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Valheim is a third-person survival game set in a procedurally generated world inspired by Norse mythology and Viking culture. It combines exploration, resource gathering, crafting, combat, and progression through skill use, and supports both solo play and multiplayer.
Core gameplay
You play as a warrior in a vast open world. Skills improve through use, so regular combat, movement, and crafting-related actions all contribute to character growth. The game can be played alone or on a server with up to 10 players, and player-versus-player combat is also possible.
The experience is built around:
- exploration of different biomes
- collecting materials
- crafting gear, tools, and food
- building bases and equipment
- fighting bosses and hostile creatures
World and setting
The world is generated procedurally, so each playthrough creates a different landmass, terrain layout, and distribution of resources and enemies. The setting draws heavily from Norse mythology and Viking imagery, which shapes both the atmosphere and the enemy roster.
Biome progression is central to survival and advancement. Early areas like the Meadows and Black Forest are followed by harsher regions such as the Swamp, Mountains, 
Progression and survival
Valheim rewards steady preparation. New resources unlock stronger tools, weapons, armor sets, and crafting stations, while food and meads improve survivability in dangerous areas. Skill growth matters throughout the game, but gear and preparation are equally important.
Important survival pillars include:
- upgrading workstations
- building shelters and protected bases
- managing food for health and stamina
- using terrain and positioning in combat
- learning enemy behavior and biome hazards
Combat and enemies
Combat is a major part of progression, with many hostile creatures, bosses, and elite variants appearing across the world. The game includes melee combat, bows, shields, blocking, parrying, and movement-based dodging. Enemy variety ranges from early threats like Greylings and Boars to dangerous late-game creatures such as Seekers, 
Many creatures appear in star variants, which are stronger versions of the base enemy. Some enemies are passive or tameable, and others can be domesticated or used for farming and food production.
Crafting and building
Crafting underpins almost everything in Valheim. Players gather materials from the world, process ores into metals, and use stations such as the Workbench, 
Building is a major system as well. Players construct shelters, defenses, crafting stations, decorative pieces, and utility structures. Station upgrades extend the usefulness of core crafting areas, and many structures are gated behind specific materials or biome access.
Multiplayer and playstyle
Valheim supports both solo and cooperative play. In multiplayer, players can divide roles naturally between exploring, fighting, gathering, and building. Servers allow shared progression, base construction, and coordinated boss fights, while PvP remains optional.
Development and release
Valheim launched in early access and was developed by a small team. It received strong critical reception, with praise for its art, music, and polished feel for an early access game. Its open structure and restrained storytelling also encouraged players to share discoveries, theories, and building ideas.
The game sold five million copies within a month of early access release and passed 10 million copies on Steam by July 2022.
Platforms and system requirements
Valheim is available on Windows and Linux. The game requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.
Windows
Minimum requirements:
- Windows 7 or newer
- Dual Core 2.6 GHz or similar
- 4 GB RAM
- GeForce GTX 500 series or similar
- DirectX 11
- 1 GB available disk space
Recommended requirements:
- Windows 7 or newer
- i5 3GHz or better
- 8 GB RAM
- GeForce GTX 970 or similar
- DirectX 11
- broadband internet connection
- 1 GB available disk space
Mac
Mac support is not available.
Minimum requirements listed for Mac:
- OS X 10.9 Mavericks
- Dual Core 2.6 GHz or similar
- 4 GB RAM
- GeForce GTX 500 series or similar
- 1 GB available disk space
Recommended requirements listed for Mac:
- OS X 10.9 Mavericks
- i5 3GHz or better
- 8 GB RAM
- GeForce GTX 970 or similar
- broadband internet connection
Music and presentation
The game’s presentation is defined by its third-person camera, stylized visual design, and atmospheric soundtrack. The original soundtrack was released on Spotify and Steam on 29 October 2021.