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How Do You Summon Bosses in Valheim? A Comprehensive Guide

In the challenging and rewarding world of Valheim, facing formidable bosses is a crucial step in progressing through the game. These epic battles not only test your combat skills but also unlock valuable resources and abilities, paving the way for further exploration and crafting. The method of summoning each boss is unique, requiring specific actions and sacrifices at designated locations. Essentially, you need to locate a summoning altar for each boss and offer the required items to initiate the fight. Each biome has a unique boss, and each boss requires a different sacrifice, making exploration and resource gathering essential parts of the game. This article dives deep into the summoning process, offering a comprehensive guide for each boss, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Boss Summoning Mechanic

The foundation of summoning bosses in Valheim rests on the concept of Vegvisir runestones and altars. As you explore each biome, you’ll need to search for these runestones. They reveal the location of the biome’s boss’s summoning altar on your map. Once found, the altar serves as the designated spot where you must sacrifice specific items to summon the boss. The sacrifice isn’t a random act; it’s usually something thematically tied to the biome or the boss itself. This system encourages players to fully engage with the game’s world, exploring, gathering, and crafting before taking on these colossal challenges.

Summoning Each Boss: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a breakdown of how to summon each boss in Valheim, from the very first encounter to the most recently added challenge:

Eikthyr

Eikthyr is the first boss you’ll encounter and is found in the Meadows biome.

Vegvisir Runestone: Found in the small stone structures throughout the Meadows.
Summoning Altar: The altar is a large stone structure with a bowl in the center, revealed on your map upon using the Vegvisir.
Sacrifice: You’ll need to sacrifice 2 Deer Trophies. Equip the trophies to your hotbar and use the appropriate number key while aiming at the altar.

The Elder

The Elder is the second boss, found in the Black Forest biome.

Vegvisir Runestone: Found in Burial Chambers or around stone ruins within the Black Forest.
Summoning Altar: The altar is marked by a large stone structure with a central fire pit.
Sacrifice: You need to offer 3 Elder Seeds. Drop the seeds into the fire at the altar.

Bonemass

Bonemass, the third boss, is located in the Swamp biome.

Vegvisir Runestone: Often found in Sunken Crypts in the Swamp.
Summoning Altar: The altar appears as a large, skull-like structure.
Sacrifice: The required offering is 10 Withered Bones. Place these on the altar by having them on your hotbar and using the corresponding key.

Moder

Moder, the fourth boss, resides in the Mountains biome.

Vegvisir Runestone: Usually found in stone ruins within the Mountains.
Summoning Altar: The altar has three bowls at the center of it.
Sacrifice: You must place 3 Dragon Eggs into the three bowls at the altar. Equip the Dragon Eggs to your hotbar and use the appropriate number key to place them in the bowls. Dragon Eggs are found in Drake nests in the Mountains biome.

Yagluth

Yagluth, previously the final boss, is located in the Plains biome.

Vegvisir Runestone: Found at Stonehenge-like structures in the Plains.
Summoning Altar: Located in the plains, appearing as a damaged altar, surrounded by stone pillars.
Sacrifice: To summon Yagluth, you need to place 5 Fuling Totems on the altar.

The Queen

The Queen is the most recent boss added and is located in the Mistlands biome.

Summoning Altar: The Queen does not use a traditional altar.
Sacrifice: The Queen is initially summoned by progressing through an Infested Citadel. After the initial defeat, she can be summoned again by placing 3 Seeker Soldier Trophies on the hive seat at the top of the citadel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Vegvisir Runestones and how do I use them?

Vegvisir runestones are unique interactable stones found in various biomes that reveal the location of the specific biome’s boss summoning altar on your map. Simply interact with them to activate their effect.

2. Do I need to find a Vegvisir every time I want to summon a boss?

No, you only need to find the Vegvisir runestone once for each boss. After locating the boss altar once, the location remains on your map permanently.

3. What happens if I die during a boss fight?

If you die during a boss fight, you will respawn at your last active spawn point. The boss’s health will remain where you left it, meaning that it will not fully reset. You will have to return to the boss arena and continue the fight.

4. Can I summon a boss multiple times?

Yes, after defeating a boss, you can summon them again as long as you have the required items for the sacrifice. This allows players to farm boss trophies and other drops.

5. Is there an order I should fight the bosses in?

Yes, the generally recommended order for boss fights is: Eikthyr, The Elder, Bonemass, Moder, Yagluth, and finally The Queen. This order is structured around the progression of the game and the increasing difficulty.

6. What are the benefits of defeating bosses?

Defeating bosses rewards you with unique items, trophies, and key items. Some of these drops allow you to progress into new biomes, craft new gear, and unlock new abilities. For example, The Elder drops the Swamp Key, which lets you explore the Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome.

7. What should I be equipped with before fighting the first boss, Eikthyr?

Before fighting Eikthyr, ensure you have basic gear such as crafted weapons, leather armor, a shield and a good food buff. Make sure you’re comfortable using the block/parry system, as this is key in the fight.

8. What is the best strategy to defeat The Elder?

The Elder is weak to fire damage. Use fire arrows to keep the fight shorter and safer, along with a good set of armor such as Troll Leather Armor or Bronze Armor. Also, keep a medium distance, avoiding its roots and spiked root attacks.

9. What is the most difficult boss in Valheim?

Currently, The Queen is considered the most difficult boss in Valheim. Her high health and multiple attack types make her a challenging fight.

10. Is there a final boss in Valheim?

While initially Yagluth was considered the final boss, The Queen is now considered the end-game boss. It’s important to note that Valheim doesn’t have a traditional end-game. Players can continue to play and progress even after the final boss.

11. Can I summon bosses with other players?

Yes, the boss summon event is the same in multiplayer as it is in single-player. All players will receive the benefits of the boss drop, and it can be a great idea to team up to fight bosses in multiplayer.

12. Are there any limitations on when you can summon a boss?

There aren’t any limitations on when you can summon a boss, but the weather and time of day can make the fight more difficult. Beating bosses in the rain is harder as you have a decreased stamina regen. It is often best to fight bosses during the day, in the absence of rain.

13. What type of damage is the most effective against bosses?

Different bosses have different weaknesses. For instance, The Elder is weak to fire, while Bonemass is weak to blunt damage. Understanding a boss’s weaknesses can make fights significantly easier.

14. Do boss fights have any impact on the game world?

Defeating bosses opens up different aspects of the game, such as new biomes, recipes and crafting options. Certain items, such as the Swamp Key, are needed to progress into different areas of the game.

15. What happens if I summon a boss and don’t fight it right away?

The boss will remain in the arena where it was summoned until defeated or until the player leaves the area and it resets. It’s often best to summon the boss only when you are prepared.

How do you summon bosses in Valheim?