Conquering The Elder: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapon Choices in Valheim

Facing The Elder in Valheim can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and weapons, victory is well within reach. This ancient, towering tree boss presents a unique challenge that requires a strategic approach to combat. So, what weapons should you use against The Elder? In short, the optimal strategy revolves around using a combination of fire arrows and a fine wood bow for ranged damage, complemented by a bronze axe and a bronze buckler for close-quarters combat. This balanced approach allows you to effectively exploit The Elder’s weaknesses while mitigating its powerful attacks. This article will break down the specific weapon choices and provide a comprehensive strategy to ensure a successful hunt.

The Core Weapon Strategy for The Elder

The Elder is particularly vulnerable to fire damage, making fire arrows an indispensable part of your arsenal. Aiming for a steady barrage of fire arrows will consistently damage the boss over time. As the fire damages the health bar over time, you should aim to maximize time with this method of attack while also being ready for melee when the situation dictates. The fine wood bow is recommended for this because of its superior precision and damage output compared to the standard bow.

Ranged Warfare: Fire Arrows and the Fine Wood Bow

• Fire Arrows: These arrows inflict both immediate damage and burn damage over time, which is The Elder’s key vulnerability. You should aim for at least 100 fire arrows for the battle to ensure you have enough to keep up a consistent assault. Always craft more than you think you need for unexpected issues that may occur.
• Fine Wood Bow: This bow is a must for players who want the most damage output from a range. When crafted from fine wood you have a ranged weapon that is precise and does more damage than the basic bow you will likely have used up until this point in the game.

Melee Combat: The Bronze Axe and Buckler Combo

While fire arrows are crucial for ranged damage, The Elder will occasionally move into close-quarters combat, where you’ll need to rely on melee weapons.

• Bronze Axe: A durable axe for good melee damage. It’s important to upgrade it if possible. This weapon is perfect for getting in some melee attacks between ranged damage rounds.
• Bronze Buckler: This shield is essential for blocking The Elder’s stomps, which can be incredibly damaging. When used correctly, the buckler will give you a chance to counterattack with the axe while minimizing the impact of the stomps.

Strategic Combat Tips

Before engaging The Elder, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its attacks and weaknesses.

• Maintain Medium Range: Keep some distance from The Elder to avoid its spiked root attack and allow time to avoid the summoned roots. This allows you to maintain a more steady pace of damage output with ranged fire arrow attacks.
• Eliminate Summoned Roots: The Elder often summons roots that can hinder your movement and attack. Clear these quickly to maintain your mobility and not get overwhelmed.
• Block the Stomp: When The Elder attacks up close, be ready to block its stomp with the bronze buckler to reduce damage and open an opportunity for melee attacks. This way you can get in damage with your axe between attacks.

Important Preparations for the Battle

Aside from weapons, proper preparations are crucial for victory.

• Food: Prioritize food that boosts stamina. Cooked Fish, Carrot Soup, and Queen’s Jam are excellent choices for this stage of the game. Stamina is essential to maintain movement and combat.
• Armor: Troll hide armor is ideal due to its lack of movement speed penalties, allowing you to dodge and move quickly.
• Poison Resistance Meads: These meads are important as they will help later in the game. If possible, brew a couple of these before the battle with The Elder. This will also give you a chance to set up more beehives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is melee combat a good approach against The Elder?

While ranged combat is preferred for The Elder, melee is necessary for countering when it gets in close. Using a bronze axe in conjunction with the bronze buckler for blocking and counterattacking is effective in the right situations.

2. Why are fire arrows so effective?

Fire arrows inflict fire damage, and this is The Elder’s primary weakness. The burn damage over time significantly reduces its health, making the fight much faster and safer.

3. Can I defeat The Elder without using fire arrows?

While possible, it will be a much longer and more difficult fight. The additional damage of fire arrows greatly increases your damage output and reduces the length of the fight.

4. What other arrows are effective against The Elder?

Bronze arrows are also effective, but fire arrows are the optimal choice due to the boss’s fire vulnerability.

5. What’s the best bow for this fight?

The fine wood bow is the best option at this point due to its increased precision and damage compared to the basic bow.

6. What is the best armor to use against The Elder?

Troll hide armor is an excellent choice due to its light weight and lack of movement speed penalties, which allow you to move and dodge easily.

7. Should I focus on blocking or dodging?

Focus on blocking The Elder’s stomps with the bronze buckler and dodging other attacks.

8. How much food should I bring for the fight?

Bring enough high stamina foods to keep your character running, dodging, and attacking throughout the fight. Consider bringing at least a stack of each food source you choose.

9. What happens after defeating The Elder?

Defeating The Elder unlocks access to the Swamp biome, where you’ll find the third boss, Bonemass. You’ll also need to prepare for crafting iron and building a boat.

10. What are The Elder’s key attacks I should watch out for?

Be aware of its stomp attack, spiked root attack, and summoned roots. Prioritize blocking or dodging the first two and destroying summoned roots.

11. Are swords good against The Elder?

Swords are decent weapons, but for The Elder, the bronze axe is a more viable melee choice due to the block and counter ability.

12. Can I use spears against The Elder?

While spears can be useful, the speed and damage of the bronze axe and range of the bow and arrow make them more viable for this fight.

13. Is it possible to solo The Elder?

Yes, with proper preparation, strategy, and the right weapons, it is very possible to solo The Elder.

14. What is the weakness of The Elder?

The Elder is weak to fire damage, so make sure you are making use of fire arrows for most of the battle.

15. What is the best way to use backstab against enemies?

While backstabbing is useful against many enemies, it will not work on boss fights such as The Elder.

By understanding The Elder’s weaknesses and employing these strategic weapon choices and tips, you’ll be well-prepared to take on this challenging boss and move further in your Valheim journey. Good luck, Viking!