What’s the fastest way to gather surtling cores for a portal network?

Surtling cores are essential for building portals and smelters in Valheim, making them a critical resource for speedrunning and efficient gameplay. The fastest way to gather surtling cores is by exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome. These dungeons are filled with skeletons and traps but also contain surtling cores in chests or as standalone loot. To maximize efficiency, prepare by crafting a club or axe for combat, a shield for defense, and a torch for lighting. Food like cooked meat or berries will help sustain your health and stamina during exploration.\n\nBefore venturing into the Black Forest, ensure you have a basic understanding of the biome''s dangers. Greydwarfs and skeletons are common enemies, so practice blocking and dodging to conserve health. Burial Chambers are easily identifiable by their stone entrances and green torches. Once inside, use your torch to light the way and carefully navigate the corridors. Surtling cores are often found in chests or on pedestals, so thoroughly explore each room. Be cautious of traps like spike walls and falling boulders, as they can quickly deplete your health.\n\nFor speedrunning, prioritize efficiency over combat. Avoid unnecessary fights with skeletons unless they block your path. Use the environment to your advantage by luring enemies into traps or narrow corridors where you can fight them one at a time. If you encounter a large group of skeletons, consider retreating and regrouping rather than risking death. Death in Valheim can set you back significantly, especially in the early game, so always prioritize survival over speed.\n\nAnother method to gather surtling cores quickly is by farming Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. However, this approach is more advanced and requires better gear, as Surtlings are fire-based enemies that deal significant damage. If you''re an experienced player with access to iron or better weapons, you can farm Surtlings by luring them into water, which instantly kills them and drops surtling cores. This method is faster but riskier, as the Ashlands biome is far from the starting area and requires preparation.\n\nTo optimize your portal network, aim to gather at least 10 surtling cores early in the game. This allows you to build multiple portals and smelters, which are crucial for transporting resources and crafting advanced gear. Once you have enough cores, prioritize building a portal near your base and another in a strategic location, such as near a Black Forest or Swamp biome. This setup ensures you can quickly travel between biomes and gather additional resources without wasting time.\n\nPractical tips for gathering surtling cores include marking Burial Chambers on your map as you explore. This allows you to revisit them later if you need more cores. Additionally, always carry a pickaxe to mine any ore you find in the Black Forest, as it can be used to upgrade your gear. Finally, consider playing with friends to divide tasks and cover more ground quickly. Cooperative play can significantly speed up the process of gathering surtling cores and building your portal network.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather surtling cores is by exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome. Prepare adequately with weapons, food, and torches, and prioritize efficiency over combat. For advanced players, farming Surtlings in the Ashlands biome is a viable but riskier option. Regardless of your approach, focus on survival and strategic planning to build a robust portal network and progress efficiently in Valheim.