Is Frostner Good Against Bonemass? A Deep Dive into Valheim’s Boss Battle
The short answer is: yes, Frostner is good against Bonemass, but it’s not the best weapon, and relying solely on it could lead to a longer and more challenging fight. While Frostner does possess the key damage types that Bonemass is weak against – blunt and frost – there are other considerations that make it a more nuanced choice than a clear-cut, go-to option. Let’s delve deeper into why.
Understanding Bonemass’s Weaknesses and Frostner’s Strengths
Bonemass, the monstrous, swamp-dwelling boss of Valheim, is primarily vulnerable to blunt damage. This means that weapons like maces and clubs are your most effective tools. Additionally, Bonemass also exhibits a weakness to frost damage.
Frostner is a unique weapon, a mace-style hammer that deals both blunt and frost damage. This would make you think that it would be the perfect option, however, it’s important to understand its damage breakdown. Frostner’s blunt damage is not as high as some other readily available blunt weapons, such as the Iron Mace. While the frost damage component is certainly helpful, it’s not sufficient to make Frostner the most optimal choice against Bonemass.
The reason it is not ideal is simple, Frostner requires silver to craft, which is hard to find before defeating Bonemass. This leads to players seeking alternatives such as the Iron Mace which is significantly easier to acquire prior to the boss fight.
The Importance of Blunt Damage
Bonemass’s heavy resistance to most other forms of damage makes blunt damage the priority. Weapons dealing piercing or slashing damage will be largely ineffective against this massive blob of a boss. The Iron Mace in particular, is a superb weapon due to it being the best mace achievable prior to defeating Bonemass, as well as being far easier to craft than Frostner. The mace is crafted with 20 Iron, 4 Wood, and 3 Leather Scraps making it very viable.
Why Frost Damage Helps, But Isn’t Everything
While frost damage is another weakness of Bonemass, the amount of frost damage Frostner dishes out isn’t high enough to carry you through the fight. It’s a welcome addition, adding to the overall damage, but not enough to compensate if your blunt damage is weak. Frost Arrows, while useful, are best used in conjunction with melee weaponry. They allow for some supplemental damage from a safer distance.
Frostner’s Secondary Usefulness
It’s important to note that even if the Frostner isn’t ideal against Bonemass, it is very strong for when you later enter the mountain biome. Frostner is very useful against Fulings and other enemies in the mountains that have a weakness to frost, and the high knockback is also extremely useful when you’re getting swarmed by enemies. It’s important to weigh whether crafting the Frostner before facing Bonemass is worth the resources when you know that it will be extremely useful later in the game.
A More Effective Approach to Bonemass
While the Frostner isn’t terrible, focusing on a more readily accessible blunt weapon like the Iron Mace, combined with Frost Arrows for additional damage, is generally the more practical and effective strategy.
Additionally, a Banded Shield and Iron Armor set will provide crucial defense. You need to be able to withstand Bonemass’s attacks, which include a powerful melee swing and a damaging poison cloud. Parrying Bonemass is also viable, providing a brief opening for melee attacks. A Bronze Buckler provides the highest parry bonus and would make an excellent choice of shield.
The general strategy is to get close to Bonemass, hit it with your Iron Mace (or other strong blunt weapon), and dodge or parry its melee attacks. When Bonemass releases its poison cloud you should disengage to avoid the damage, and then re-engage when the poison is clear. Supplement your melee with Frost Arrows fired from a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I craft Frostner before fighting Bonemass?
Yes, it is theoretically possible to craft Frostner before fighting Bonemass but it is extremely challenging due to the need for Silver, which is usually found in the Mountains, often requiring the Wishbone that is only found after defeating Bonemass. The time investment and difficulty of acquiring the silver often make this an impractical strategy.
2. What is the best weapon against Bonemass?
The Iron Mace is generally considered the best weapon against Bonemass due to its high blunt damage and ease of crafting prior to this fight. Frost Arrows provide supplemental damage from a distance.
3. Is Bonemass weak to frost arrows?
Yes, Bonemass is weak to frost damage, and frost arrows can significantly contribute to the fight, especially when used in conjunction with a good melee weapon.
4. Can you parry Bonemass?
Yes, you can parry Bonemass’s melee attacks. A successful parry provides a brief opening for you to get in some extra hits. A Bronze Buckler will be your best shield for parrying.
5. Is Bonemass weak to fire?
No, Bonemass is not weak to fire damage. It is primarily weak to blunt damage and also to frost damage.
6. Is Moder easier than Bonemass?
Generally, yes, Moder is considered easier than Bonemass. While Moder is a tougher boss with more health, her attacks are more predictable and easier to avoid if the player maintains their distance.
7. What kills Bonemass?
Blunt damage is the most effective way to damage Bonemass. Weapons like the Iron Mace are essential. Frost damage is also helpful, but the main damage should come from blunt weapons.
8. Can you block Bonemass?
Yes, you can block Bonemass’s melee attacks, but you’ll need a sturdy shield. Bonemass has a wide reach, so dodging can also be helpful. You cannot block Bonemass’ poison cloud.
9. What should I bring to fight Bonemass?
Essential items include a strong blunt weapon like the Iron Mace, Frost Arrows, a good shield, an Iron Armor set, and plenty of healing potions and stamina-boosting foods.
10. How do I summon Bonemass?
You summon Bonemass by placing 10 Withered Bones on its Mystical Altar, which is located in the Swamp biome.
11. Is Frostner the best weapon in Valheim?
No, Frostner is not the best weapon in Valheim overall. While it is a strong weapon, particularly in the Mountains, other weapons like the Silver Sword against undead, and Krom in later biomes are better in their respective areas.
12. What is the easiest way to beat Bonemass?
The easiest approach is to be well-prepared with the correct gear and to use strategy: strong blunt damage weapons like the Iron Mace for melee, Frost Arrows for ranged, a shield for defense, and knowing when to disengage from the poison attacks.
13. What is Frostner good against?
Frostner is particularly effective against enemies weak to frost damage, such as many of the enemies in the Mountain biome, particularly Fulings. Its blunt damage helps against a wide range of enemies also.
14. Is the Crystal Battleaxe worth it?
The Crystal Battleaxe is a strong two-handed axe with spirit damage, which is excellent against undead enemies, but it is cumbersome compared to other weaponry.
15. Is Frostner or the Silver Sword better?
It depends on the situation. The Silver Sword is better against undead with its high slash and spirit damage. Frostner is better against enemies weak to frost and has utility for fighting groups of enemies due to its high knockback. Both are excellent choices in specific situations, and are not interchangeable.