What is the best way to handle Stone Golems with melee weapons?

Stone Golems are one of the toughest enemies in Valheim, found primarily in the Mountain biome. These massive rock creatures are resistant to most damage types, making them a formidable challenge for players relying on melee weapons. To effectively handle Stone Golems with melee weapons, you need to understand their attack patterns, weaknesses, and the right strategies to minimize damage while maximizing your own.\n\nFirst, it’s important to know that Stone Golems are weak to pickaxe attacks. While they are resistant to slashing and piercing damage from swords, spears, and axes, pickaxes deal bonus damage to them. This is because pickaxes are considered mining tools, and Stone Golems are essentially made of rock. Crafting an Iron Pickaxe or better is highly recommended before engaging these enemies. If you don’t have a pickaxe, a mace can also work, as blunt damage is more effective than slashing or piercing.\n\nStone Golems have two primary attack patterns: a ground slam and a spinning attack. The ground slam is a straightforward melee attack that deals heavy damage in a small area. The spinning attack, however, is more dangerous as it covers a wider radius and can knock you back. To avoid these attacks, always stay mobile and circle around the Golem. Dodging or rolling at the right moment is crucial to avoid taking damage. Timing your rolls to dodge the ground slam or stepping back during the spinning attack will keep you safe.\n\nWhen engaging a Stone Golem, start by luring it to an open area. Fighting in tight spaces or near cliffs can be risky, as the Golem’s attacks can knock you off ledges or into other enemies. Once in a safe area, use your pickaxe to target its weak points. Aim for the legs or the body, as these are the most accessible areas. If you’re using a mace, focus on landing heavy attacks during the Golem’s recovery phase after an attack. This will allow you to deal damage without being interrupted.\n\nOne common challenge is managing stamina during the fight. Stone Golems have a lot of health, so the battle can be prolonged. Make sure to bring stamina-boosting foods like sausages, carrot soup, or honey. Additionally, having a rested bonus from sitting near a fire or resting in a bed will help regenerate stamina faster. Avoid spamming attacks, as this will drain your stamina quickly. Instead, time your strikes carefully and retreat briefly to recover stamina if needed.\n\nFor new players, it’s advisable to bring healing items like health meads or cooked food with high health regeneration. Stone Golems can deal significant damage, especially if you’re wearing lower-tier armor like Troll Hide or Bronze. Upgrading to Iron Armor or better will provide more protection and make the fight more manageable. If you’re struggling, consider bringing a shield to block some of the Golem’s attacks, though this will require precise timing.\n\nIn summary, the best way to handle Stone Golems with melee weapons is to use a pickaxe or mace, stay mobile to avoid their attacks, and manage your stamina effectively. Bring healing items and high-tier armor to increase your survivability. With practice and the right strategy, you can defeat these formidable foes and harvest their valuable resources, such as Crystal, for crafting and building.\n\nPractical tip: If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your attacks to distract the Golem and deal damage from multiple angles. This can make the fight easier and faster.