Valheim offers the ability to “cheat” items or enter creative mode through admin commands. We asked you if you find that acceptable. The survey shows a clear result.
This was the survey: On March 27, we asked you, if “cheating” is acceptable in Valheim. Within a few days, hundreds of you voted with a rather clear result.
Here are your decisions: As of the time of writing, 1,866 MeinMMO readers participated (as of April 1). Here are the results to the question of whether “cheating” is okay:
- Yes, the commands are intended by the developers (39%, 728 votes)
- Only certain cheats, like the creative mode (19%, 362 votes)
- No, cheats are not okay in Valheim (17%, 308 votes)
- Yes, but only if you have played the game fairly first (13%, 247 votes)
- No, you should play Valheim normally – mods are fine though (12%, 221 votes)
In total, 71% of you voted “Yes”, although with some conditions, such as that cheating is only allowed under certain circumstances. Given how frowned upon “cheating” is in shooters, the result can be surprising. However, the “cheats” in Valheim and generally in survival games are also something entirely different.
Why is “cheating” acceptable in Valheim?
Here’s what readers say: The consensus of most comments is: As long as you play on your own server, you can do whatever you want. Even cheat. It doesn’t bother anyone else, and if you enjoy it, why not? MeinMMO reader Alex summarizes the discussion as follows:
Of course it’s okay, why not? It’s up to everyone what they want to play. Some just want to build, and that makes complete sense.
For normal gameplay, you should definitely refrain from that, as it quickly ruins your gaming experience. But why shouldn’t that be okay? It’s not a PvP game.
Alex on MeinMMO
However, there are also some voices from players who criticize cheats in any form. Our reader Andy R. says, “You either experience the game as it is, or you don’t” (via Facebook).
Almost everyone agrees, though, that the line should definitely be drawn where other players are involved. As soon as it comes to interaction, cheats are definitely no longer okay.
What makes “cheats” in Valheim special: Valheim uses so-called admin commands or console commands. These are not entered through external programs but directly in the game.
You are not manipulating the game data with unauthorized means and modified files, but rather using only what is already intended in the game. These commands are actually for developers to test the game.
However, players can also use them. This way, the first cheat codes arose in older games, such as certain phrases or key combinations that give you advantages. In survival games, these codes and other developer tools are still often present.
What cheats are available in Valheim? The commands in Valheim allow you to enjoy a range of advantages that you normally don’t have. You can use the admin commands to:
- activate debug mode and fly or build for free
- spawn resources and enemies directly in front of you
- tame animals without going through the taming process first
- spawn armor and weapons
- kill all nearby enemies or make loot disappear
In our guide, you can find all admin commands in Valheim and how to use them.
For many players, such commands are simply a way to save time – for example, when they no longer need to farm materials for their massive buildings or for their gear. Others enjoy making items disappear and thus bypass missing functions that may come later in the game.
However, the creative mode is a big plus, as the building system is really well received by many players. They build all sorts of massive structures and invest many dozens of hours into building – with or without cheats.
Some are even so crazy, that they simply build a whole fortress around the hardest boss …
