How do you handle adds and minions during the Elder boss fight in co-op?

The Elder boss fight in Valheim is a challenging encounter, especially in co-op, due to the boss''s ability to summon adds and minions. These adds, known as Greydwarf Brutes and Shamans, can overwhelm players if not handled properly. To succeed, your team must coordinate roles, manage resources, and prioritize targets effectively.\n\nFirst, prepare thoroughly before the fight. Ensure all players have upgraded gear, such as Troll Armor or Bronze Armor, and weapons like Finewood Bows or Bronze Swords. Bring plenty of arrows, healing meads, and stamina meads. The Elder is weak to fire, so Fire Arrows are highly effective. Additionally, clear the area around the boss spawn to avoid distractions from other enemies in the Black Forest biome.\n\nDuring the fight, assign roles to each player. One player should focus on kiting the Elder, using the terrain to avoid its ranged root attacks and melee stomps. The other players should handle the adds. Greydwarf Brutes are tanky and deal high damage, while Shamans can heal other enemies. Prioritize killing Shamans first to prevent them from healing the Brutes or the Elder.\n\nUse the environment to your advantage. The Elder''s arena often has large trees and rocks that can block its attacks and provide cover. Players handling adds should stay close to these structures to avoid being hit by the Elder''s ranged attacks. If the adds become too numerous, use hit-and-run tactics to thin their numbers before re-engaging the boss.\n\nCommunication is key in co-op. Call out when adds spawn, and coordinate focus fire to eliminate them quickly. If a player is overwhelmed, others should assist immediately. Healing meads should be used strategically, especially when low on health or stamina. Avoid wasting them during minor skirmishes.\n\nA common challenge is managing stamina during prolonged fights. The Elder and its adds can drain stamina quickly, leaving players vulnerable. To counter this, use stamina meads and avoid unnecessary sprinting. Players should also take turns engaging the boss to allow others to recover stamina and health.\n\nFinally, stay mobile and adapt to the situation. The Elder''s attacks are telegraphed, so watch for its animations and dodge accordingly. If the fight moves to an unfavorable location, such as near other hostile mobs, retreat to a safer area and regroup. With proper preparation, coordination, and execution, your team can defeat the Elder and its minions efficiently.\n\nPractical tips: Always bring extra arrows, as the Elder has a large health pool. Use campfires or bonfires to create safe zones for healing and stamina recovery. If playing with fewer players, consider using traps or environmental hazards to control adds. Lastly, practice dodging and kiting techniques to minimize damage taken during the fight.