What’s the quickest way to locate the Elder boss altar in a speedrun?

Locating the Elder boss altar quickly in a Valheim speedrun requires a combination of efficient exploration, game mechanics knowledge, and strategic planning. The Elder is the second boss in Valheim and is found in the Black Forest biome. To summon the Elder, you need to find its altar and offer three Ancient Seeds, which are dropped by Greydwarf Brutes, Greydwarf Shamans, or found in Burial Chambers. However, the real challenge lies in locating the altar itself, as it is not marked on the map initially.\n\nTo begin, you must first locate the Black Forest biome. This biome is typically adjacent to the Meadows, where you start the game. Look for dense, dark trees and a gloomy atmosphere to identify the Black Forest. Once you enter the biome, your primary goal is to find Vegvisir runestones, which reveal the location of the Elder altar on your map. These runestones are often found near stone structures, ruins, or Burial Chambers scattered throughout the Black Forest.\n\nSpeedrunning requires minimizing time spent on unnecessary tasks. To optimize your search, prioritize crafting a raft or karve as soon as possible. These boats allow you to explore coastal areas of the Black Forest biome, which often contain Vegvisir runestones. Coastal exploration is faster than traversing dense forests on foot, and it reduces the risk of encountering dangerous enemies like Trolls. Additionally, sailing along the coast can help you spot Burial Chambers, which are another source of Ancient Seeds.\n\nWhen searching for Vegvisir runestones, focus on areas with visible stone structures or ruins. These locations are more likely to contain the runestones you need. If you find a Burial Chamber, clear it quickly to gather Ancient Seeds and check for runestones inside. Be prepared to fight Greydwarfs and Skeletons, as they are common in these areas. Equip a shield and a weapon like a club or axe to handle these enemies efficiently.\n\nOnce you locate a Vegvisir runestone, interact with it to reveal the Elder altar''s location on your map. The altar is typically found in a dense part of the Black Forest, often surrounded by Greydwarfs and other enemies. Mark the location on your map and prepare for the journey. If the altar is far from your starting point, consider building a small outpost nearby to store supplies and respawn in case of death.\n\nTo speed up the process, consider using the console command ''devcommands'' to reveal the entire map. While this is not a traditional speedrunning method, it can save significant time if you are practicing or testing strategies. However, for a legitimate speedrun, stick to in-game mechanics and exploration.\n\nFinally, ensure you have the necessary items to summon and defeat the Elder. Craft a finewood bow and fire arrows, as the Elder is weak to fire damage. Bring healing items like cooked meat or berries, and wear the best armor available, such as troll hide armor. With these preparations, you can locate the Elder altar quickly and efficiently, setting yourself up for a successful speedrun.\n\nPractical tips for speedrunning the Elder boss altar include prioritizing coastal exploration, crafting a boat early, and focusing on stone structures for Vegvisir runestones. Always be prepared for combat, and mark important locations on your map to avoid backtracking. With these strategies, you can locate the Elder altar in record time and progress through the game swiftly.