How do you prepare for The Elder’s summoning event in co-op?

Preparing for The Elder’s summoning event in Valheim requires careful planning, especially in co-op mode. The Elder is the second boss in the game and is significantly more challenging than Eikthyr. This boss fight takes place in the Black Forest biome, and its summoning requires three Ancient Seeds, which can be obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes, Greydwarf Shamans, or destroying Greydwarf Nests. Once you have the seeds, you must locate The Elder’s altar, which is marked by a runestone in the Black Forest.\n\nBefore summoning The Elder, ensure your team is well-equipped. All players should have upgraded Bronze or Iron gear, depending on your progression. A Bronze Axe or Iron Axe is particularly useful for dealing damage to The Elder, as it is weak to slash damage. Additionally, each player should have a fully upgraded bow and a stockpile of Fire Arrows, as ranged attacks are highly effective against this boss. Fire Arrows can be crafted using Wood, Resin, and Feathers, and they deal extra burn damage over time.\n\nFood preparation is critical for survival during the fight. Each player should consume three high-quality food items to maximize health and stamina. Examples include Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, and Queens Jam. Stamina management is crucial, as The Elder’s attacks are relentless, and you’ll need to dodge frequently. Bringing healing meads like Minor Healing Mead can also provide a safety net during the battle.\n\nScout the area around The Elder’s altar before summoning the boss. Clear out any nearby enemies, such as Greydwarves or Trolls, to avoid distractions during the fight. The Elder’s attacks include summoning roots from the ground and launching ranged vine attacks, so having a clear area to maneuver is essential. Consider building a small shelter or campfire nearby for quick healing or stamina recovery if needed.\n\nDuring the fight, communication and coordination are key in co-op mode. Assign roles to each player, such as one or two players focusing on ranged attacks while others handle melee combat. The Elder’s weak spot is its glowing chest, so aim for that area with ranged attacks. If you’re using melee weapons, stay close to its legs and attack when it’s not stomping. Be prepared to dodge its stomp attacks and vine projectiles, as they deal significant damage.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of stamina during the fight. To mitigate this, avoid sprinting unnecessarily and use stamina-boosting foods like Carrot Soup. Another issue is the boss’s ability to summon roots that block your movement. Keep a Bronze Axe or Iron Axe handy to quickly destroy these roots and maintain mobility. If a player dies during the fight, they can respawn at a nearby bed and rejoin the battle, but it’s best to avoid this by staying cautious.\n\nAfter defeating The Elder, you’ll receive a Swamp Key, which unlocks Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. This key is essential for progressing to the next stage of the game, as it allows you to gather Iron Scrap for crafting stronger gear. The Elder also drops a trophy that can be placed at the sacrificial altar to gain its power, which increases woodcutting efficiency.\n\nIn summary, preparing for The Elder in co-op mode involves gathering Ancient Seeds, equipping the right gear, stocking up on Fire Arrows, and coordinating with your team. Clear the area around the altar, manage your stamina, and focus on The Elder’s weak spots during the fight. With proper preparation and teamwork, you’ll emerge victorious and ready to tackle the challenges of the Swamp biome.