What is the best way to kite The Elder during the fight?

Kiting The Elder in Valheim is a crucial strategy for defeating this powerful boss. The Elder is the second boss in the game, found in the Black Forest biome, and is known for its devastating ranged attacks and summoning abilities. To kite effectively, you need to maintain distance while dealing consistent damage. This guide will walk you through the best methods to kite The Elder, including preparation, positioning, and execution.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before engaging The Elder, ensure you have the right gear and consumables. Craft a Finewood Bow and stock up on Fire Arrows, as The Elder is weak to fire damage. Fire Arrows can be crafted using Resin, Wood, and Feathers. Additionally, bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey, and stamina-boosting foods such as Carrot Soup or Queens Jam. Wearing Troll Armor is recommended for its mobility bonus, which helps with kiting.\n\nNext, choose the right location for the fight. The Elder spawns in a specific area marked by a runestone in the Black Forest. Clear the surrounding area of enemies and obstacles to create a safe space for kiting. Build a few small structures, like walls or pillars, to block The Elder''s ranged attacks temporarily. These structures can also serve as cover if you need to heal or regain stamina.\n\nDuring the fight, focus on maintaining distance. The Elder has two primary attacks: a ranged vine attack and a stomp attack. The vine attack is the most dangerous, as it can deal significant damage from a distance. To avoid this, keep moving in a circular pattern around The Elder, staying just outside its melee range. Use the terrain to your advantage by hiding behind trees or rocks when necessary.\n\nWhen The Elder summons roots to attack, prioritize destroying them quickly. These roots can block your movement and deal damage if ignored. Use your bow to take them out from a distance, then resume kiting The Elder. If you run out of stamina, retreat to a safe spot behind cover to recover before re-engaging.\n\nA practical example of kiting The Elder involves using the environment to your advantage. For instance, if you find a large rock or tree, circle around it while shooting Fire Arrows. This forces The Elder to move around the obstacle, giving you time to deal damage without taking hits. If you''re low on health, use the terrain to break line of sight and heal before continuing the fight.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for kiting The Elder. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid sprinting unnecessarily. Use the dodge roll to evade attacks if you''re caught in a tight spot. If you''re playing with friends, coordinate your movements to split The Elder''s attention and make kiting easier. Remember, patience is key—kiting is about consistent damage over time, not rushing the fight.\n\nBy following these steps and strategies, you can effectively kite The Elder and emerge victorious. Good luck, Viking!