How do I speedrun the Elder boss fight with basic weapons?

Speedrunning the Elder boss fight in Valheim with basic weapons requires careful preparation, knowledge of the boss mechanics, and efficient use of your environment. The Elder is the second boss in the game, found in the Black Forest biome, and is a formidable foe with powerful ranged and melee attacks. To defeat it quickly with basic weapons, you need to focus on strategy, positioning, and resource management.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right gear and consumables. Basic weapons like the Flint Spear or Crude Bow are viable, but you should upgrade them as much as possible. Craft a Finewood Bow if you can, as it deals more damage. For armor, Troll Hide armor is ideal because it provides decent protection without slowing you down. Bring plenty of arrows (Fire or Flint arrows work well) and healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Stamina management is crucial, so stock up on stamina-boosting foods like Carrot Soup or Queens Jam.\n\nNext, locate the Elder''s summoning altar in the Black Forest. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune stone, and you need three Ancient Seeds to summon the boss. Ancient Seeds are dropped by Greydwarf Brutes or Shamans, so farm these enemies beforehand. Once you have the seeds, clear the area around the altar of trees, rocks, and other obstacles to create space for maneuvering during the fight. This step is critical because the Elder can summon roots that block your movement.\n\nWhen you''re ready to summon the Elder, light a nearby Bonfire or Campfire to provide warmth and a respawn point if things go wrong. Start the fight by shooting the Elder with arrows from a distance. The boss has two main attacks: a ranged vine attack and a stomp attack if you get too close. Stay at medium range to avoid the stomp and dodge the vine projectiles by strafing sideways. Use trees and pillars as cover to block the vines.\n\nIf the Elder summons roots, prioritize destroying them quickly with your melee weapon. These roots can trap you and deal significant damage over time. Keep moving to avoid being cornered, and use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can kite the Elder around large trees or rocks to create distance and buy time to heal or shoot arrows.\n\nOne effective strategy is to build a small platform or treehouse nearby to shoot arrows from a safe height. The Elder''s attacks are less effective against elevated targets, and you can rain down arrows without worrying about the stomp or roots. However, this requires some pre-fight preparation and building skills.\n\nFinally, stay patient and focused. The Elder has a large health pool, so the fight will take time even with optimal strategy. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, and don''t get greedy with attacks. With persistence and careful execution, you can defeat the Elder using basic weapons and minimal resources.\n\nPractical tips for success: Always bring extra arrows, as running out mid-fight can be disastrous. Use Fire Arrows for bonus damage, as the Elder is weak to fire. If you''re struggling with dodging, practice your timing in smaller fights before taking on the boss. Lastly, consider bringing a friend for co-op, as the Elder''s attacks are easier to manage with a team.