What’s the best way to avoid Bonemass’s poison cloud as a solo player?

Facing Bonemass, the third boss in Valheim, can be a daunting challenge, especially for solo players. One of the most dangerous aspects of this fight is Bonemass''s poison cloud attack, which deals significant damage over time and can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. To avoid this attack effectively, you need to understand the mechanics of the fight and prepare accordingly.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before engaging Bonemass, ensure you have the best available gear for the Swamp biome. This includes a fully upgraded Iron Armor set or better, as well as a strong melee weapon like an Iron Mace. Bonemass is highly resistant to slash and pierce damage, so blunt weapons are essential. Additionally, craft and bring Poison Resistance Mead, which reduces poison damage by 75% for 10 minutes. This mead is crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Stock up on Healing Mead and Stamina Mead as well to sustain yourself during the fight.\n\nBonemass''s poison cloud attack is telegraphed by a distinct animation where it raises its arm and releases a green mist. The cloud lingers for several seconds and covers a wide area, making it difficult to avoid if you''re too close. To counter this, maintain a safe distance during the fight. Use the terrain to your advantage by positioning yourself near large trees, rocks, or other obstacles that can block the cloud''s spread. This allows you to quickly move behind cover when you see the attack coming.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use ranged attacks to chip away at Bonemass''s health while staying out of the poison cloud''s range. However, ranged weapons like bows are less effective against Bonemass due to its high resistance to pierce damage. Instead, focus on melee combat but adopt a hit-and-run approach. Wait for Bonemass to finish its attacks, then move in for a few quick strikes before retreating to a safe distance. This minimizes your exposure to the poison cloud and other melee attacks.\n\nStamina management is crucial during this fight. Bonemass''s attacks are slow but powerful, and you''ll need to dodge frequently. Avoid sprinting unnecessarily and conserve stamina for dodging or blocking. Use the roll dodge (default key: spacebar + movement key) to quickly evade the poison cloud or other attacks. If you''re caught in the cloud, immediately retreat and use Healing Mead to recover lost health.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to clear the area around Bonemass''s summoning altar before starting the fight. The Swamp biome is filled with dangerous enemies like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs, which can complicate the fight. Use a Hoe to level the ground and remove water puddles, creating a flat and dry arena. This improves mobility and reduces the risk of getting stuck or slowed down during combat.\n\nExperienced players can optimize their strategy by using Frost Arrows or Frostner, a powerful blunt weapon with frost damage. These tools are particularly effective against Bonemass, as it is weak to frost damage. However, acquiring Frost Arrows or Frostner requires venturing into the Mountain biome, which is more challenging than the Swamp. If you''re up for the challenge, these items can significantly speed up the fight.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Bonemass''s poison cloud as a solo player requires careful preparation, strategic positioning, and efficient stamina management. Equip yourself with Poison Resistance Mead, a blunt weapon, and strong armor. Use the environment to block the poison cloud and adopt a hit-and-run combat style. Clear the area beforehand and consider using frost-based weapons for an edge. With these tactics, you can defeat Bonemass and claim its trophy.