What are the best ways to avoid being poisoned by Wraiths in the Swamp?

Wraiths are dangerous enemies in Valheim that can poison players, making the Swamp biome particularly hazardous. To avoid being poisoned by Wraiths, you need to understand their behavior, prepare properly, and use effective strategies during combat. Wraiths are ghostly creatures that spawn at night or in dark areas of the Swamp, and their attacks inflict both physical damage and poison. Poison reduces your health over time, making it crucial to avoid or mitigate its effects.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before venturing into the Swamp, ensure you have the right gear and consumables. Equip armor with high poison resistance, such as the Root Mask, which can be crafted using Ancient Bark and Guck. Additionally, carry Poison Resistance Mead, a consumable that reduces poison damage by 50% for 10 minutes. To craft this mead, you need a Fermenter, Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Always keep a few bottles in your inventory when exploring the Swamp.\n\nNext, understand Wraith behavior and spawn conditions. Wraiths are more likely to appear at night or in dark, enclosed areas of the Swamp. To minimize encounters, explore during the day and stick to open areas. If you must explore at night, bring a torch or other light source to reduce the chances of Wraith spawns. Wraiths are also attracted to noise, so avoid unnecessary combat with other enemies like Draugr or Leeches, as this can draw their attention.\n\nDuring combat, prioritize dodging and ranged attacks. Wraiths move slowly but can teleport short distances, making them unpredictable. Use a bow with fire arrows to deal consistent damage from a safe distance. If a Wraith gets too close, dodge roll to avoid its attacks. Blocking with a shield is less effective because their attacks can still poison you. If you are poisoned, immediately consume a Healing Mead or use a health item to counteract the damage over time.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Wraiths cannot swim, so positioning yourself near water can limit their movement. If you are near a body of water, lure the Wraith into the water and attack from a distance. Additionally, building a small outpost with a Campfire and Workbench near the Swamp can provide a safe retreat if you are overwhelmed. This allows you to recover health and stamina before re-engaging.\n\nFor new players, it is essential to progress through the game’s tiers before tackling the Swamp. Ensure you have upgraded your gear, such as Bronze or Iron weapons and armor, to increase your survivability. Experienced players can use advanced tactics like parrying with a shield to stagger Wraiths, followed by a powerful melee attack. However, this requires precise timing and is riskier than ranged combat.\n\nFinally, always be aware of your surroundings. The Swamp is filled with other hazards like Leeches, Blobs, and Surtlings, which can compound the danger posed by Wraiths. Clear out smaller enemies first to avoid being overwhelmed. If you are low on health or resources, retreat to a safer biome like the Meadows or Black Forest to regroup.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Wraith poison in the Swamp requires preparation, situational awareness, and effective combat strategies. Equip poison-resistant gear, use Poison Resistance Mead, and prioritize ranged attacks. Explore during the day, use the environment to your advantage, and always have an escape plan. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of being poisoned and survive the dangers of the Swamp biome.