How do I avoid getting poisoned by Eikthyr’s stomp attack?

Eikthyr, the first boss in Valheim, is a formidable opponent, especially for new players. One of his most dangerous attacks is his stomp, which not only deals significant damage but also poisons players caught in its radius. To avoid getting poisoned by Eikthyr’s stomp attack, you need to understand the mechanics of the fight and prepare accordingly.\n\nFirst, it’s important to recognize the telltale signs of Eikthyr’s stomp attack. Before he stomps, Eikthyr will rear up on his hind legs and emit a loud roar. This is your cue to move out of the way. The stomp creates a shockwave that radiates outward in a circular area around him. If you’re within this radius, you’ll take damage and be poisoned, which drains your health over time. To avoid this, always keep an eye on Eikthyr’s movements and be ready to dodge.\n\nOne effective strategy is to maintain a safe distance from Eikthyr during the fight. Use a bow and arrows to deal damage from afar, as this allows you to stay out of range of his stomp attack. Craft a Crude Bow and Flinthead Arrows before the fight, as these are the best early-game ranged weapons. If you prefer melee combat, use a spear or club and strike quickly before retreating to avoid his stomp. Timing is key—hit him once or twice, then back off before he can retaliate.\n\nAnother way to mitigate the effects of poison is to prepare antidotes. Crafting Poison Resistance Mead is highly recommended for this fight. To make it, you’ll need a Fermenter, which requires Bronze to craft. Gather 10 Honey, 5 Thistle, 1 Neck Tail, and 10 Coal to brew the mead. Consuming Poison Resistance Mead before the fight will significantly reduce the damage and duration of poison effects, giving you a better chance of survival.\n\nIf you do get poisoned, don’t panic. Keep an eye on your health bar and use healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries to restore health. Avoid engaging Eikthyr directly until the poison effect wears off, as your reduced health will make you more vulnerable to his attacks. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your movements to distract Eikthyr while others heal or attack.\n\nFinally, practice your dodging and positioning. Eikthyr’s stomp attack has a predictable pattern, so with enough practice, you can learn to anticipate and avoid it consistently. Use the environment to your advantage—fight in an open area with plenty of space to maneuver, and avoid getting cornered. By combining these strategies, you can minimize the risk of getting poisoned and defeat Eikthyr with confidence.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Eikthyr’s stomp attack requires awareness, preparation, and quick reflexes. Use ranged weapons to stay out of harm’s way, craft Poison Resistance Mead for added protection, and practice dodging to avoid the shockwave. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to take on Valheim’s first boss and emerge victorious.