Draugr

Draugr are hostile undead found in the Swamp, where they often act as guardians of burial sites and treasure. They are aggressive toward the player and toward creatures that do not belong in the swamp, while remaining neutral to other swamp inhabitants. In practice, they are one of the biome’s most dangerous common enemies because they combine solid melee damage with ranged pressure and can appear in groups.

Draugr spawn with two main weapon variants: 75% carry axes and 25% carry bows. In melee, they also have randomized defensive gear, with an equal chance to spawn with no shield, a Wood Shield, or a reinforced shield. Their headgear is likewise randomized among no helmet, a leather helmet, a bronze helmet, or an iron helmet. When they notice a nearby enemy, they emit a short roar before charging in.

Their axe attack is a horizontal slash with a wide arc, reaching about 2.2 meters and covering 90 degrees. It deals 48 Slash and 15 Chop damage, has a 3-second cooldown, and can be used at close range. Their bow variant nocks an arrow and fires a precise shot that deals 48 Pierce damage. The arrow travels at 30 meters per second, lasts up to 4 seconds before despawning, and has a spread of 2–20 degrees; this attack has a 4-second cooldown and can be used from up to 20 meters away.

• Blocking or parrying a Draugr attack is especially effective, since it leaves them stunned long enough to land several hits.
• The axe variant is dangerous up close because of its broad swing, so sidestepping or keeping timing tight on blocks is important.
• The bow variant should be closed down quickly, since it can pressure the player from a safe distance.
• Entering a Sunken Crypt and leaving Draugr alive inside counts toward the local spawn cap, which can suppress their spawns in a large area.

Draugr fit Valheim’s Norse-inspired undead theme and are closely associated with graves and burial mounds. Their in-game role reflects that idea well: they are not just random swamp monsters, but persistent grave-keepers that defend the dead and their loot.