How do you use the Iron Sledge to clear large groups of enemies?

The Iron Sledge is one of the most powerful weapons in Valheim for dealing with large groups of enemies, thanks to its high knockback and area-of-effect (AoE) damage. To craft the Iron Sledge, you need to progress to the Swamp biome, where you can gather Iron from Muddy Scrap Piles in Sunken Crypts. You will also need a Forge, 10 Iron, 4 Ancient Bark, and 1 Ymir Flesh. Ancient Bark is obtained from Ancient Trees in the Swamp, while Ymir Flesh is purchased from Haldor the merchant in the Black Forest.\n\nOnce crafted, the Iron Sledge becomes a game-changer for crowd control. Its primary attack is a slow but devastating overhead slam that deals massive AoE damage and knocks back enemies within its radius. This makes it ideal for clearing groups of weaker enemies like Greydwarfs, Skeletons, or even Fulings. However, its slow swing speed means you need to time your attacks carefully to avoid being overwhelmed.\n\nTo effectively use the Iron Sledge, position yourself strategically. Stand in a spot where enemies are funneled toward you, such as narrow pathways or doorways. This ensures that the AoE damage hits as many targets as possible. For example, in the Swamp biome, you can lure Draugr and Skeletons into tight spaces before unleashing the sledge. The knockback effect will keep enemies at bay, giving you time to recover stamina and prepare for the next swing.\n\nStamina management is crucial when using the Iron Sledge. Each swing consumes a significant amount of stamina, so always keep an eye on your stamina bar. Equip foods like Sausages, Turnip Stew, and Carrot Soup to boost your stamina regeneration. Additionally, consider using the Eikthyr power, which reduces stamina usage for running and jumping, to help you reposition quickly during combat.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with ranged enemies while using the Iron Sledge. Enemies like Draugr Archers or Fuling Berserkers can interrupt your attacks from a distance. To counter this, use terrain to your advantage. Hide behind rocks or trees to block projectiles, then step out to deliver a powerful slam. Alternatively, use a shield to block incoming attacks before retaliating with the sledge.\n\nIn the Plains biome, the Iron Sledge shines against Fuling camps. Fulings often attack in groups, and the sledge''s AoE damage can quickly thin their numbers. However, be cautious of Fuling Shamans, as their fire attacks can deal significant damage. Use the sledge to clear the weaker Fulings first, then focus on the Shamans with a faster weapon like a sword or spear.\n\nFor new players, mastering the Iron Sledge requires practice. Start by using it against smaller groups of enemies in the Meadows or Black Forest to get a feel for its timing and range. As you gain confidence, take it into more dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Plains. Remember to always have a backup weapon, such as a bow or sword, for situations where the sledge''s slow speed is a disadvantage.\n\nIn summary, the Iron Sledge is a powerful tool for crowd control in Valheim, but it requires careful positioning, stamina management, and timing. Use it in tight spaces to maximize its AoE damage, and pair it with high-stamina foods and terrain advantages to dominate large groups of enemies. With practice, the Iron Sledge will become an indispensable weapon in your Viking arsenal.