How do you locate The Elder’s summoning altar in the Black Forest?

Locating The Elder’s summoning altar in Valheim is a critical step for progressing through the game and defeating the second boss. The Elder is found in the Black Forest biome, but the altar itself is not immediately visible. To find it, you must first locate a Vegvisir runestone, which acts as a guide to the altar’s location. These runestones are scattered throughout the Black Forest, often near burial chambers or stone structures. Once you interact with the Vegvisir, it will mark The Elder’s summoning altar on your map, making it easier to navigate.\n\nBefore setting out to find the Vegvisir, ensure you are well-prepared. The Black Forest is home to dangerous enemies like Greydwarfs, Skeletons, and Trolls, so having a strong weapon, such as a Flint Spear or Bronze Axe, is essential. Additionally, wear armor like Troll Hide or Bronze to increase your survivability. Bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries, and consider crafting a shield to block incoming attacks. A bow and arrows are also useful for dealing with enemies from a distance.\n\nTo locate the Vegvisir runestone, explore the Black Forest thoroughly. Look for stone structures, burial chambers, or other landmarks, as these are common locations for the runestones. Burial chambers, in particular, are a reliable source of Vegvisir markers, but they are also filled with Skeletons, so proceed with caution. If you find a burial chamber, light a torch or equip a weapon before entering. Once inside, search the walls for the glowing runestone and interact with it to reveal The Elder’s altar location.\n\nOnce the altar’s location is marked on your map, head to the designated area. The Elder’s altar is a massive stone structure with a glowing red symbol, making it easy to spot. However, the journey to the altar can be perilous, as the Black Forest is dense and filled with enemies. Stick to cleared paths when possible, and avoid venturing too far into unexplored areas unless you are confident in your combat skills. If you encounter a Troll, consider sneaking past or using ranged attacks to avoid direct confrontation.\n\nWhen you arrive at the altar, you will need to summon The Elder by offering three Ancient Seeds. These seeds are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes or Shamans, or by looting chests in burial chambers. Once you have the seeds, place them in the altar’s offering bowl to summon the boss. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as The Elder has powerful ranged and melee attacks. Use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind trees or rocks to avoid its attacks.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that The Elder is weak to fire damage. Crafting Fire Arrows and using a Finewood Bow can significantly increase your damage output during the fight. Additionally, bring plenty of healing items and consider setting up a small base or portal nearby to respawn quickly if needed. For experienced players, consider using terrain manipulation to create barriers or traps to slow down The Elder’s movements.\n\nIn summary, locating The Elder’s summoning altar involves finding a Vegvisir runestone in the Black Forest, preparing for combat, and navigating to the marked location. Once there, summon The Elder using Ancient Seeds and prepare for a tough battle. With proper preparation and strategy, you can defeat The Elder and unlock new crafting recipes and progression opportunities in Valheim.