What’s the optimal strategy for defeating Bonemass using melee weapons?

Defeating Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, is a significant challenge, especially when using melee weapons. Bonemass is located in the Swamp biome and is resistant to most damage types except blunt damage. To optimize your strategy, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the boss mechanics, and execute a well-planned approach.\n\nFirst, gear up with the best equipment available. Craft an Iron Mace, as it deals blunt damage, which is highly effective against Bonemass. Pair this with a fully upgraded Iron Armor set to maximize your defense. Additionally, bring a shield, preferably an Iron Buckler, to parry Bonemass''s attacks. Parrying is crucial because it staggers the boss, leaving it vulnerable to follow-up attacks.\n\nBefore engaging Bonemass, prepare your surroundings. Clear the area of other enemies like Draugr and Leeches to avoid distractions. Build a small base nearby with a portal, a workbench, and a fire for resting. This setup allows you to respawn quickly if you die and provides a safe space to recover stamina and health. Stock up on healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads, as Bonemass deals heavy poison damage.\n\nDuring the fight, focus on timing your parries and attacks. Bonemass has three main attacks: a slow melee swipe, a poison cloud, and a summoning ability that spawns adds. When Bonemass raises its arm for a melee swipe, block with your shield to parry and counterattack immediately. Avoid standing in the poison cloud, as it deals significant damage over time. Use the terrain to your advantage by kiting Bonemass around trees or rocks to create distance when needed.\n\nBonemass''s summoning ability can overwhelm you if not handled properly. When it summons skeletons or blobs, prioritize killing the adds quickly. Use your mace''s secondary attack, a wide swing, to deal with multiple enemies at once. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, and retreat to your base if necessary to recover.\n\nOne common challenge is managing stamina during the fight. Bonemass''s attacks are slow but powerful, so avoid spamming attacks and focus on conserving stamina for blocking and dodging. Use stamina meads to replenish your stamina bar during critical moments. Additionally, always keep a poison resistance mead active to mitigate the poison damage from Bonemass''s attacks.\n\nIn summary, defeating Bonemass with melee weapons requires preparation, patience, and precise execution. Equip an Iron Mace and Iron Armor, prepare your surroundings, and use parries and terrain to your advantage. Manage your stamina and health carefully, and prioritize dealing with adds during the fight. With these strategies, you can overcome Bonemass and progress further in Valheim.\n\nPractical tips: Always keep a backup set of gear in your base, as dying and losing your equipment can set you back significantly. Practice parrying on weaker enemies in the Swamp biome to get comfortable with the timing. Lastly, consider bringing a friend for co-op play, as Bonemass is easier to handle with a team.