What is the best shield for blocking Bonemass''s poison attacks?

When facing Bonemass, one of Valheim''s toughest bosses, blocking its poison attacks is crucial for survival. The best shield for this purpose is the Iron Buckler, which excels in parrying and blocking physical and poison damage. Bonemass primarily uses melee attacks and a poison AoE (Area of Effect) ability, making a shield with high block power and parry bonus essential. The Iron Buckler, crafted with 10 Iron and 4 Fine Wood, is ideal because it combines high block power with a significant parry bonus, allowing you to mitigate damage effectively.\n\nTo craft the Iron Buckler, you must first gather Iron from the Swamp biome. Iron is found in Muddy Scrap Piles within Sunken Crypts, which require a Swamp Key to access. Once you have enough Iron, smelt it in a Smelter using Coal. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes. With these materials, craft the Iron Buckler at a Forge. This shield is lightweight and perfect for quick parries, making it a top choice for Bonemass.\n\nBonemass''s poison attacks are particularly dangerous because they deal damage over time and can quickly drain your health. To counter this, always keep your shield raised when Bonemass is nearby. The Iron Buckler''s high block power reduces the damage you take, while its parry bonus allows you to stagger Bonemass, creating openings for counterattacks. Pair the shield with a strong melee weapon like the Iron Mace, as Bonemass is weak to blunt damage.\n\nIn addition to using the Iron Buckler, prepare for the fight by crafting Poison Resistance Mead. This mead reduces poison damage by 75% and is essential for surviving Bonemass''s poison AoE. To brew it, you need a Cauldron and Fermenter, along with ingredients like Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Consume the mead before the fight and keep extra bottles in your inventory for prolonged battles.\n\nDuring the fight, focus on timing your blocks and parries. Bonemass''s melee attacks are slow but powerful, so wait for the right moment to raise your shield. If you successfully parry, Bonemass will be staggered, giving you a few seconds to land critical hits. Avoid standing in the poison AoE by moving away when Bonemass raises its arm to summon the cloud. Use the terrain to your advantage by positioning yourself near trees or rocks to block its attacks.\n\nFor new players, mastering the parry mechanic is key. Practice parrying with weaker enemies in the Meadows or Black Forest to get a feel for the timing. Experienced Vikings should focus on optimizing their gear and consumables. Equip the best armor you can craft, such as Iron Armor, and bring plenty of healing items like Cooked Meat and Berries. With the right preparation and strategy, the Iron Buckler will help you block Bonemass''s poison attacks and emerge victorious.\n\nIn summary, the Iron Buckler is the best shield for blocking Bonemass''s poison attacks due to its high block power and parry bonus. Craft it using Iron and Fine Wood, and pair it with Poison Resistance Mead and a blunt weapon for maximum effectiveness. Practice parrying, use the terrain wisely, and keep your health topped up to defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy.