving resources across water. While this method is slower than portals, it’s a reliable way to transport bulk materials without restrictions.\n\nFor players looking to optimize their resource transport, consider setting up a network of portals and storage hubs. For example, place a portal near a dense forest or stone-rich area, and another near your main base. Use carts or boats to gather resources and bring them to the portal hub, then process and transport them as needed. This approach minimizes travel time and maximizes efficiency.\n\nFinally, remember that portals are not the only solution. If you’re building a large structure, consider gathering resources locally to avoid the need for transport altogether. For example, if you’re constructing a stone fortress, mine stone from nearby Black Forest or Mountain biomes instead of hauling it from afar.\n\nIn summary, while portals cannot directly transport wood or stone, you can work around this limitation by crafting these materials into portable items or using carts and boats for bulk transport. Plan your resource gathering and transport routes carefully to save time and effort in your Valheim adventures.