How do I set up a portal network to save time during exploration?

Setting up a portal network in Valheim is one of the most efficient ways to save time during exploration and streamline your gameplay. Portals allow you to instantly travel between two connected points, eliminating the need for long treks across dangerous biomes. To begin, you must first unlock the portal crafting recipe by obtaining Fine Wood and Greydwarf Eyes, which are essential for crafting the required components.\n\nTo craft a portal, you will need 20 Fine Wood, 2 Greydwarf Eyes, and 10 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarf enemies, which are common in the Black Forest. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once you have the materials, craft a portal at a workbench.\n\nEach portal requires a unique tag to function. When placing a portal, you must assign it a name using the portal''s interface. To connect two portals, they must share the exact same name, including capitalization and spacing. For example, naming one portal ''Home'' and another ''Home'' will link them, allowing instant travel between the two. However, naming one ''Home'' and another ''home'' will not work due to the difference in capitalization.\n\nA practical example of setting up a portal network is to establish a central hub at your main base. Name this portal ''Hub'' and place it in a secure location. As you explore new biomes, such as the Swamp or Mountains, set up additional portals with unique names like ''Swamp1'' or ''MountainBase''. This allows you to quickly return to your hub and access other areas without retracing your steps. Always carry portal materials (Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores) during exploration to set up temporary portals when needed.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores, which are required for crafting portals. To address this, prioritize exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest early in the game. These dungeons often contain multiple Surtling Cores, providing enough resources to craft several portals. Additionally, Surtlings in the Ashlands biome drop Surtling Cores when defeated, making them a renewable source.\n\nAnother tip is to use portals strategically for resource gathering. For example, if you find a rich copper or silver deposit in the Black Forest or Mountains, set up a portal nearby to transport ore back to your base quickly. While metal ores cannot be transported through portals, you can smelt them on-site and transport the bars. This saves significant time compared to hauling heavy ores manually.\n\nFinally, always secure your portals by building protective structures around them. Enemies can destroy portals if left unprotected, especially in dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mountains. Use walls, roofs, and workbenches to create a safe zone around your portals. This ensures your network remains intact and functional throughout your adventures.\n\nIn summary, a well-planned portal network is essential for efficient exploration and resource management in Valheim. Gather the necessary materials, assign unique names to connect portals, and protect them from enemy attacks. By following these steps, you can save time, reduce travel fatigue, and focus on conquering the challenges of Valheim''s vast world.