How do I use portals to avoid Draugr attacks in the Swamp?

Portals are one of the most valuable tools in Valheim for fast travel and avoiding dangerous encounters, such as Draugr attacks in the Swamp biome. To use portals effectively, you must first unlock the crafting recipe by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtaining Hard Antlers. These are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe, which allows you to mine Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome. With these materials, you can craft Bronze at a Forge, which is required to make the Portal.\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 in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Greydwarf Eyes are dropped by Greydwarfs, common enemies in the Black Forest. Once you have the materials, build a Workbench and craft the Portal.\n\nPortals require two components: a Portal structure and a Portal Tag. To set up a Portal, place the structure in a safe location, such as your base or a fortified area near the Swamp. Then, assign a unique Tag to the Portal by interacting with it and entering a name. To create a linked pair, build a second Portal in the Swamp and assign it the same Tag. This allows instant travel between the two locations.\n\nWhen exploring the Swamp, Draugr are a significant threat due to their high health and damage output. To avoid Draugr attacks, place your Portal in a secure location, such as on top of a Sunken Crypt or a raised platform made of Wood or Stone. This prevents Draugr from reaching you while you use the Portal. Additionally, clear the area around the Portal of enemies before setting it up to ensure safe access.\n\nA practical example of using Portals in the Swamp is during Iron farming. Sunken Crypts are the primary source of Iron Scrap, but they are often surrounded by Draugr and other enemies. By placing a Portal near a Sunken Crypt, you can quickly transport Iron Scrap back to your base for smelting without risking multiple trips through dangerous terrain. This strategy saves time and reduces the risk of losing valuable resources.\n\nAnother common challenge is managing inventory space while exploring the Swamp. Portals allow you to quickly return to your base to drop off items, repair gear, or restock supplies. However, note that certain items, such as metals (Copper, Tin, Iron, etc.), cannot be transported through Portals. To work around this, consider setting up a temporary Forge and Smelter near the Swamp to process metals on-site.\n\nTo maximize Portal efficiency, always carry the materials to build a Portal and Workbench when exploring. This allows you to create a quick escape route if you encounter overwhelming enemies or run out of resources. Additionally, consider building multiple Portals with different Tags to connect key locations, such as your base, Swamp, and Black Forest.\n\nIn summary, Portals are essential for avoiding Draugr attacks in the Swamp by providing a safe and fast travel option. By crafting Portals, assigning Tags, and placing them strategically, you can minimize risks and streamline resource gathering. Always prepare for exploration by carrying Portal materials and clearing enemy threats before setting up a Portal. With these tips, you can navigate the Swamp biome safely and efficiently.