What’s the best early-game weapon for quickly defeating Eikthyr?

The best early-game weapon for quickly defeating Eikthyr in Valheim is the Crude Bow paired with Flinthead Arrows. This combination allows you to deal consistent ranged damage while maintaining a safe distance from Eikthyr''s powerful melee attacks. The Crude Bow is easy to craft and requires only 10 Wood and 8 Leather Scraps, which can be obtained by hunting Boars in the Meadows biome. Flinthead Arrows, which deal 27 pierce damage, are crafted using 8 Wood and 2 Flint, a resource commonly found along riverbanks and shorelines in the Meadows.\n\nTo craft the Crude Bow, you''ll need to gather Wood by chopping down trees and Leather Scraps by hunting Boars. Boars are abundant in the Meadows and can be easily killed with a Wood Club or by sneaking up on them for a critical hit. Once you have the required materials, craft the bow at a Workbench. For Flinthead Arrows, explore riverbanks and shorelines to collect Flint, which appears as small, shiny stones on the ground. Combine Wood and Flint at a Workbench to craft the arrows.\n\nEikthyr is the first boss in Valheim and is summoned by placing two Deer Trophies on its altar in the Meadows biome. Before engaging Eikthyr, ensure you have at least 50 Flinthead Arrows and a full stack of food, such as Cooked Meat, Grilled Neck Tail, or Raspberries, to boost your health and stamina. Stamina management is crucial during the fight, as you''ll need to dodge Eikthyr''s lightning attacks and maintain distance while firing arrows.\n\nDuring the battle, focus on kiting Eikthyr by running in a wide circle around the altar. This strategy minimizes the risk of being hit by its melee attacks or lightning strikes. Fire arrows at Eikthyr whenever you have a clear shot, and avoid standing still for too long. If Eikthyr charges at you, sprint away to create distance before resuming your attack. This method allows you to defeat Eikthyr without taking significant damage, making it ideal for speedrunning.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of arrows mid-fight. To avoid this, gather extra Flint and Wood before the battle and craft additional arrows if needed. Another issue is stamina depletion, which can be mitigated by consuming stamina-boosting foods like Yellow Mushrooms or Honey. Additionally, wearing basic armor like a Leather Tunic and Rag Pants can provide some protection if you accidentally get hit.\n\nFor experienced players looking to optimize their speedrun, consider upgrading the Crude Bow at a Workbench using Fine Wood and Leather Scraps. This increases its durability and damage output, making the fight even quicker. Alternatively, you can use a Flint Spear or Club as a backup weapon if you run out of arrows, though this requires getting closer to Eikthyr and increases the risk of taking damage.\n\nIn summary, the Crude Bow and Flinthead Arrows are the best early-game weapons for defeating Eikthyr quickly and safely. Focus on crafting these items, managing your stamina, and kiting the boss to minimize damage. With proper preparation and execution, you can defeat Eikthyr efficiently and progress to the next stage of your Valheim adventure.