What are the best strategies for kiting Bonemass to avoid its poison attacks?

Kiting Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, is a critical strategy to avoid its devastating poison attacks and survive the fight. Bonemass is found in the Swamp biome, and its poison aura and ranged attacks make it one of the most challenging bosses in the game. To effectively kite Bonemass, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand its mechanics, and execute a well-planned strategy.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before engaging Bonemass, ensure you have the best gear available. A fully upgraded Iron Mace is highly recommended, as Bonemass is weak to blunt damage. Equip a Draugr Fang bow for ranged attacks, though melee is generally more effective. Wear Iron Armor or better for maximum defense, and bring a shield to block its melee strikes. Stock up on Poison Resistance Mead, as this will significantly reduce the damage from its poison attacks. Additionally, bring Healing Mead and Stamina Mead to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nUnderstanding Bonemass''s attack patterns is crucial. Bonemass has three main attacks: a melee swipe, a poison aura, and a ranged poison projectile. The poison aura deals damage over time to anyone within its radius, while the projectile can be dodged or blocked. To kite Bonemass effectively, you need to stay mobile and avoid its poison attacks. Use the terrain to your advantage by fighting in an open area with minimal obstacles, as Bonemass can get stuck on trees or rocks, making it harder to kite.\n\nTo begin kiting, start by luring Bonemass to a flat, open area in the Swamp. Use your bow to aggro it from a distance, then switch to your melee weapon once it closes in. When Bonemass approaches, dodge its melee swipe by rolling to the side or blocking with your shield. Immediately back away to avoid its poison aura, which has a limited range. Keep moving in a circular or zigzag pattern to stay out of its reach while maintaining enough stamina to dodge or block attacks.\n\nWhen Bonemass uses its ranged poison projectile, sidestep or roll to avoid it. This attack is telegraphed by a brief animation, giving you time to react. If you get hit by poison, quickly consume a Healing Mead and reposition yourself to avoid further damage. Use Poison Resistance Mead before the fight to mitigate the poison''s impact, but don''t rely on it entirely—stay vigilant and keep moving.\n\nOne effective strategy is to build a treehouse or platform near the boss altar. This allows you to attack Bonemass from above while avoiding its melee and poison attacks. However, be cautious, as Bonemass can destroy structures with its attacks. If you choose this method, ensure your platform is high enough to avoid its reach but low enough to deal consistent damage.\n\nFinally, teamwork can make the fight easier. If you''re playing with friends, coordinate your attacks and divide roles. One player can focus on kiting Bonemass while others deal damage from a safe distance. Communication is key to avoid overlapping poison attacks and ensure everyone stays alive.\n\nIn summary, kiting Bonemass requires preparation, understanding of its mechanics, and precise execution. Use Poison Resistance Mead, stay mobile, and exploit the terrain to avoid its attacks. With the right strategy, you can defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy, unlocking the next stage of your Valheim journey.