How do you use the Bonemass power to mitigate damage from bosses?

The Bonemass power is one of the most valuable tools in Valheim for mitigating damage during boss fights. This power, unlocked by defeating the Bonemass boss in the Swamp biome, reduces all physical damage taken by 50% for 5 minutes. This makes it an essential ability for surviving tough encounters, especially against bosses like Moder, Yagluth, or even Bonemass itself. To activate the power, you must first summon and defeat Bonemass, then place its trophy on the corresponding stone at the sacrificial altar.\n\nTo use the Bonemass power effectively, you need to time its activation strategically. Before engaging a boss, ensure you have the power ready by checking the cooldown timer in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Once activated, the power lasts for 5 minutes, so it’s best to use it at the start of the fight or during critical moments when the boss is about to unleash heavy attacks. For example, when fighting Moder, the dragon boss in the Mountains biome, activating Bonemass power can help you survive her devastating melee swipes and frost breath attacks.\n\nPreparation is key to maximizing the effectiveness of the Bonemass power. Before heading into a boss fight, craft and equip the best armor and weapons available for your current progression. For instance, if you’re fighting Yagluth in the Plains biome, wearing padded armor and using a blackmetal weapon will significantly boost your survivability and damage output. Additionally, bring healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads to further enhance your durability during the fight.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing the cooldown of the Bonemass power. Since it has a 20-minute cooldown, you need to plan your fights carefully. If the boss fight drags on longer than 5 minutes, you’ll need to rely on other defensive strategies, such as dodging, blocking with a shield, or using terrain to your advantage. For example, when fighting Bonemass, you can use the surrounding trees and rocks to create barriers that block its attacks while you wait for the power to recharge.\n\nAnother practical tip is to combine the Bonemass power with other buffs and abilities. For instance, eating high-health foods like serpent stew, lox meat pie, and blood pudding will give you a larger health pool, making the 50% damage reduction even more effective. Additionally, using a fully upgraded shield to block attacks can further reduce incoming damage, allowing you to conserve health and stamina during prolonged fights.\n\nIn summary, the Bonemass power is a game-changing ability for mitigating damage in Valheim boss fights. By timing its activation, preparing with the best gear and consumables, and combining it with other defensive strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a new player tackling your first boss or an experienced Viking facing the toughest challenges, mastering the Bonemass power is essential for survival in Valheim.