What’s the best way to avoid getting poisoned by Eikthyr’s charge attack?

Eikthyr, the first boss in Valheim, is a formidable opponent with a powerful charge attack that can poison players. To avoid getting poisoned by this attack, understanding the mechanics of the fight and preparing adequately is crucial. Eikthyr’s charge attack is telegraphed by a distinct animation where he lowers his head and charges forward. This attack deals significant damage and applies a poison debuff, which drains health over time. Avoiding this attack requires a combination of positioning, timing, and preparation.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-prepared before engaging Eikthyr. Craft a Crude Bow and at least 100 Flinthead Arrows, as ranged combat is the safest way to fight him. Equip Leather Armor for basic protection and bring a Shield to block melee attacks if needed. Consume food like Cooked Meat, Grilled Neck Tail, and Raspberries to boost your health and stamina. Stamina management is critical, as dodging and running are key to avoiding his charge.\n\nDuring the fight, maintain a safe distance from Eikthyr. Use the Crude Bow to attack him from afar, and always keep an eye on his movements. When you see him lower his head and prepare to charge, immediately sprint perpendicular to his path. Running sideways or diagonally will help you avoid the charge entirely. If you are too close, use the dodge roll (default key: spacebar while moving) to evade the attack. Timing is essential, so practice dodging before the fight.\n\nIf you do get hit by the charge and poisoned, act quickly. Poison in Valheim drains health over time, so immediately consume Honey or a Poison Resistance Mead to counteract the effect. Honey can be found in Beehives in the Meadows biome, while Poison Resistance Mead requires a Fermenter and ingredients like Honey, Thistle, Neck Tail, and Coal. Crafting these items beforehand is highly recommended for new players.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Eikthyr’s altar is usually surrounded by trees and rocks. Use these obstacles to block his charge or create distance. However, be cautious of his AOE lightning attack, which can destroy trees and rocks, potentially causing debris damage. Always keep moving and avoid standing still for too long.\n\nFor experienced players, melee combat is an option but requires precise timing and positioning. Equip a Flint Spear or Club and use a Shield to block his melee attacks. When he charges, sidestep or dodge roll to avoid the poison effect. Melee combat is riskier but can speed up the fight if executed correctly.\n\nIn summary, the best way to avoid Eikthyr’s poison charge is to stay at range, use the Crude Bow, and maintain awareness of his attack patterns. Prepare with food, armor, and healing items, and use the environment to your advantage. Practice dodging and sprinting to evade his charge, and always have Honey or Poison Resistance Mead on hand in case of emergencies. With these strategies, you can defeat Eikthyr without falling victim to his poison.