What shield is recommended for fighting Bonemass?

When preparing to fight Bonemass, one of Valheim''s challenging bosses, choosing the right shield is critical for survival. Bonemass is a powerful enemy found in the Swamp biome, and its attacks deal significant blunt damage. To effectively counter this, you need a shield that can block or parry its attacks while minimizing damage to your health. The best shield for this fight is the Iron Shield, specifically the Iron Tower Shield or the Iron Buckler, depending on your playstyle.\n\nThe Iron Tower Shield is ideal for players who prefer a defensive approach. It has a high block power, allowing you to absorb most of Bonemass''s attacks without taking significant damage. However, it is heavier and slower, which means you cannot parry with it. If you are confident in your timing and prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the Iron Buckler is a better choice. It has lower block power but allows for parrying, which can stagger Bonemass and create openings for counterattacks.\n\nTo craft either shield, you will need to venture into the Swamp biome to gather Iron. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in Sunken Crypts, which are scattered throughout the Swamp. You will also need a Smelter to process the scrap into Iron Bars and a Forge to craft the shield. For the Iron Tower Shield, you need 10 Iron Bars and 4 Wood, while the Iron Buckler requires 10 Iron Bars and 4 Fine Wood. Fine Wood can be obtained by chopping Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes.\n\nOnce you have your shield, it is essential to practice blocking and parrying before the fight. Bonemass has three main attacks: a melee swipe, a poison spit, and a summoning ability that spawns additional enemies. The melee swipe is the most dangerous, as it deals high blunt damage. To block or parry this attack, time your shield raise just before the attack lands. If you are using the Iron Buckler, a successful parry will stagger Bonemass, giving you a few seconds to deal damage with your weapon.\n\nDuring the fight, positioning is key. Bonemass is slow but has a wide attack range, so keep your distance when it prepares to attack. Use the terrain to your advantage by staying on higher ground or behind obstacles to avoid its poison spit. If you are overwhelmed by summoned enemies, focus on clearing them first before re-engaging Bonemass. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as blocking and dodging consume stamina quickly.\n\nFor additional protection, consider upgrading your shield at the Forge. Upgrading the Iron Tower Shield or Iron Buckler increases its block power, making it even more effective against Bonemass. Pair your shield with a strong melee weapon like the Iron Mace, as Bonemass is weak to blunt damage. Finally, bring healing items like Health Mead and Poison Resistance Mead to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nIn summary, the Iron Tower Shield or Iron Buckler is the best choice for fighting Bonemass, depending on your preferred playstyle. Gather Iron from the Swamp biome, craft your shield, and practice blocking or parrying before the fight. Use terrain and stamina management to your advantage, and upgrade your shield for maximum effectiveness. With the right preparation, you can defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy.