How do you use the Bonemass power to reduce physical damage in combat?

The Bonemass power is one of the most valuable abilities in Valheim, especially for players looking to reduce physical damage during combat. This power is unlocked by defeating the Bonemass boss in the Swamp biome, and it provides a significant damage reduction buff for 5 minutes. To activate the Bonemass power, you must first place the Bonemass Trophy on the central altar at your spawn point. Once activated, pressing F to use the power will grant you a 50% reduction in physical damage, making it ideal for tough fights against enemies like Trolls, Fulings, or even the game''s toughest bosses.\n\nTo effectively use the Bonemass power, you need to prepare for combat in advance. Start by ensuring you have a rested buff, as this will increase your stamina regeneration and overall survivability. Equip the best armor you have, such as Iron or Wolf Armor, and bring a strong melee weapon like a Mace or Sword. The Bonemass power is particularly useful in biomes like the Plains or Mountains, where enemies deal high physical damage. For example, when fighting a Stone Golem in the Mountains, activating the Bonemass power can make the difference between life and death.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing the cooldown of the Bonemass power. After using it, there is a 20-minute cooldown before it can be activated again. To work around this, plan your battles carefully. For instance, if you''re exploring a dangerous area like the Plains, save the power for encounters with Fuling Berserkers or Lox. Alternatively, use it during boss fights like Moder or Yagluth, where physical damage reduction is critical. Pairing the Bonemass power with healing items like Health Mead or cooked food such as Serpent Stew can further enhance your survivability.\n\nAnother tip is to combine the Bonemass power with other defensive strategies. For example, using a shield to block incoming attacks while the power is active can make you nearly invincible to physical damage. Additionally, positioning is key. Avoid fighting in tight spaces where you can be overwhelmed by multiple enemies. Instead, lure enemies into open areas where you can dodge and counterattack effectively. This is especially useful in the Swamp biome, where enemies like Draugr and Blobs can swarm you.\n\nFor new players, unlocking the Bonemass power requires preparation. You''ll need to defeat The Elder boss first to obtain the Swamp Key, which allows you to access Sunken Crypts in the Swamp. Inside these crypts, you''ll find Withered Bones, which are required to summon Bonemass. Once you have 10 Withered Bones, head to the Bonemass altar in the Swamp and place them to summon the boss. Defeating Bonemass is no easy task, so bring Poison Resistance Mead, a strong melee weapon, and plenty of healing items.\n\nIn summary, the Bonemass power is a game-changer for reducing physical damage in Valheim. Use it strategically during tough fights, pair it with defensive tactics, and plan around its cooldown. Whether you''re a new player exploring the Swamp or an experienced Viking tackling the Plains, this power will significantly improve your combat effectiveness.