What is the best weapon to craft before facing Eikthyr?

Before facing Eikthyr, the first boss in Valheim, crafting the right weapon is crucial for success. The best weapon to craft at this stage is the Crude Bow, paired with Flinthead Arrows. This combination allows you to deal consistent damage from a safe distance, which is especially important for new players who may not yet have mastered melee combat mechanics. Eikthyr is a fast and aggressive boss, so ranged weapons provide a significant advantage.\n\nTo craft the Crude Bow, you will need 8 Wood and 8 Leather Scraps. Wood is easily gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, while Leather Scraps can be obtained by hunting Boars. Boars are common in the Meadows and can be killed with a basic Wooden Club or by sneaking up on them for a critical hit. Once you have the materials, craft the Crude Bow at a Workbench, which requires 10 Wood to build.\n\nNext, you’ll need Flinthead Arrows to maximize your damage output. Flinthead Arrows require 8 Wood, 2 Flint, and 2 Feathers per stack of 20. Flint can be found along the shores of the Meadows biome, particularly near water. Feathers are dropped by killing Birds, which can be found in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Birds are skittish, so use a bow to shoot them from a distance or wait for them to land near you.\n\nEikthyr’s attacks include a charging ram and an area-of-effect lightning strike. The Crude Bow allows you to maintain distance, avoiding his melee attacks while dealing consistent damage. When fighting Eikthyr, focus on dodging his charges by rolling sideways and keeping your stamina high. Use trees or rocks as cover to avoid his lightning strikes, and always keep an eye on your stamina bar to ensure you can dodge or sprint when needed.\n\nFor players who prefer melee combat, the Flint Spear is a viable alternative. It requires 5 Wood and 6 Flint to craft and offers a quick, stabbing attack that can keep Eikthyr at bay. However, melee combat requires precise timing and stamina management, which can be challenging for new players. If you choose this route, make sure to craft a Wood Shield (4 Wood) to block Eikthyr’s attacks and reduce incoming damage.\n\nPreparation is key when facing Eikthyr. Before the fight, ensure you have a full set of Rag Armor (20 Leather Scraps and 6 Deer Hide) for added defense. Deer Hide is obtained by hunting Deer in the Meadows biome. Additionally, cook some Meat or Mushrooms over a Campfire to restore health during the battle. A rested bonus from sleeping in a bed or sitting by a fire will also boost your stamina regeneration, making the fight easier.\n\nIn summary, the Crude Bow and Flinthead Arrows are the best weapons to craft before facing Eikthyr. They provide a safe and effective way to deal damage while avoiding his powerful attacks. For melee enthusiasts, the Flint Spear and Wood Shield are solid alternatives, but they require more skill and stamina management. Regardless of your choice, proper preparation, including armor, food, and a rested bonus, will significantly increase your chances of success.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry extra arrows, as Eikthyr’s fight can be lengthy. Use the environment to your advantage by kiting him around trees or rocks. If you’re struggling, consider bringing a friend for co-op play, as Eikthyr’s health scales with the number of players. Finally, don’t forget to activate Eikthyr’s Forsaken Power after defeating him, as it grants a stamina boost that is invaluable for exploration and future battles.