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

Eikthyr, the first boss in Valheim, is a formidable foe that can poison players with its charge attack. To avoid getting poisoned, you need to understand the mechanics of the fight and prepare accordingly. Eikthyr’s charge attack is telegraphed by a loud roar and a glowing effect around its antlers. When you see this, it’s time to act quickly to avoid the poison effect.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right gear and consumables. A basic shield, such as the Wood Shield, can block Eikthyr’s charge attack, reducing or negating the poison damage. Additionally, craft a Bow and Flinthead Arrows to engage Eikthyr from a distance. This allows you to avoid close-range attacks entirely. Stock up on health items like Cooked Meat or Berries to recover quickly if you do get hit.\n\nDuring the fight, maintain a safe distance from Eikthyr. When it begins to charge, sprint perpendicular to its path to avoid the attack. Dodging sideways is more effective than running backward, as Eikthyr’s charge covers a lot of ground quickly. If you’re caught in the attack, the poison effect will drain your health over time, so prioritize healing immediately.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. Fight Eikthyr in an open area like the Meadows biome, where you have plenty of space to maneuver. Avoid fighting near trees or rocks, as these can block your movement and make it harder to dodge. If you’re struggling, consider building a small shelter nearby with a Bed and a Campfire to respawn quickly if you die.\n\nFor experienced players, parrying Eikthyr’s charge attack with a well-timed block can stagger it, leaving it vulnerable to counterattacks. This requires precise timing but can significantly speed up the fight. If you’re new to parrying, practice on weaker enemies like Greylings before attempting it on Eikthyr.\n\nFinally, always stay alert during the fight. Eikthyr’s attacks are predictable, but getting complacent can lead to mistakes. Keep an eye on your stamina, as sprinting and dodging will drain it quickly. Use stamina-boosting foods like Honey or Cooked Deer Meat to maintain your mobility throughout the fight.\n\nBy following these steps, you can avoid Eikthyr’s poison charge and defeat the boss with minimal risk. Preparation, positioning, and quick reflexes are key to surviving this early-game challenge.