Summary
Valheimis still going strong today despite still being in early access, providing players with a fantastic survival adventure. Interestingly, though its theming and mechanics are definitely unique, one aspect that looks to have already givenValheimgreat longevity is similar to that of another survival title.
There are many reasons forValheim’s success. Its availability on Game Pass, solid gameplay, and presence in a market that’s always hungry for single-player experiences certainly play a part. Moreover,Valheim’s Norse mythology settingis a big reason for its success, offering an experience that’s otherwise scarce in the gaming industry, a fantasy that’s only seeing more and more mainstream appeal as time goes on.
Valheim’s Building Mechanics May Be Its Key To Success, Just Like Minecraft Before It
However, what might be the biggest reason forValheim’s success is its building mechanics. The scope of what can be built with the tools available toValheim’s playerbase is flexible enough to create anything from wooden shacks grafted onto the side of existing huts, to glorious drinking halls that brave the skies. This scope of options in building is exactly what madeMinecraftthe hit that it is, with the game’s library of block options giving builders the tools to create whatever they want.Valheimdoesn’t quite reach that peak, but its building system nonetheless carries a similar appeal.
Building Mechanics Have Given Both Minecraft And Valheim Longevity
BothMinecraftandValheimlet their players build superstructures, granting near-unfettered access to a smorgasbord of creative options.Minecraft’s granular approach to this, with individual blocks at the fingertips of players, is a huge part of its virality. Impressive builds can be shared online, multiplayer servers can be built to house tens of thousands, and build tutorials can be uploaded to every platform to service every aesthetic. Even whenMinecrafthas lagged behind in survival mechanics, it’s always made sure to add swathes of blocks to every update, keeping builders more than satiated.
Though it may not house nearly as many options,Valheimplayers can still easily go viralwith their creations. Iron Gate should absolutely lean into this aspect of the game and ensure that building options are boosted with every update, which it likely already plans to do so. The title’s survival mechanics may be able to retain players, but giving fans the tools to build great structures has already proven to be amongValheim’s best marketing.
Valheim’s Building Has Already Surpassed Minecraft In Some Areas
Valheimis far more limited than its predecessor in terms of building. However, some elements ofthat building system haveMinecraftbeat: the comfort system is a great example, giving aesthetic elements a survival purpose, and it allows decoration to add to a score that boosts the player’s stats.
In terms of virality, this allows for building tutorials to have a practical aspect; players looking forValheimbuilding tutorials will want the best-looking base as well as one that produces the most benefit.
This extends to theneed to defendValheimbases. WhileMinecraftplayers love building elaborate base defenses, they’re rarely necessary even in multiplayer worlds where another player’s lateral thinking can surpass many defenses. On the other hand, monsters inValheimwill not only turn up at a player’s doorstep through raids or by simply following them home, but will actually damage player-built structures. This means having a brilliant base defense will never be just for show, adding to its potential visibility if shared online.
Valheim
WHERE TO PLAY
Valheimis 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 WORLDExplore 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 HALLSRaise 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 SURVIVEStruggle 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.
