If you build a elevated platform on one the side of his pillars he bugs out and can't range attack you if your not on the ground. I found he just walks away from you aswell and the roots don't commonly spawn on the elevated area

Originally posted by Promethian:

I tanked him with a bronze shield. So doing it with a better shield is a no duh.

agreed - took him down using a bronze shield and axe - only thing is to avoid the tentacles everything else is a piece of cake

For melee just avoid all the tentacles. Stay within medium range to kite him away from them. Then just make sure to block his stomps. I think the axe does a little bit more damage to him compared to other weapons, but I'm not certain of that.

Other than that, fire arrows are extremely effective against him, and his main weakness. Just make sure to take cover near rocks or something due to his ranged attacks.

Elder is easy if you use fire arrows and the pillars on his altar against him, keep them between you and him at all times. only swapping pillars to avoid the thwakking root attack

Fire arrows will do better. But you can do it if you have good food and avoid some of the hits. You can't just stand there in it for the whole fight. If yuo have it take healing mead, eat a honey, run around healing up if you get low between hitting on it sessions.
Or get some help.

I tanked him with a bronze shield. So doing it with a better shield is a no duh.

You can tank him with a fully upgraded bronze buckler or better, but you have to constantly move out of his roots, or you'll get poked to death.