What’s the fastest way to unlock portals for quick travel in speedruns?

Unlocking portals for quick travel in Valheim speedruns requires a focused and efficient approach. Portals are essential for fast movement across the map, but they require specific resources and progression steps. The key is to prioritize gathering the necessary materials while minimizing time spent on non-essential tasks. This guide will walk you through the fastest way to unlock portals, including biome exploration, resource gathering, and crafting.\n\nFirst, you need to unlock the portal recipe by obtaining Surtling Cores. These are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome. Start by crafting a basic weapon like a club or flint axe and head to the Black Forest as soon as possible. Burial Chambers are small dungeons marked by stone entrances and green torches. Each Burial Chamber typically contains 2-4 Surtling Cores, so you’ll need to clear at least two to gather the 10 cores required for a portal pair.\n\nOnce you have the Surtling Cores, the next step is to gather Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, but you’ll need a bronze axe to do so. To skip this step, you can use a troll to break these trees for you. Lure a troll to a birch or oak tree and let it smash the tree, then collect the Fine Wood. Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarfs, which are common in the Black Forest. Kill a few to gather the 20 eyes needed for crafting.\n\nWith all the materials in hand, craft a workbench and place it near your spawn point or a central location. Use the workbench to craft the portal. You’ll need 20 Fine Wood, 2 Surtling Cores, and 10 Greydwarf Eyes for each portal. To create a functional portal pair, you must name both portals the same. For example, name one portal ''Base'' and the other ''Base'' as well. This allows you to travel instantly between them.\n\nA common challenge in speedruns is finding enough Surtling Cores quickly. If you’re struggling to locate Burial Chambers, explore the edges of the Black Forest, as they often spawn near biome borders. Additionally, avoid spending too much time fighting enemies inside the chambers. Use a torch to light your way and focus on grabbing the cores and exiting quickly.\n\nAnother tip is to plan your portal network strategically. Place one portal at your base and carry the materials for a second portal with you as you explore. This way, you can set up a return portal wherever you go, ensuring you never get stranded far from home. For example, if you’re venturing into the Swamp biome for iron, place a portal near the edge of the biome before entering.\n\nFinally, remember that portals cannot transport metals like copper, tin, or iron. If you’re speedrunning, plan your resource gathering routes carefully to minimize backtracking. Use carts or boats to transport metals efficiently. By following these steps and focusing on efficiency, you can unlock portals quickly and streamline your Valheim speedrun.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to unlock portals involves prioritizing Surtling Core collection in the Black Forest, gathering Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes, and crafting portals strategically. Use trolls to bypass the bronze axe requirement for Fine Wood, and always carry portal materials for quick setup during exploration. With these tips, you’ll master portal travel and optimize your speedrun strategy.