What’s the most effective weapon for speedrunning Eikthyr?

The most effective weapon for speedrunning Eikthyr in Valheim is the Crude Bow paired with Fire Arrows. Eikthyr, the first boss, is weak to fire damage, making Fire Arrows the optimal choice for dealing significant damage quickly. The Crude Bow is the earliest ranged weapon you can craft, requiring only Wood and Leather Scraps, which are easily obtainable in the Meadows biome. This combination allows you to maintain distance while dealing consistent damage, minimizing the risk of taking hits from Eikthyr''s powerful melee attacks.\n\nTo craft the Crude Bow, you need 10 Wood and 8 Leather Scraps. Wood can be gathered by chopping trees, while Leather Scraps are obtained by hunting Boars in the Meadows. Fire Arrows require 8 Wood, 8 Resin, and 2 Feathers per 20 arrows. Resin drops from Greydwarfs, and Feathers can be collected from birds near water or by hunting them with a bow. Preparing at least 50-60 Fire Arrows before the fight is recommended to ensure you have enough ammunition.\n\nBefore engaging Eikthyr, it''s crucial to prepare your character and surroundings. Equip the best available armor, such as Leather Armor, which requires Leather Scraps and Deer Hide. Deer Hide is obtained by hunting Deer in the Meadows. Additionally, craft a shield for blocking Eikthyr''s melee attacks if he closes the distance. A Wood Shield is sufficient and only requires 10 Wood. Clear the area around Eikthyr''s altar of any hostile creatures to avoid distractions during the fight.\n\nDuring the battle, focus on maintaining distance and using the terrain to your advantage. Eikthyr''s attacks include a charging dash and an area-of-effect lightning strike. Both can be avoided by staying mobile and using trees or rocks as cover. Fire Arrows deal damage over time, so landing a few shots and then repositioning is an effective strategy. If Eikthyr gets too close, use your shield to block his attacks and create space to resume firing.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to practice kiting (leading enemies while attacking) before the fight. This skill is essential for ranged combat and will help you avoid unnecessary damage. Experienced Vikings can optimize their speedrun by pre-crafting all necessary items and clearing the path to Eikthyr''s altar beforehand. This minimizes downtime and ensures a smooth, fast-paced fight.\n\nIn summary, the Crude Bow and Fire Arrows are the most effective weapons for speedrunning Eikthyr due to their accessibility and damage output. Preparation, including crafting the right gear and clearing the area, is key to a successful speedrun. By maintaining distance, using terrain, and practicing kiting, you can defeat Eikthyr efficiently and progress quickly in Valheim.