How do you counter Fuling Berserkers with a shield and parry?

Countering Fuling Berserkers in Valheim requires a combination of proper shield usage, precise parrying, and strategic positioning. Fuling Berserkers are among the toughest enemies in the Plains biome, known for their devastating melee attacks and high health pool. To effectively counter them, you need a strong shield, good timing, and an understanding of their attack patterns.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a high-tier shield, such as the Black Metal Shield or the Serpent Scale Shield. These shields offer the best block power and durability, which are essential for surviving the Berserker''s heavy hits. The Black Metal Shield, for example, requires Black Metal, Fine Wood, and Chains to craft, making it a late-game item. If you don''t have access to these yet, the Silver Shield or even the Iron Buckler can work, but they require more precise parrying.\n\nParrying is the most effective way to counter Fuling Berserkers. To parry, you must raise your shield just as the Berserker''s attack is about to land. This requires precise timing, as parrying too early or too late will result in taking full damage. When you successfully parry, the Berserker will be staggered, leaving it vulnerable to a counterattack. Use this opportunity to land a few heavy hits with a high-damage weapon like the Black Metal Sword or Frostner.\n\nPositioning is also critical when fighting Fuling Berserkers. These enemies have a wide attack arc and can deal massive damage if you''re caught in their swing. Always try to fight them one-on-one, as multiple enemies can overwhelm you quickly. Use the environment to your advantage by keeping obstacles like rocks or trees between you and the Berserker to limit their movement and create openings for attacks.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with the Berserker''s ground slam attack, which has a wide area of effect and can knock you back. To counter this, stay at medium range and bait the attack. Once the Berserker slams the ground, quickly close the distance and parry their follow-up swing. This strategy minimizes the risk of being caught in the slam''s AoE while setting up a perfect parry opportunity.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to practice parrying on weaker enemies like Greydwarves or Skeletons before taking on Fuling Berserkers. This will help you get a feel for the timing and mechanics of parrying. Additionally, always bring healing items like Cooked Lox Meat or Health Mead to recover from any mistakes during the fight.\n\nExperienced Vikings can optimize their strategy by using Frostner or Porcupine, which deal additional stagger damage, making it easier to stagger the Berserker after a parry. Combining these weapons with the Bonemass power, which reduces physical damage taken, can make the fight significantly easier.\n\nIn summary, countering Fuling Berserkers with a shield and parry requires preparation, timing, and strategy. Equip a high-tier shield, master the parry timing, and use the environment to your advantage. Practice on weaker enemies to build confidence, and always bring healing items to stay in the fight. With these tips, you''ll be able to take down even the toughest Fuling Berserkers in the Plains biome.