How do you build a portal network for efficient hardcore exploration?

Building a portal network in Valheim is essential for efficient hardcore exploration, especially when venturing into dangerous biomes like the Swamp, Mountains, or Plains. Portals allow you to quickly travel between locations, reducing the risk of losing valuable resources or progress. To create a portal network, you must first unlock the necessary crafting recipe by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss, and obtaining Hard Antlers. These are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe, which allows you to mine Surtling Cores from Burial Chambers in the Black Forest.\n\nOnce you have at least two Surtling Cores, you can craft a Charcoal Kiln and a Smelter to process Wood into Coal and Metal Ores into Bars. These materials are crucial for crafting the Forge, which is required to make Bronze Nails. Bronze Nails, along with Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes, are used to craft Portals. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, while Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarf enemies.\n\nTo set up a portal network, you need to establish a naming system for your portals. Each portal must have a unique name, and both ends of the portal must share the same name to connect. For example, if you name a portal ''Base,'' you can create another portal elsewhere with the same name to link them. This allows you to travel instantly between your base and remote locations. Always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Bronze Nails) when exploring to set up temporary portals for quick escapes or resource transport.\n\nA common challenge in hardcore exploration is running out of portal materials or forgetting to name portals correctly. To avoid this, always carry extra materials and double-check portal names before activating them. Additionally, consider building a central hub at your base with multiple portals labeled for specific biomes or purposes, such as ''Swamp,'' ''Mountains,'' or ''Mining.'' This ensures you can quickly access any area without confusion.\n\nWhen exploring dangerous biomes, it’s wise to set up a small outpost with a portal near the biome’s edge. This allows you to retreat quickly if overwhelmed by enemies. For example, in the Swamp biome, place a portal on the border of the Black Forest to avoid constant attacks from Draugr and Leeches. In the Mountains, set up a portal at the base to avoid freezing or falling damage while mining Silver.\n\nFinally, always secure your portals by building walls or fences around them to prevent enemy interference. Enemies like Trolls or Fulings can destroy portals if left unprotected. Use Workbenches or other structures to prevent enemy spawns near your portals. By following these steps, you can create a reliable portal network that enhances your hardcore exploration and minimizes risks.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a Hammer and portal materials when exploring. Label portals clearly and keep a backup set of materials at your base. Use the central hub system to organize your network efficiently. Protect portals with defensive structures to ensure they remain functional during raids or enemy attacks.