What is the best shield for fighting Bonemass in the Swamp?

Fighting Bonemass, the Swamp biome boss in Valheim, requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to choosing the right shield. Bonemass is a formidable opponent with high health, powerful melee attacks, and the ability to summon additional enemies. To survive this fight, you need a shield that can effectively block or parry its attacks while allowing you to manage stamina efficiently. The best shield for this encounter is the Iron Buckler, a small shield that excels in parrying.\n\nThe Iron Buckler is crafted using 10 Iron and 2 Fine Wood, which can be obtained by smelting Scrap Iron found in Sunken Crypts within the Swamp biome. Fine Wood is gathered from Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest. The Iron Buckler has a high parry bonus, making it ideal for countering Bonemass''s heavy melee strikes. Parrying is a game mechanic where you block an attack at the right moment, staggering the enemy and opening them up for a critical hit. This is crucial for dealing significant damage to Bonemass while conserving stamina.\n\nTo effectively use the Iron Buckler against Bonemass, you need to master the timing of parries. Bonemass has a predictable attack pattern, swinging its massive arm in a slow but devastating arc. Watch for the wind-up animation and press the block button just before the attack lands. Successful parries will stagger Bonemass, giving you a few seconds to land powerful melee attacks with a weapon like the Iron Mace, which is highly effective against its Blunt weakness.\n\nStamina management is another critical factor in this fight. Bonemass''s attacks drain a significant amount of stamina if blocked improperly, so parrying is more efficient than holding up your shield. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid unnecessary movements or attacks when it''s low. Consume stamina-boosting foods like Sausages, Turnip Stew, and Carrot Soup before the fight to ensure you have enough endurance to parry and attack consistently.\n\nIn addition to the Iron Buckler, consider bringing a secondary shield like the Banded Shield for situations where parrying isn''t feasible. The Banded Shield offers higher base block power, making it a safer option if you''re still learning the timing of parries. However, it lacks the parry bonus of the Iron Buckler, so it should only be used as a backup.\n\nFinally, prepare for the environment of the Swamp biome. Bonemass''s arena is often surrounded by water and uneven terrain, which can hinder movement. Clear the area of nearby enemies like Draugr and Leeches before summoning Bonemass. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create a flat fighting space, reducing the risk of getting stuck or slowed down during the battle.\n\nIn summary, the Iron Buckler is the best shield for fighting Bonemass due to its high parry bonus and efficiency in countering heavy attacks. Pair it with a Blunt weapon like the Iron Mace, manage your stamina carefully, and prepare the battlefield to maximize your chances of victory. With practice and preparation, you''ll be able to defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy for your Viking adventures.