What are the best ways to avoid poison damage from Growths in the Plains?

Avoiding poison damage from Growths in the Plains biome of Valheim requires a combination of preparation, awareness, and strategic gameplay. Growths are dangerous enemies that release a poisonous cloud when they die, dealing significant damage over time if you are caught in the area. To minimize the risk, you need to understand their behavior, equip the right gear, and use effective combat tactics.\n\nFirst, always be prepared with poison resistance. Crafting and consuming Mead Base: Poison Resistance is essential. This mead provides temporary immunity to poison damage, making it invaluable when exploring the Plains. To craft it, you need a Fermenter, which requires Fine Wood, Bronze, and Resin. The recipe for the mead includes Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Always carry several bottles of this mead when venturing into the Plains, as Growths are common and their poison can quickly overwhelm you.\n\nSecond, maintain a safe distance from Growths during combat. Growths are stationary enemies that explode upon death, releasing a toxic cloud. Use ranged weapons like bows or atgeirs to kill them from a distance. The Draugr Fang bow, crafted with Silver, Ancient Bark, and Guck, is particularly effective due to its high damage and poison effect. Alternatively, the Blackmetal Atgeir, made with Black Metal and Linen Thread, allows you to attack from a safer range while dealing significant damage.\n\nThird, be mindful of your surroundings. Growths often spawn in groups, and their poison clouds can overlap, increasing the damage you take. Always scout the area before engaging and prioritize eliminating Growths first. If you are caught in a poison cloud, immediately retreat and heal using health meads or food like Serpent Stew or Lox Meat Pie, which provide high health regeneration.\n\nFourth, use terrain to your advantage. Growths are immobile, so you can use rocks, trees, or other obstacles to block their line of sight while attacking. This strategy is especially useful when dealing with multiple Growths or other Plains enemies like Fulings or Deathsquitos. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the Plains with a portal for quick escapes and resupplies.\n\nFinally, upgrade your armor and gear to improve your survivability. The Padded Armor set, crafted with Iron and Linen Thread, offers excellent protection against physical and poison damage. Pair this with a strong shield like the Blackmetal Shield to block incoming attacks while maintaining mobility. Always keep your gear repaired and upgraded to maximize your chances of survival.\n\nIn summary, avoiding poison damage from Growths in the Plains requires preparation, ranged combat, situational awareness, and proper gear. Craft Poison Resistance Mead, use ranged weapons, maintain distance, and leverage the environment to your advantage. By following these strategies, you can safely navigate the Plains and overcome one of its most dangerous threats.