What’s the best way to share and use the Porcupine mace for late-game combat?

The Porcupine mace is one of the most powerful late-game weapons in Valheim, combining blunt and piercing damage to deal with a wide range of enemies. To effectively share and use this weapon in a team setting, you need to understand its crafting requirements, combat mechanics, and strategies for maximizing its potential. The Porcupine is crafted at a level 4 Forge using 5 Fine Wood, 20 Iron, 10 Needles, and 5 Linen Thread. Fine Wood is obtained from Birch and Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, Iron is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp, Needles drop from Deathsquitos in the Plains, and Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which is also found in the Plains.\n\nTo share the Porcupine effectively, ensure your team has access to a Forge and the necessary resources. If one player crafts the weapon, others can use it by passing it through the inventory. However, it’s more efficient for each team member to craft their own Porcupine, as this avoids downtime during combat. To gather resources efficiently, divide tasks: one player can focus on mining Iron in the Swamp, another can hunt Deathsquitos in the Plains, and a third can gather Fine Wood and Flax. This division of labor ensures a steady supply of materials for everyone.\n\nIn combat, the Porcupine excels against both armored and unarmored foes due to its dual damage types. Its blunt damage is particularly effective against skeletons, blobs, and other enemies weak to blunt attacks, while its piercing damage is useful against creatures like Lox and Fulings in the Plains. To maximize its effectiveness, pair the Porcupine with a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield, to block incoming attacks while delivering powerful counterattacks. Timing is key: use the secondary attack (middle mouse button) for a heavy strike that deals significant damage but consumes more stamina.\n\nOne common challenge is managing stamina during prolonged fights. To address this, equip stamina-boosting foods like Serpent Stew, Bread, and Lox Meat Pie. These foods provide a high stamina pool, allowing you to perform multiple attacks and blocks without running out of energy. Additionally, consider using the Eikthyr power for reduced stamina consumption when sprinting or attacking, or the Bonemass power for increased resistance to physical damage during tough battles.\n\nFor team play, coordinate roles during combat. For example, one player can focus on tanking enemies with the Porcupine and a shield, while another uses a bow or spear to deal ranged damage. This strategy is particularly effective in the Plains biome, where Fuling camps and Lox herds pose significant threats. When facing groups of enemies, use the Porcupine’s wide swing arc to hit multiple targets at once, but be mindful of your positioning to avoid being surrounded.\n\nFinally, keep your Porcupine upgraded to level 4 for maximum damage output. This requires additional Iron, Needles, and Linen Thread, so ensure your team continues to gather these resources as you progress. By following these steps and strategies, your team can effectively share and use the Porcupine mace to dominate late-game combat in Valheim.