How do I avoid Moder’s ground slam attack?

Moder, the fourth boss in Valheim, is a formidable dragon found in the Mountain biome. Her ground slam attack is one of her most dangerous moves, capable of dealing massive damage and knocking you back. To avoid this attack, you need to understand her attack patterns, positioning, and movement mechanics.\n\nModer’s ground slam is telegraphed by a distinct animation where she rears up on her hind legs before slamming down. This attack creates a shockwave that can hit you even if you’re not directly under her. The key to avoiding this attack is maintaining a safe distance and using the terrain to your advantage. Always keep an eye on her movements and be ready to react quickly.\n\nOne effective strategy is to use the terrain of the Mountain biome to your benefit. Moder’s ground slam attack has a limited range, so positioning yourself behind large rocks or elevated terrain can block the shockwave. If you’re fighting in an open area, try to stay at least 10-15 meters away from her during the attack animation. This distance ensures you’re outside the shockwave’s radius.\n\nAnother crucial aspect is your movement speed. Equip gear that enhances your mobility, such as the Wolf Armor or Fenris Set, which provide speed bonuses. Additionally, consume food that boosts stamina, like Serpent Stew or Lox Meat Pie, to ensure you can sprint away when needed. Stamina management is critical, as running out of stamina mid-fight can leave you vulnerable.\n\nIf you’re caught in the shockwave’s range, you can mitigate the damage by blocking with a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield or Serpent Scale Shield. However, blocking should be a last resort, as the attack can still stagger you and leave you open to follow-up attacks. Dodging is always the better option.\n\nFor ranged players, using a Draugr Fang bow with Needle or Frost arrows is highly effective. Stay at a distance and fire arrows while keeping an eye on her animations. When you see her rear up, immediately sprint sideways or backward to avoid the shockwave. This method allows you to deal consistent damage while staying safe.\n\nFor melee players, timing is everything. Wait for her to finish her ground slam before closing the distance. Use a weapon like the Frostner or Black Metal Sword to deal damage quickly and retreat before she can attack again. Always be mindful of your stamina and avoid overcommitting to attacks.\n\nFinally, practice makes perfect. Before engaging Moder, consider setting up a portal nearby to minimize the risk of losing progress. This allows you to experiment with different strategies and learn her attack patterns without fear of losing valuable resources. With patience and preparation, you can master the art of avoiding Moder’s ground slam and emerge victorious.\n\nPractical Tip: Always bring healing mead and stamina mead to the fight. These consumables can save your life during critical moments. Additionally, consider bringing a stack of wood to build temporary cover if the terrain is unfavorable.