How do I avoid being poisoned by Skeletons with poison arrows?

Avoiding poison from Skeletons with poison arrows in Valheim requires a combination of preparation, awareness, and strategic gameplay. Skeletons in the Black Forest biome are particularly dangerous because they can fire poison arrows, which inflict the Poisoned status effect. This effect drains your health over time, making it a significant threat, especially for new players or those without proper gear.\n\nTo avoid being poisoned, the first step is to equip yourself with the right gear. Crafting a Troll Leather Armor set is highly recommended for early-game players. This armor provides decent protection and increases your stealth, allowing you to avoid detection by Skeletons. Additionally, crafting a Bronze Buckler or better shield is crucial, as blocking arrows with a shield prevents the poison effect from being applied.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the terrain to your advantage. Skeletons are often found in Burial Chambers or near ruined structures in the Black Forest. When exploring these areas, stay behind cover such as trees, rocks, or walls to avoid being hit by arrows. If you spot a Skeleton archer, quickly move to close the distance and engage in melee combat, as they are less dangerous up close.\n\nFor players who prefer ranged combat, using a bow to take out Skeleton archers from a distance is a viable option. Craft a Finewood Bow and Flinthead Arrows or better to deal significant damage. Aim for headshots to maximize damage and eliminate threats quickly. If you are poisoned, retreat to a safe location and consume Honey or Poison Resistance Mead to counteract the effect.\n\nPoison Resistance Mead is a crafted item that provides temporary immunity to poison. To craft it, you need a Fermenter, which requires Bronze and Fine Wood. The recipe for Poison Resistance Mead includes 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 1 Neck Tail, and 10 Coal. Always carry a few bottles of this mead when exploring the Black Forest or other dangerous biomes.\n\nLastly, always be aware of your surroundings. Skeletons often spawn in groups, and their poison arrows can quickly overwhelm you if you are not careful. Use a combination of blocking, dodging, and strategic positioning to minimize the risk of being poisoned. If you are playing with friends, coordinate your attacks to focus on Skeleton archers first.\n\nIn summary, avoiding poison from Skeletons with poison arrows involves equipping the right gear, using the environment to your advantage, and preparing with consumables like Poison Resistance Mead. By staying vigilant and employing these strategies, you can safely navigate the Black Forest and other hazardous areas in Valheim.