How do you speedrun the Elder boss fight using only basic tools?

Speedrunning the Elder boss fight in Valheim using only basic tools is a challenging but achievable task. The Elder is the second boss in the game, found in the Black Forest biome, and requires careful preparation and strategy to defeat quickly. To succeed, you will need to focus on maximizing your damage output while minimizing the risks of taking damage. This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare for and execute a successful speedrun.\n\nFirst, gather the necessary resources to craft basic tools and weapons. You will need a Flint Axe, a Crude Bow, and Fire Arrows. The Flint Axe is essential for chopping down trees to collect wood, while the Crude Bow and Fire Arrows are your primary weapons for the fight. Fire Arrows are particularly effective against the Elder because he is weak to fire damage. To craft Fire Arrows, you will need Wood, Resin, and Feathers. Resin can be obtained from Greydwarfs, and Feathers are dropped by birds near water or in meadows.\n\nNext, locate the Elder''s summoning altar in the Black Forest. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune on a large stone structure. Before summoning the Elder, clear the area of nearby enemies such as Greydwarfs and Trolls. This will prevent distractions during the fight. Additionally, build a small shelter nearby with a bed to set your spawn point in case you die. This will save you time if the fight goes poorly.\n\nOnce the area is prepared, summon the Elder by placing three Ancient Seeds in the altar. Ancient Seeds are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Nests or looting chests in Burial Chambers. As soon as the Elder spawns, immediately start attacking him with Fire Arrows. The key to speedrunning this fight is to maintain a safe distance while dealing consistent damage. The Elder has two main attacks: a ranged vine attack and a stomp attack. Both can be avoided by staying mobile and using the terrain to your advantage.\n\nTo maximize your damage output, aim for the Elder''s head or upper body. Fire Arrows deal bonus damage over time, so focus on landing as many shots as possible. If the Elder gets too close, use the terrain to create distance. For example, hide behind large trees or rocks to block his vine attacks. If you run out of Fire Arrows, switch to regular Wood Arrows, but keep in mind that they deal less damage.\n\nOne common challenge during the fight is running out of stamina. To avoid this, bring plenty of food that boosts stamina, such as Cooked Meat or Honey. These items can be easily obtained by hunting Boars or harvesting Beehives in the Meadows biome. Additionally, avoid sprinting unnecessarily to conserve stamina for dodging attacks.\n\nFinally, stay patient and focused. The Elder has a large health pool, so the fight may take several minutes even with optimal strategy. If you die, respawn at your shelter and quickly return to the fight. With persistence and careful execution, you can defeat the Elder using only basic tools and complete the speedrun successfully.\n\nIn summary, speedrunning the Elder boss fight in Valheim with basic tools requires preparation, strategy, and precision. Focus on crafting Fire Arrows, clearing the area, and maintaining distance during the fight. Use the terrain to your advantage and manage your stamina wisely. With these tips, you can overcome the Elder and progress further in your Valheim adventure.