What are the best ways to avoid Bonemass’s poison attacks in co-op?

Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, is notorious for its devastating poison attacks, which can quickly overwhelm unprepared players, especially in co-op. To avoid these attacks effectively, understanding the boss''s mechanics and preparing accordingly is crucial. Bonemass primarily uses two poison-based attacks: a close-range poison cloud and a long-range poison projectile. Both can deal significant damage over time, making poison resistance and strategic positioning essential for survival.\n\nFirst, poison resistance is your best defense against Bonemass. Crafting and consuming Poison Resistance Mead is a must. This mead provides 10 minutes of 50% poison resistance, significantly reducing the damage from Bonemass''s attacks. To craft it, you''ll need a Fermenter, which requires 30 Fine Wood, 5 Bronze, and 10 Resin. The recipe for Poison Resistance Mead includes 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 1 Neck Tail, and 10 Coal. Ensure every player in your co-op team has at least one mead before engaging the boss.\n\nNext, positioning is key to avoiding Bonemass''s poison attacks. The boss''s poison cloud is a close-range AoE (Area of Effect) attack, so melee fighters should stay mobile and avoid standing in one spot for too long. Ranged players, such as archers, should maintain distance and focus on dodging the poison projectiles. Bonemass''s projectiles are slow-moving and can be sidestepped with proper timing. Practice moving laterally or in a circular pattern around the boss to minimize the risk of being hit.\n\nTerrain manipulation can also give your team an advantage. Before summoning Bonemass, clear the area of obstacles and create a flat, open space to fight. This allows for better visibility and movement. Additionally, consider building a raised platform or treehouse nearby. While Bonemass can destroy structures, having a safe spot to retreat and heal can be a lifesaver. Ensure the platform is high enough to avoid the poison cloud but close enough to re-engage quickly.\n\nCommunication and coordination are vital in co-op. Assign roles to each player, such as tank, DPS (damage per second), and healer. The tank should focus on drawing Bonemass''s attention while the DPS players attack from a safe distance. Healers should prioritize keeping the team''s health topped up, especially after poison damage. Use voice chat or in-game signals to coordinate movements and call out when to retreat or regroup.\n\nFinally, gear and weapons play a significant role in this fight. Equip armor with high blunt resistance, such as Iron Armor, as Bonemass deals primarily blunt damage. For weapons, blunt damage is highly effective against Bonemass. Iron Maces or Frostner (if you have access to Silver) are excellent choices. Ranged players should use Fire Arrows or Frost Arrows for additional damage over time. Ensure everyone has a fully upgraded weapon and shield to maximize efficiency.\n\nIn summary, defeating Bonemass in co-op requires preparation, coordination, and adaptability. Prioritize poison resistance, optimize your positioning, and communicate effectively with your team. With these strategies, you''ll minimize the impact of Bonemass''s poison attacks and emerge victorious.