How do you find and defeat Eikthyr in the Meadows?

Eikthyr is the first boss in Valheim and serves as a major milestone for new players. To find and defeat Eikthyr, you must first locate his altar in the Meadows biome. The altar is marked by a large stone structure with glowing red runes and a deer skull. To summon Eikthyr, you need to offer two Deer Trophies at the altar. Deer Trophies are obtained by hunting deer in the Meadows biome, which can be tricky for beginners due to their skittish nature. Use a bow and arrows to hunt deer from a distance, as they will flee if you get too close.\n\nOnce you have the Deer Trophies, return to the altar and interact with it to summon Eikthyr. The boss fight will begin immediately, so make sure you are prepared. Eikthyr is a large stag with glowing antlers and has three primary attacks: a charge, a ground stomp that creates a shockwave, and a lightning strike. The charge is his most dangerous attack, as it can deal significant damage and knock you back. To avoid this, keep your distance and circle around him while attacking.\n\nFor the fight, it is recommended to have at least a Flint Spear or a Crude Bow with Flinthead Arrows. These weapons are craftable early in the game and provide decent damage output. Wear Leather Armor for added protection, as it is the best armor available at this stage. Bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries to sustain yourself during the fight. Stamina management is crucial, so avoid sprinting unnecessarily and time your attacks carefully.\n\nDuring the fight, focus on dodging Eikthyr''s attacks and countering with your own. If you are using a bow, aim for his head to deal extra damage. If you are using a melee weapon, stay close but be ready to dodge his charge. The ground stomp attack has a small area of effect, so stepping back slightly will avoid the shockwave. The lightning strike is telegraphed by a glowing circle on the ground, so move out of the way as soon as you see it.\n\nAfter defeating Eikthyr, you will receive his trophy and hard antlers. The hard antlers are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe, which is essential for mining Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome. Eikthyr''s trophy can be hung on the central stone at your base to gain his Forsaken Power, which reduces stamina usage for running and jumping. This power is incredibly useful for exploration and resource gathering.\n\nFor new players, the key to success is preparation. Make sure you have adequate food, weapons, and armor before attempting the fight. Experienced players can speedrun the fight by using advanced tactics like kiting Eikthyr with a bow or using terrain to block his attacks. Regardless of your skill level, defeating Eikthyr is a rewarding experience that unlocks new opportunities for progression in Valheim.