What’s the optimal shield type for soloing Bonemass in the Swamp?

Soloing Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, is a challenging but rewarding experience. The Swamp biome is a dangerous place, and Bonemass itself is a formidable foe with high health, powerful melee attacks, and the ability to summon adds. To succeed, you need the right shield type and a solid strategy. The optimal shield for this fight is the Iron Buckler, as it provides excellent parry potential and is relatively easy to craft for players at this stage of the game.\n\nThe Iron Buckler is crafted at a Forge using 10 Iron and 4 Fine Wood. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome and smelting the scrap in a Smelter. Fine Wood is gathered by chopping Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest. The Iron Buckler is ideal because it has a high parry bonus, which allows you to stagger Bonemass and deal significant counterattack damage. This is crucial for solo players, as it maximizes your damage output while minimizing the boss''s ability to overwhelm you.\n\nBefore engaging Bonemass, ensure you are well-prepared. Craft a full set of Iron Armor for maximum defense, and bring a fully upgraded Iron Mace. Bonemass is highly resistant to slash and pierce damage, so blunt weapons like the Iron Mace are essential. Additionally, stock up on Poison Resistance Mead, as Bonemass deals heavy poison damage. Brew this mead using a Fermenter with ingredients like Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Bring Healing Mead and Stamina Mead as well to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nWhen you enter the fight, focus on parrying Bonemass''s melee attacks. Wait for it to swing its massive arm, then block at the last moment to trigger a parry. This will stagger the boss, leaving it vulnerable to a few quick hits with your Iron Mace. Avoid standing in its poison cloud, as this will drain your health rapidly even with Poison Resistance Mead. If Bonemass summons adds, prioritize clearing them quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.\n\nOne common challenge is managing stamina during the fight. Bonemass has a lot of health, so the battle can be lengthy. To conserve stamina, avoid unnecessary sprinting and only attack when you have a clear opening. Use the terrain to your advantage by kiting Bonemass around its altar or nearby trees to create distance when needed. If you run low on health or stamina, retreat to a safe spot and use your meads to recover.\n\nIn summary, the Iron Buckler is the optimal shield for soloing Bonemass due to its high parry bonus and accessibility. Pair it with an Iron Mace, Poison Resistance Mead, and a solid strategy to maximize your chances of success. By mastering parry timing, managing your stamina, and using the environment wisely, you can defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy and power.\n\nPractical Tip: If you struggle with parrying, practice on weaker enemies like Draugr in the Swamp biome before taking on Bonemass. This will help you refine your timing and build confidence for the boss fight.