All Categories

How can you use the terrain to your advantage during The Elder fight?

The Elder is the second boss in Valheim and is a formidable opponent, but using the terrain to your advantage can make the fight significantly easier. The Elder is located in the Black Forest biome, and its arena is surrounded by dense trees, rocks, and uneven terrain. These natural features can be used to block its attacks, create distance, and set up strategic positions for ranged combat.\n\nFirst, before engaging The Elder, prepare by crafting a Finewood Bow and a large supply of Fire Arrows. Fire Arrows are particularly effective because The Elder is weak to fire damage. Additionally, bring a shield and a melee weapon like a Bronze Sword or Axe for close-quarters combat if needed. Wear upgraded Troll Armor or Bronze Armor for better mobility and defense. Stock up on health potions and stamina-boosting foods like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, and Honey.\n\nWhen you arrive at The Elder''s summoning altar, clear the area of nearby enemies and obstacles. This ensures you have a clean battlefield to work with. Once summoned, The Elder will immediately attack with its ranged vine attacks and melee stomps. Use the large trees and rocks in the area as cover to block its ranged attacks. Position yourself so that a tree or rock is between you and The Elder, forcing it to destroy the obstacle before it can hit you.\n\nFor ranged combat, maintain a safe distance and circle around the arena while firing Fire Arrows. The Elder''s attacks are slow and telegraphed, so you can dodge them by strafing or rolling. If you run out of stamina, retreat behind cover to recover. The uneven terrain can also help you break line of sight, forcing The Elder to reposition and giving you time to regroup.\n\nIf you prefer melee combat, use the terrain to your advantage by staying close to The Elder''s legs. Its stomp attack has a small area of effect, so you can avoid it by moving to the side or behind the boss. However, be cautious of its vine attacks, which can hit you if you''re too far away. Use the trees and rocks to block these attacks while closing the distance.\n\nOne advanced strategy is to build a small fortification or platform in the trees before summoning The Elder. This allows you to attack from above while remaining out of reach of its melee attacks. However, be aware that The Elder can destroy structures, so this tactic requires careful positioning and quick reflexes.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your stamina and health. The Elder''s attacks can deal significant damage, especially if you''re caught off guard. Use the terrain to create safe zones where you can heal and recover stamina. By combining ranged attacks, terrain manipulation, and careful positioning, you can defeat The Elder with minimal risk.\n\nIn summary, the key to defeating The Elder is using the Black Forest terrain to block its attacks, create distance, and set up strategic positions. Prepare with Fire Arrows, a Finewood Bow, and upgraded armor, and use the trees and rocks as cover. Whether you prefer ranged or melee combat, the terrain is your greatest ally in this fight.