What are the best ways to counter poison damage in multiplayer?

Poison damage in Valheim is one of the most dangerous hazards, especially in multiplayer where coordination and preparation are key. Poison can quickly drain health, making it essential to have strategies and tools to counter it. The primary sources of poison include enemies like Blobs, Leeches, and Oozers, as well as environmental hazards in biomes like the Swamp. To effectively counter poison, players must focus on crafting, teamwork, and biome-specific preparation.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to counter poison is by crafting and using Poison Resistance Mead. This consumable provides 10 minutes of 50% resistance to poison damage, making it invaluable in the Swamp biome. To craft Poison Resistance Mead, players need a Cauldron and Fermenter. The recipe requires 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 1 Neck Tail, and 10 Coal. Once brewed, distribute the mead among your team before entering hazardous areas. This ensures everyone is protected and reduces the risk of sudden health loss.\n\nIn multiplayer, communication is crucial. Assign roles to team members, such as having one player focus on healing while others handle combat. Equip at least one player with a healing item like the Healing Mead or the Draugr Fang bow, which can apply poison to enemies and keep them at a distance. Additionally, always carry a stack of Cooked Meat or other high-health foods to sustain your health pool during prolonged fights. This is especially important when facing multiple poison-dealing enemies.\n\nArmor and shields also play a significant role in mitigating poison damage. The Root Armor set, crafted from materials found in the Swamp, provides innate poison resistance. This set is ideal for players who frequently explore poison-heavy areas. Pair this armor with a strong shield like the Iron Buckler to block incoming attacks from poison enemies. Blocking reduces the chance of being hit and poisoned, giving your team time to react and heal.\n\nEnvironmental awareness is another critical factor. In the Swamp biome, avoid standing in water for too long, as Leeches can quickly poison you. Stick to dry land or use the Hoe to create paths through the water. Torches and campfires can also deter enemies and provide safe zones for healing. If a teammate is poisoned, prioritize their safety by luring enemies away or using ranged weapons to eliminate threats from a distance.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to start preparing for poison early. Gather Thistle and Honey as soon as possible, as these are key ingredients for Poison Resistance Mead. Explore the Black Forest biome to find Thistle, and build Beehives near your base to produce Honey. Experienced Vikings should focus on upgrading their gear and stocking up on meads before tackling tougher biomes like the Swamp or Plains, where poison is more prevalent.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If a teammate is poisoned and low on health, use a Healing Mead or the Stagbreaker hammer to create space and heal. Keep an eye on each other’s health bars and communicate effectively to avoid unnecessary deaths. By combining preparation, teamwork, and the right tools, your team can effectively counter poison damage and conquer even the most hazardous biomes in Valheim.