How do you find and defeat the Elder boss in the Black Forest?

The Elder is the second boss in Valheim and is found in the Black Forest biome. To locate the Elder, you must first find its summoning altar. This altar is marked by a large stone structure with glowing red runes and is often surrounded by Greydwarf nests. To summon the Elder, you need to offer three Ancient Seeds at the altar. Ancient Seeds are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes, Greydwarf Shamans, or by destroying Greydwarf Nests in the Black Forest.\n\nBefore attempting to fight the Elder, it is crucial to prepare adequately. The Elder is a powerful foe with devastating ranged and melee attacks. You should have at least a full set of Troll Armor or Bronze Armor for protection. A Finewood Bow with Fire Arrows is highly recommended for ranged combat, as the Elder is weak to fire. Additionally, bring healing items like Cooked Meat, Honey, or Health Mead to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nTo find the Elder''s location, explore the Black Forest biome thoroughly. Look for rune stones that provide hints about the Elder''s whereabouts. These stones are scattered throughout the biome and will mark the boss''s summoning altar on your map. Once you have the location, clear the area around the altar of enemies to avoid distractions during the fight. Place a portal nearby for quick access and to ensure you can retreat if necessary.\n\nWhen you are ready to summon the Elder, place the three Ancient Seeds in the altar''s offering bowl. The boss will spawn immediately, so be prepared for combat. The Elder has two primary attacks: a ranged vine attack that shoots projectiles and a stomp attack that deals heavy melee damage. Stay mobile to avoid these attacks, and use the terrain to your advantage. Trees and rocks can provide cover from the vine projectiles.\n\nFor ranged combat, keep your distance and use Fire Arrows to maximize damage. If you prefer melee, equip a Bronze Sword or Bronze Atgeir and attack the Elder''s legs. However, be cautious of its stomp attack, which can quickly deplete your health. If you are overwhelmed, retreat to a safe distance to heal and regroup. The Elder has a large health pool, so patience and persistence are key.\n\nAfter defeating the Elder, you will receive the Swamp Key, which unlocks Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. This key is essential for progressing to the next stage of the game. Additionally, the Elder drops a trophy that can be placed at the starting altar to gain its power, which increases woodcutting efficiency. This is particularly useful for gathering resources like Core Wood and Fine Wood.\n\nPractical tips for defeating the Elder include bringing a shield to block its vine attacks, using the environment to your advantage, and ensuring you have enough stamina to dodge and attack effectively. If you are struggling, consider teaming up with other players to divide the Elder''s attention and increase your chances of success. With proper preparation and strategy, the Elder can be defeated, paving the way for your next adventure in Valheim.