How do I use portals to avoid freezing in the Mountains biome?

Portals are one of the most powerful tools in Valheim for fast travel and survival, especially in harsh biomes like the Mountains. To avoid freezing in the Mountains biome, you can strategically use portals to minimize exposure to the cold while still exploring and gathering resources. Here’s how to do it effectively.\n\nFirst, you need to craft a portal. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands or Swamp biomes. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a workbench and place it in a safe location, such as your base or a nearby shelter.\n\nTo use portals effectively in the Mountains, you need to set up a network. Place one portal at your base and another in the Mountains biome. Ensure the Mountain portal is placed in a sheltered area, such as a small cave or under an overhang, to protect it from enemies and the cold. Before venturing into the Mountains, make sure both portals are linked by assigning them the same tag (a unique name you choose). This allows you to travel instantly between them.\n\nWhen exploring the Mountains, always carry materials to build a temporary portal. This is crucial if you need to escape freezing temperatures or recover from a dangerous situation. Bring 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores in your inventory. If you find yourself freezing or overwhelmed by enemies, quickly place a portal, link it to your base, and escape. This strategy is especially useful when mining Silver or fighting Frost Caves, as the Mountains biome is unforgiving.\n\nAnother tip is to use Frost Resistance Mead to extend your survival time in the Mountains. This mead requires 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 2 Bloodbags, and 1 Greydwarf Eye. Brew it at a Fermenter and consume it before entering the Mountains. While the mead provides temporary resistance, portals act as a permanent solution to avoid freezing by allowing you to retreat to a warmer location whenever needed.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that portals cannot transport metals like Silver or Iron. If you’re mining in the Mountains, you’ll need to transport these materials manually or use a Longship to sail them back to your base. However, you can still use portals to quickly return to the Mountains after dropping off your loot, saving time and reducing the risk of freezing.\n\nExperienced Vikings can optimize portal usage by creating multiple linked portals in different biomes. For example, set up a portal hub at your base with portals labeled for the Mountains, Swamp, Plains, and other biomes. This allows for seamless travel and resource management across the map. Additionally, consider building small outposts with portals near key resources or boss locations to streamline your adventures.\n\nIn summary, portals are essential for surviving the Mountains biome. By crafting and linking portals, carrying materials for temporary portals, and using Frost Resistance Mead, you can explore the Mountains safely and efficiently. Always plan ahead, and remember that portals are your best tool for avoiding freezing and managing resources in Valheim’s most challenging environments.