This fight has become a nightmarish maelstrom for solo players with the updates. Bow nerfs, ability to pin the boss in a prepared hole either by luring him in or harpooning him gone and the newly aggressive loxes have really made it tough. The other day, I had the boss, 3 loxes and a few deathsquitos on me in no time going back in after a death. Seems you have to get him on your first run or deal with all of this other stuff when you go back in. As for weapons I found the silver sword to be pretty good, but I didn't use the axe. GLHF!