What’s the best strategy for kiting The Elder in co-op?

Kiting The Elder in Valheim co-op requires careful coordination, preparation, and understanding of the boss''s mechanics. The Elder is a massive tree-like creature found in the Black Forest biome, and its attacks are devastating if not handled properly. To kite effectively, your team must divide roles, use the environment to your advantage, and maintain constant communication.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before engaging The Elder, ensure your team has the best gear available. Craft a Finewood Bow and stock up on Fire Arrows, as The Elder is weak to fire damage. Each player should also have a full set of Troll Armor or better for mobility and defense. Bring healing meads, stamina meads, and food like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, and Queens Jam to maximize health and stamina. Additionally, clear the area around the boss altar of enemies and obstacles to avoid distractions during the fight.\n\nDuring the fight, assign roles to each player. One player should act as the primary kiter, drawing The Elder''s attention and leading it around the battlefield. The other players should focus on dealing damage from a distance using bows. The kiter must stay mobile, dodging The Elder''s ranged vine attacks and ground stomps. Use trees, rocks, and terrain to block its line of sight and create distance when needed.\n\nThe Elder has two main attacks: a ranged vine attack and a ground stomp that summons roots. The vine attack is telegraphed by a glowing green projectile, which can be dodged by strafing or hiding behind cover. The ground stomp creates roots that deal damage and restrict movement, so avoid standing in the marked areas. The kiter should keep The Elder focused on them while the rest of the team fires Fire Arrows from a safe distance.\n\nCommunication is crucial in co-op. Use voice chat or in-game signals to coordinate movements and call out attacks. For example, if the kiter is low on health, they should alert the team to switch roles temporarily. Similarly, if The Elder targets a ranged player, they should run toward the kiter to redirect the boss''s attention. Staying organized prevents chaos and ensures everyone stays alive.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of stamina. To avoid this, the kiter should pace their movements and use stamina meads when necessary. Ranged players should also manage their stamina to maintain consistent damage output. If The Elder gets too close, use the terrain to create distance or switch roles to give the kiter a break.\n\nFinally, use the environment to your advantage. The Black Forest biome is filled with trees and rocks that can block The Elder''s attacks. Build temporary shelters or barriers if needed, but avoid overbuilding, as The Elder can destroy structures. If the fight drags on, retreat to a safe area to regroup and heal before re-engaging.\n\nIn summary, kiting The Elder in co-op requires preparation, role assignment, and teamwork. Equip Fire Arrows, clear the area, and assign a kiter to lead the boss while others deal damage. Use the environment to block attacks and manage stamina carefully. With these strategies, your team can defeat The Elder and claim its trophy.\n\nPractical tips: Always bring extra arrows, as The Elder has a large health pool. Use the boss''s weakness to fire damage to your advantage. If a player dies, retreat and revive them before continuing the fight. Lastly, practice dodging and kiting in smaller fights to build confidence for the boss battle.