What’s the best way to share portal networks in multiplayer?

Sharing portal networks in Valheim multiplayer is essential for efficient exploration, resource gathering, and teamwork. Portals allow players to quickly travel between distant locations, but coordinating their use in a group requires planning and communication. To start, all players must agree on a naming convention for portals to avoid confusion. For example, naming portals after biomes (e.g., BlackForest1, Swamp2) or specific landmarks (e.g., ElderAltar, CopperMine) ensures everyone knows where each portal leads.\n\nTo create a shared portal network, players must first gather the necessary resources: 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores per portal. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping Birch or Oak trees, Greydwarf Eyes drop from Greydwarves, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once the materials are collected, players can craft portals at a Workbench. Each portal must be paired with another portal that has the exact same name.\n\nA common challenge in multiplayer is ensuring all players have access to the same portal network. One solution is to designate a central hub, such as the main base, where all portals are connected. For example, if the main base has a portal named Home, players can create additional portals in different biomes with the same name to link back to the hub. This allows everyone to return to the base quickly, regardless of their location. Additionally, players can use temporary portals for specific tasks, such as mining or boss fights, and rename them as needed.\n\nAnother important consideration is portal placement. Portals should be placed in safe, easily accessible locations to avoid losing progress or resources. For example, placing a portal near a Black Forest copper mine ensures players can quickly transport ore back to the base. However, portals cannot transport metal ores or ingots, so players must still sail or walk these items back. To mitigate this, players can establish secondary bases with smelters and forges near resource-rich areas, reducing the need for long-distance travel.\n\nCommunication is key to maintaining an effective portal network. Players should regularly update each other on new portal locations and changes to existing ones. Using in-game signs or a shared map marker system can help keep everyone informed. For example, if a player discovers a new Swamp biome with valuable resources, they can place a portal and mark it on the map for others to use. This ensures the entire group benefits from the discovery.\n\nFinally, experienced players can optimize portal networks by creating dedicated portals for specific purposes. For instance, a portal named Boss can be used exclusively for boss fights, while a portal named Farm can connect to a dedicated farming area. This reduces the need to rename portals frequently and minimizes confusion. Additionally, players can use portals to explore dangerous biomes like the Plains or Mountains, allowing them to retreat quickly if overwhelmed.\n\nIn summary, sharing portal networks in Valheim multiplayer requires careful planning, resource management, and communication. By establishing a central hub, using clear naming conventions, and placing portals strategically, players can create an efficient and reliable network that enhances their gameplay experience. Whether you''re a new Viking or a seasoned adventurer, these tips will help you and your team navigate the world of Valheim with ease.