How do you use the Stagbreaker to clear groups of enemies in tight spaces?

The Stagbreaker is a powerful two-handed hammer in Valheim that excels at clearing groups of enemies, especially in tight spaces. Its area-of-effect (AoE) damage makes it ideal for dealing with swarms of weaker foes or softening up tougher enemies before switching to a faster weapon. To craft the Stagbreaker, you need 20 Core Wood, 5 Deer Trophies, and 2 Leather Scraps. Core Wood is obtained by chopping down Pine Trees in the Black Forest biome, while Deer Trophies are dropped by deer in the Meadows biome. Leather Scraps are crafted from deer hides.\n\nTo effectively use the Stagbreaker in tight spaces, you need to understand its mechanics. The hammer deals AoE damage in a wide radius around the point of impact, making it perfect for hitting multiple enemies at once. However, it has a slow swing speed and consumes a significant amount of stamina. This means you need to time your attacks carefully and manage your stamina to avoid being overwhelmed. The Stagbreaker also has a knockback effect, which can push enemies away and create space for follow-up attacks or retreats.\n\nWhen engaging groups of enemies in tight spaces, such as dungeons or narrow forest paths, position yourself strategically. Stand in a doorway or narrow corridor to funnel enemies into a tight group. This ensures that the Stagbreaker''s AoE damage hits as many targets as possible. For example, in Burial Chambers, position yourself at the entrance of a room and wait for skeletons to cluster together before swinging the hammer. This maximizes damage output and minimizes the risk of being surrounded.\n\nStamina management is crucial when using the Stagbreaker. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid spamming attacks. Instead, time your swings to hit enemies as they approach. Use food items like Cooked Meat, Queens Jam, or Carrot Soup to boost your stamina regeneration. Additionally, consider pairing the Stagbreaker with a shield or faster weapon for situations where you need to defend yourself or finish off weakened enemies quickly.\n\nOne common challenge when using the Stagbreaker is dealing with ranged enemies or fast-moving foes like Greydwarf Brutes. In these situations, use the environment to your advantage. Lure enemies into tight spaces where the Stagbreaker''s AoE damage can shine. For example, in the Black Forest, use trees or rocks to block ranged attacks while you close the distance. Alternatively, use the knockback effect to create distance and reposition yourself.\n\nIn the Swamp biome, the Stagbreaker is particularly effective against groups of Draugr and Blobs. The AoE damage can quickly clear out Draugr spawners and weaken Blobs before they explode. However, be cautious of stamina drain from the wet debuff in the Swamp. Equip the Root Mask or use stamina-boosting meads to counteract this effect.\n\nFor new players, the Stagbreaker is a great early-game weapon for handling groups of enemies. Its crafting materials are relatively easy to obtain, and its AoE damage can make combat in tight spaces much more manageable. For experienced Vikings, the Stagbreaker remains useful in specific scenarios, such as clearing out dungeons or defending against large raids.\n\nPractical tips for using the Stagbreaker include upgrading it at a Forge to increase its damage output and durability. Always carry stamina-boosting food and meads to ensure you can use the hammer effectively. Finally, practice timing your swings to maximize damage and minimize stamina consumption. With these strategies, the Stagbreaker can become a reliable tool for clearing groups of enemies in tight spaces.