What’s the best way to avoid Bonemass’s poison attack?

Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, is notorious for its devastating poison attack, which can quickly drain your health if not handled properly. To avoid this attack, you need to understand the boss''s mechanics and prepare accordingly. Bonemass primarily uses three attacks: a melee swipe, a ranged poison blob, and an area-of-effect (AoE) poison cloud. The poison cloud is the most dangerous, as it lingers and deals damage over time. To counter this, you must focus on positioning, gear, and consumables.\n\nFirst, gear preparation is critical. Before facing Bonemass, craft a full set of Iron Armor or better, as it provides significant defense against physical and poison damage. Additionally, equip a shield, preferably an Iron Buckler, to parry its melee attacks. For weapons, a Mace is highly effective due to Bonemass''s weakness to blunt damage. Stock up on Poison Resistance Mead, which reduces poison damage by 75% for 10 minutes. This mead is crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal, so gather these resources in advance.\n\nPositioning is key during the fight. Bonemass''s poison cloud attack has a limited range, so maintaining distance is crucial. When you see Bonemass raise its arm and emit a green mist, immediately backpedal or sprint away to avoid the AoE. Use the terrain to your advantage by fighting near large trees or rocks, which can block the poison cloud. However, avoid getting cornered, as Bonemass can quickly close the gap with its melee attacks.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use ranged weapons like the Huntsman Bow or Draugr Fang to chip away at Bonemass''s health from a safe distance. While this method is slower, it minimizes your exposure to the poison cloud. Pair this with Frost Arrows, which deal extra damage to Bonemass, to speed up the fight. However, be cautious of stamina management, as running and shooting will drain your stamina quickly.\n\nFor melee-focused players, timing is everything. Wait for Bonemass to finish its attacks before moving in to strike. After it performs a melee swipe or throws a poison blob, quickly close the distance, land a few hits, and retreat before it can retaliate. Use the Iron Buckler to parry its melee attacks, which will stagger Bonemass and allow for additional damage. Always keep an eye on your stamina, as running out mid-fight can leave you vulnerable.\n\nFinally, bring plenty of healing items like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Health Mead to sustain yourself during the fight. If you do get poisoned, use the Poison Resistance Mead or Healing Mead to mitigate the damage. Clear the area of other enemies before engaging Bonemass, as additional mobs can complicate the fight. By combining proper gear, positioning, and consumables, you can effectively avoid Bonemass''s poison attack and emerge victorious.\n\nIn summary, the best way to avoid Bonemass''s poison attack is to prepare with Poison Resistance Mead, maintain distance during its AoE attack, and use the terrain to your advantage. Equip a Mace for maximum damage and a shield for defense, and always keep an eye on your stamina and health. With these strategies, you can overcome Bonemass and continue your journey in Valheim.