How can I use the Bonemass power to reduce poison damage?
The Bonemass power is one of the most valuable abilities in Valheim for surviving poison and other environmental hazards. To unlock this power, you must defeat the Bonemass boss in the Swamp biome. Once defeated, you can activate the Bonemass power at any Forsaken Altar, which grants you a temporary buff that reduces all physical and poison damage by 50% for 5 minutes. This power is especially useful in biomes like the Swamp, where poison damage from enemies like Blobs and Leeches is a constant threat.\n\nTo use the Bonemass power effectively, you must first summon and defeat the Bonemass boss. This requires locating its summoning altar in the Swamp biome, which is marked by a skull icon on your map. To summon Bonemass, you need 10 Withered Bones, which can be found in Sunken Crypts scattered throughout the Swamp. Once you have the bones, place them on the altar to summon the boss. Be prepared for a tough fight, as Bonemass is resistant to most damage types except blunt weapons like maces. After defeating Bonemass, you will receive its trophy, which you can hang on the Forsaken Altar to unlock the power.\n\nOnce the Bonemass power is unlocked, you can activate it by pressing F on the Forsaken Altar. This will consume a portion of your Eitr (magic energy) and grant you the damage reduction buff. The power has a cooldown of 20 minutes, so use it strategically during dangerous encounters. For example, when exploring the Swamp, activate the power before engaging groups of Blobs or entering areas with high concentrations of Leeches. This will significantly reduce the poison damage you take, making it easier to survive and clear the area.\n\nIn addition to the Swamp, the Bonemass power is also useful in other biomes where poison or physical damage is prevalent. For instance, in the Plains biome, Deathsquitos deal high physical damage, and the Bonemass power can help mitigate this. Similarly, in the Mistlands, where new poison-based enemies and hazards are introduced, the power can be a lifesaver. Always keep an eye on your Eitr levels and plan your power usage around challenging encounters.\n\nTo maximize the effectiveness of the Bonemass power, consider pairing it with other defensive strategies. For example, wearing armor with high poison resistance, such as the Root Harnesk crafted from Ancient Bark and Guck, can further reduce poison damage. Additionally, carrying Poison Resistance Mead, which can be brewed at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, and Neck Tails, provides an extra layer of protection. Combining these items with the Bonemass power ensures you are well-prepared for any poison-heavy environment.\n\nFinally, remember that the Bonemass power is not just for combat. It can also be used to safely gather resources in hazardous areas. For example, when mining Guck in the Swamp, activating the power can protect you from nearby enemies and environmental hazards. This makes resource gathering faster and safer, especially for solo players. Always plan ahead and use the power when you anticipate danger, whether it''s from enemies, traps, or the environment itself.\n\nIn summary, the Bonemass power is an essential tool for reducing poison and physical damage in Valheim. By unlocking it through defeating the Bonemass boss and using it strategically in hazardous biomes like the Swamp, Plains, and Mistlands, you can significantly improve your survivability. Pair it with poison-resistant gear and consumables for maximum effectiveness, and always plan your power usage around challenging encounters or resource-gathering missions.