What is the best shield for surviving the Elder boss fight?

The best shield for surviving the Elder boss fight in Valheim is the Bronze Buckler. This shield is ideal because it offers high block power and is specifically designed for parrying, which is crucial for mitigating the Elder''s devastating attacks. The Elder is a challenging boss with ranged and melee abilities, so having a shield that can effectively block or parry its attacks is essential for survival.\n\nTo craft the Bronze Buckler, you will need to gather 10 Bronze and 4 Leather Scraps. Bronze is crafted by combining Copper and Tin at a Forge, which requires you to explore the Black Forest biome to mine these materials. Leather Scraps can be obtained by hunting Boars in the Meadows biome. Once you have the materials, craft the Bronze Buckler at a Forge. This shield has a base block power of 45, which can be increased further by upgrading it at the Forge.\n\nThe Elder''s attacks include summoning roots from the ground and launching ranged vine attacks. The Bronze Buckler''s high block power allows you to absorb significant damage, but its real strength lies in its parry bonus. Parrying is a game mechanic where you time your block just before an enemy attack lands, resulting in a stagger effect and increased damage on your counterattack. To parry effectively, watch the Elder''s animations closely and raise your shield just as its attack is about to hit.\n\nDuring the fight, positioning is key. The Elder is weak to fire, so bringing Fire Arrows and a Finewood Bow is highly recommended. Use the environment to your advantage by staying near pillars or trees to break line of sight and avoid its ranged attacks. When the Elder summons roots, quickly destroy them with your weapon to prevent being overwhelmed. The Bronze Buckler will help you survive close-range encounters while you focus on dealing damage from a distance.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to practice parrying before the fight. Spend time in the Black Forest fighting Greydwarfs to get a feel for the timing. Experienced Vikings should consider upgrading the Bronze Buckler to maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, bring healing items like Cooked Meat and Honey to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nIn summary, the Bronze Buckler is the best shield for the Elder boss fight due to its high block power and parry bonus. Craft it using Bronze and Leather Scraps, and practice parrying to maximize its potential. Combine this shield with Fire Arrows, strategic positioning, and healing items to ensure victory against the Elder.