The survival hit Valheim launched its early access on Steam in February 2021 and attracted nearly 500,000 players simultaneously. Meanwhile, the hype has significantly decreased, although the game is not yet fully released. Perhaps the unexpectedly released Mistlands update today can turn things around.
What makes Valheim special? Valheim refers to itself as a “brutal exploration and survival game,” but it also makes concessions for players: while eating is necessary, dying of hunger is not possible.
The concept of Valheim was rewarded on Steam with 95% positive reviews. If there was anything to criticize about this indie favorite, it might be the rather sporadic appearance of new content. However, the developers announced big plans for 2022.
Already in February, there was a first update with new content, and players celebrated particularly an inconspicuous detail: the pause function in singleplayer.
Now, Valheim has received its first new biome with the Mistlands update.
What to expect in the Mistlands
What kind of area is this? The Mistlands are an area surrounded by a dense fog, which is where the biome gets its name. Behind it lies a green landscape full of ruins and mystical creatures.
However, the Mistlands will only appear in previously undiscovered parts of the map. On an already existing server, they can only be found if the empty filler biome has not already been revealed.
What creatures are there? In the Mistlands, numerous Dvergr NPCs can be found, a dwarf people that may look intimidating but is friendly towards players as long as they are not attacked.
However, the Mistlands are also home to various aggressive creatures: expect fire-breathing insects, blood-sucking ticks, and cockroach-like beings that attack in groups. The new boss, the queen of the Mistlands, will also be an insect.
For farming enthusiasts, the Mistlands update also adds chickens.
What other innovations are there? To defend yourselves against the more aggressive inhabitants of the Mistlands, you will have access to 9 new weapons: including a massive two-handed hammer and a crossbow.
Additionally, there are 5 magical weapons that can utilize elemental magic and blood magic. The ability to use these weapons will be unlocked through new food found in the Mistlands.
The Mistlands update introduces the magical energy of the world tree Yggdrasil. This is called Eitr and can be obtained by consuming Magecaps.
Furthermore, there is more potent mead that can enhance the stamina, HP, and Eitr of your Vikings.
Is there more? Indeed, yes. The building system, which excited a large portion of Valheim players, will also be expanded. This mainly concerns the new resource Black Marble.
Furthermore, there will be new armor, more character customization, and the fishing skill.
If you’re unsure whether Valheim is for you, you can find out here what makes the game so good:
Over 50,000 Vikings are still playing Valheim after a year on Steam – What makes it so good?
