How do I use the iron mace to deal blunt damage against Bonemass?
The iron mace is one of the most effective weapons for defeating Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, due to its high blunt damage output. Bonemass is highly resistant to slash and pierce damage, making blunt weapons like the iron mace essential for this fight. To craft the iron mace, you will need to gather iron from the Swamp biome by mining muddy scrap piles in Sunken Crypts. Once you have enough iron, forge the mace at a level 2 or higher forge, along with other materials like wood and leather scraps.\n\nBefore engaging Bonemass, ensure you are well-prepared. Equip the best armor you can craft, such as iron armor, and bring healing meads (health potions) and stamina meads to sustain yourself during the fight. Bonemass deals heavy poison damage, so craft and consume poison resistance mead before the battle. Additionally, bring a shield to block its melee attacks and a bow with frost arrows for occasional ranged damage, though the iron mace will be your primary weapon.\n\nDuring the fight, focus on timing your attacks and dodging Bonemass''s moves. Bonemass has three main attacks: a melee swipe, a poison cloud, and a summoning ability that spawns blobs and skeletons. When Bonemass swings its arm, block with your shield or dodge roll to avoid damage. The poison cloud is telegraphed by a green mist; immediately move away to avoid taking heavy poison damage. Use the iron mace to quickly dispatch any summoned enemies to prevent being overwhelmed.\n\nTo maximize your damage with the iron mace, aim for Bonemass''s weak points. While it doesn''t have specific weak spots, its slow movement and attack patterns allow you to land multiple hits in succession. Use the mace''s secondary attack (right-click) for a powerful slam that deals significant blunt damage. However, be cautious with stamina management, as the secondary attack consumes more stamina. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and retreat briefly if needed to recover.\n\nOne common challenge during the Bonemass fight is dealing with the swamp terrain. The area is often wet, which reduces stamina regeneration, and the uneven ground can make movement difficult. To mitigate this, clear the area around the Bonemass altar before summoning the boss. Remove trees, rocks, and other obstacles to create a flat, open space for better mobility. You can also build a small platform or treehouse nearby to retreat and heal if necessary.\n\nIn summary, the iron mace is a powerful tool for defeating Bonemass due to its high blunt damage. Prepare thoroughly by crafting poison resistance mead, upgrading your armor, and clearing the battlefield. During the fight, focus on dodging attacks, managing stamina, and using the mace''s secondary attack for maximum damage. With proper preparation and strategy, you can overcome Bonemass and claim its trophy and power.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep poison resistance active, use the terrain to your advantage, and prioritize clearing summoned enemies. If you struggle with stamina, consider bringing stamina-boosting foods like sausages or turnip stew. Lastly, practice your timing with the iron mace to ensure you land consistent hits while avoiding Bonemass''s attacks.