What are the best melee weapons for fighting Bonemass in co-op?

Fighting Bonemass in Valheim is one of the most challenging co-op boss encounters, especially for melee-focused players. Bonemass is the third boss in the game and resides in the Swamp biome. This boss is highly resistant to most damage types, except for blunt damage, making it crucial to choose the right melee weapons and strategies for a successful co-op fight.\n\nFor melee weapons, the Iron Mace is the best choice for fighting Bonemass. It deals blunt damage, which is highly effective against this boss. To craft the Iron Mace, you’ll need to gather Iron from Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. You’ll also need a Forge to craft and upgrade the weapon. Upgrading the Iron Mace to at least level 3 is recommended, as it significantly increases its damage output and durability. If you’re playing co-op, ensure all melee players have an Iron Mace or similar blunt weapon like the Stagbreaker, though the Iron Mace is superior due to its faster attack speed.\n\nBonemass has several dangerous abilities, including a poison cloud attack and the ability to summon Blobs and Skeletons. To counter these, melee players should focus on positioning and teamwork. One player can act as the tank, drawing Bonemass’s attention while others deal damage from the sides or behind. This strategy minimizes the risk of multiple players being hit by the poison cloud, which can quickly drain health. Additionally, always carry Poison Resistance Mead, crafted from Honey, Thistle, and Neck Tails, to reduce poison damage.\n\nAnother key mechanic to consider is stamina management. Bonemass’s attacks are slow but powerful, so melee players should avoid overcommitting to attacks. Use hit-and-run tactics: land a few strikes, then retreat to regenerate stamina. This approach is especially important in co-op, as Bonemass can quickly overwhelm players who exhaust their stamina. Assign one player to focus on healing and support, using items like Health Mead or the Draugr Fang bow to deal ranged damage when necessary.\n\nPreparation is critical for this fight. Before engaging Bonemass, clear the surrounding area of enemies like Draugr and Leeches to avoid distractions. Build a small base nearby with a portal, workbench, and chests stocked with healing items, arrows, and backup weapons. This ensures your team can quickly recover if the fight goes poorly. Additionally, wear the best armor available, such as Iron Armor, to increase survivability.\n\nIn co-op, communication is key. Assign roles to each player, such as tank, damage dealer, and support, to maximize efficiency. Use voice chat or in-game text to coordinate attacks and healing. If one player is low on health, they should retreat while others draw Bonemass’s attention. This teamwork ensures the fight remains manageable, even if mistakes are made.\n\nFinally, remember that Bonemass is weak to frost damage, but frost weapons are difficult to obtain before defeating this boss. If you’re an experienced player and have access to Frost Arrows or the Frostner hammer, these can be highly effective. However, for most players, the Iron Mace remains the best melee option. With proper preparation, teamwork, and strategy, your co-op team can defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy, unlocking access to the Mountains biome.\n\nPractical tips: Always bring a shield to block Bonemass’s melee attacks, and avoid standing in its poison cloud. Use the terrain to your advantage by kiting Bonemass around trees or rocks to create distance when needed. Lastly, don’t forget to eat high-quality food like Sausages, Turnip Stew, and Cooked Meat to boost your health and stamina before the fight.