Summary
- Valheim's setting in the tenth realm allows for a kitchen-sink approach to Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore, with the freedom to tear up and build as you please.
- Exploring the other Norse realms would emphasize Valheim's Norse inspiration and introduce more fantastical elements, epic quests, and encounters with gods and mythical creatures.
- Adding new realms would solve Valheim's update problem, allowing for new content without requiring world restarts, and providing unique terrain and challenges for players to overcome.
Valheim's setting, an addition to traditional Norse cosmology, allows imagination to run wild with its contents. However, the player being chained to this tenth realm is more than a little detrimental to Valheim.
The realm of Valheim is a new addition to Norse cosmology. Though there are conflicting accounts as to the exact makeup of the Norse realms, it's typically accepted that there are nine of them. Valheim sits below the world tree Yggdrasil (where the other realms orbit) and serves as a place for slain vikings to prove themselves worthy of Valhalla, fighting the sworn foes of Odin. There are also elements of Valheim reminiscent of the other realms, such as in Valheim's upcoming Ashlands update, which will add some fiery flair in the vein of Muspelheim.
Valheim Could Do With Branching Out To The Other Norse Realms
Within this tenth realm, Valheim's gameplay has been facilitated wonderfully. The sandbox plane allows for Valheim's kitchen-sink approach to Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore, with many elements drawing inspiration from across Yggdrasil. In addition, it's entirely malleable; the player can tear up what they wish and build where they please, without the concern of intruding on the established trajectory of Norse myth. However, this is a double-edged sword. The nine realms are overflowing with creative potential, teased to general audiences throughout pop culture. A chance to glimpse into these worlds would be a great asset to Valheim.
Exploring The Other Realms Could Emphasize Valheim's Norse Inspiration
Valheim is distant with its Norse pantheon, relegating gods to backstory and brief cameos. In turn, many elements of deeper cosmology are kept at arm's length. There is an appeal to playing as a much smaller piece in a greater puzzle—a simple cog in astral machinations. On the other hand, it's a crying shame to not see those more fantastical elements. A glimpse into the endless blaze of Muspelheim or an altercation with a real giant would be the type of epic quest to really challenge a player at the peak of their power.
Furthermore, it would allow Valheim to play into specific Norse myths. They could bargain for wisdom, discourse with high Aesir, uncover prophecies, and witness the scope of the world-serpent Jormungandr. Some of these things already have grounds in Valheim's existing gameplay, making them all the more plausible for an encounter that a truly demigod-adjacent player may find. Not only this, but the unique terrain that could be found in each realm would entirely switch up gameplay. These pockets of distant, extra-planar vistas could be built around entirely new traversal mechanics.
A New Realm Would Solve Valheim's Update Problem
Indeed, new updates to Valheim often require world restarts. Valheim's world is large but doesn't border on the infinite, heightening the likelihood of this mandated erasure. This is a clear issue for players looking to get invested, as accessing new content will require a loss of progression. Though this may be an early-access growing pain, it's unlikely that Iron Gate will cease updating the title once Valheim reaches completion.
A good long-term solution would lie in the addition of new realms. If these realms were gated behind Minecraft-style dimensional travel, it would only require resets if they were updated. Considering the already vast size of the tenth realm, these should be kept to limited glimpses.
Perhaps a boss or tough structure could be linked to them, in addition to the aforementioned terrain hazards. These areas could even be specific locations in Norse myth, such as the rainbow bridge or Gladsheim, where the male Aesir hold council. The cosmic threats that would inevitably surround these places would be the perfect final test for a soul looking toward Valhalla.
Valheim
- Released
- February 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
Valheim is a brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players set in a procedurally-generated world inspired by Norse mythology. Craft powerful weapons, construct longhouses, and slay mighty foes to prove yourself to Odin!
EXPLORE THE TENTH WORLD
Explore a world shrouded in mystery. Discover distinct environments with unique enemies to battle, resources to gather and secrets to uncover! Be a viking, sail the open seas in search of lands unknown, and fight bloodthirsty monsters.
BUILD MIGHTY HALLS
Raise viking longhouses and build bases that offer reprieve from the dangers ahead. Customise buildings, both inside and out, with a detailed building system. Progress through building tiers to upgrade, expand and defend your base.
GATHER, CRAFT AND SURVIVE
Struggle to survive as you gather materials and craft weapons, armor, tools, ships, and defenses. Decorate your hearths and sharpen your blades, grow crops and vegetables, prepare food, brew meads and potions, and progress as you defeat more difficult bosses and discover new recipes and blueprints.
- Developer(s)
- Iron Gate AB
- Publisher(s)
- Coffee Stain Studios
- Platform(s)
- Linux, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
- How Long To Beat
- 75 Hours
- File Size Xbox Series
- 1 GB (November 2023)
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Steam User Rating
- 95%
