How to Summon The Elder in Valheim Using Ancient Seeds

The Elder, a colossal, tree-like boss in Valheim, is a significant hurdle on your path to conquering the game. Summoning this formidable foe requires a specific ritual involving Ancient Seeds. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to summon The Elder, focusing on the critical role of these seeds:

The process is straightforward: you need to find The Elder’s Mystical Altar, and then sacrifice three Ancient Seeds within the flaming bowl located at the center of the altar. This action will trigger the summoning ritual, bringing The Elder to life. Understanding where to find these seeds and the altar is key to progressing further in Valheim.

Locating The Elder’s Mystical Altar

The Runestones

To find The Elder’s altar, you first need to locate runestones within the Black Forest biome. These runestones often appear inside Burial Chambers or within random stone ruins scattered throughout the Black Forest. They’ll give you an approximate location of The Elder’s altar on your map.

Traveling to the Altar

Be aware that The Elder’s altar is often a considerable distance away, and you might even need to travel to a different island. Once you’ve uncovered the altar’s location on your map, prepare for your journey.

Gathering Ancient Seeds

Where to Find Them

Ancient Seeds are essential for summoning The Elder. You can find them in a few places within the Black Forest:

• Greydwarf Nests: These nests often contain Ancient Seeds.
• Greydwarf Shamans and Brutes: Defeating these enemies can also drop Ancient Seeds.
• Traveling Cart: You might occasionally find them for sale by the Traveling Cart (though this is rare with only a 1.26% chance).
• Ancient Fruit: Although a longer process, you can acquire Ancient Fruit, and if you have a Seed Maker, you can turn this fruit into seeds.

“Burn Their Young”

If you read the runestone next to The Elder’s Altar, it will reveal a cryptic phrase, “burn their young”. This refers to the ritual of sacrificing the Ancient Seeds. This phrase alludes to the fact that Ancient Seeds are considered “young” as they are from ancient trees and that you are essentially burning the life force for the ritual.

Preparing for the Summoning

Before Activating the Altar

Before you place your Ancient Seeds in the Altar, make sure you are fully prepared. The Elder is a tough opponent. Here are a few tips:

• Time of Day: Start the fight as early in the day as possible, as the Black Forest can become more dangerous at night.
• Weather: Avoid fighting during rain, which will negatively affect your stamina regeneration.
• Gear: Equip the best gear you have. Troll hide armor is a good option due to its lack of movement penalties. Consider using a Bronze Sword or a fully upgraded Bronze Axe for melee. Also, bring a good bow and plenty of arrows, especially fire arrows, because of the Elder’s weakness to fire.
• Campfires: Place campfires around the altar’s base before summoning the Elder as the boss will walk around and burn itself.
• Food: Stock up on food that boosts health and stamina.

The Summoning Ritual

Sacrificing the Ancient Seeds

Once you are at The Elder’s altar with your prepared supplies and have all 3 Ancient Seeds, activate the bowl by interacting with it. Place the 3 Ancient Seeds in the bowl. This will ignite the bowl and summon The Elder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Ancient Seeds are needed to summon The Elder?

You need exactly three Ancient Seeds to summon The Elder.

2. What happens after you defeat The Elder?

Defeating The Elder rewards you with the Swamp Key and the Elder Trophy. The Swamp Key unlocks Sunken Crypts in the swamp biome, which is where you start collecting scrap iron.

3. What are the weaknesses of The Elder?

The Elder is made of wood and is therefore highly vulnerable to fire damage.

4. What’s the best weapon to use against The Elder?

A Bronze Sword or an upgraded Bronze Axe are good melee options. Ranged attacks are also beneficial, especially with Fire Arrows.

5. What’s the best armor to wear when fighting The Elder?

Troll Hide Armor is a good option as it doesn’t penalize movement speed. This is important for dodging the Elder’s attacks.

6. What does “Burn Their Young” mean?

This cryptic phrase found on a runestone near The Elder’s altar refers to the act of sacrificing the Ancient Seeds to summon the boss.

7. Where can I find runestones for The Elder?

Runestones can be found inside Burial Chambers or randomly in stone ruins within the Black Forest biome.

8. Can you plant Ancient Seeds?

Yes, Ancient Seeds can be planted. They will take 28 days to mature. They will produce fruit every 7 days after maturing. However, they will die if planted in winter.

9. What is the best way to fight The Elder solo?

Maintain medium range, avoid its summoned roots, and dodge its spiked root attacks. Use a steady barrage of fire arrows, which does fire damage over time. Use campfires on the edges of the arena.

10. Can I get more Ancient Seeds after using them to summon The Elder?

Yes, you can continue to find Ancient Seeds by exploring Greydwarf Nests and defeating Greydwarf Shamans and Brutes as well as by exploring areas and the Travelling Cart.

11. What are Ancient Fruit used for?

Ancient fruit can be used to make wine and other cooking recipes. Using the Seed Maker, you can also turn the Ancient Fruit into Ancient Seeds.

12. Is Bonemass harder than The Elder?

Yes, Bonemass is generally considered one of the hardest bosses in the game.

13. Is The Elder the last boss in Valheim?

No, Yagluth used to be the last boss, but that title now belongs to The Queen, found in the Mistlands biome. The Elder is the second boss.

14. What should I do after defeating The Elder?

After defeating The Elder, you should explore the swamp biome and start crafting iron tools, weapons, and armor by using the Swamp Key to enter Sunken Crypts.

15. Who is the black cloaked figure with a blue eye?

That is Odin, a mysterious figure who can be seen across Valheim.

Conclusion

Summoning The Elder using Ancient Seeds is a crucial step in Valheim’s progression. By understanding the location of the altar, gathering the required seeds, and preparing for the fight, you can overcome this challenge and continue your journey into the game’s depths. Remember to use fire to your advantage against this wooden behemoth, and don’t forget to reap the rewards after your victory.