Valheim

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 277,658 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • grinding
Valheim Game Cover
Valheim is already a paragon of the survival crafting genre, with excellent art and music highlighting a world that generates endless exciting stories from only a few simple ingredients.
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Valheim is a work-in-progress, open-world game for 1-10 players that combines brutal exploration, survival, and crafting within a procedurally-generated world inspired by Norse mythology. Construct and customize viking longhouses, battle bloodthirsty monsters, and gather resources to prove your worth to Odin. As you progress, upgrade your base, craft powerful weapons, and uncover secrets in this mysterious environment.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 277,658 reviews
gameplay8,176 positive mentions
grinding10,025 negative mentions
  • gameplay19,902 mentions

    Valheim's gameplay is a blend of engaging survival mechanics, exploration, and cooperative multiplayer that captivates players with its immersive world and intricate building systems. While the game offers a satisfying progression loop and unique mechanics, such as food buffs and structural integrity in building, some players find the grindy nature and certain frustrating mechanics—like stamina management and death penalties—can detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, many players appreciate the game's depth, creativity, and the joy of playing with friends, making it a standout title in the survival genre.

    • “The cooperative aspect really enhances the gameplay and makes it a fun experience to share with friends and family.”
    • “The building mechanics are some of the most satisfying and creative ones I've seen.”
    • “Valheim's gameplay strikes a perfect balance between challenging survival mechanics and the joy of exploration.”
    • “At first, this game seems perfect, but after a while, some game mechanics make it extremely boring.”
    • “The combat mechanics are awkward and logistics are a nightmare - often involving sailing around the map for hours on end to find new areas, bosses, or to transport items that aren't allowed to be teleported, all while practically nothing happens.”
    • “The gameplay loop is monotonous, slow, and unrewarding as is the combat, building, and, oh yeah, the game as a whole.”
  • graphics18,331 mentions

    The graphics of Valheim have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the game's unique low-poly art style and atmospheric lighting, which create a charming and immersive experience. While some criticize the graphics as outdated or reminiscent of early console games, others find that the simplicity enhances the overall aesthetic and allows for smooth performance on lower-end hardware. Overall, the visuals are often described as beautiful in their own right, contributing to the game's engaging gameplay and exploration.

    • “The graphics may not be cutting-edge, but their simplicity and charm make the game visually appealing.”
    • “It's nice to see a game that doesn't need to rely on ultra-realistic visuals to create an enjoyable atmosphere.”
    • “The world of Valheim is breathtaking, even with its minimalist graphics.”
    • “The graphics are outdated by about 20 years, well pixelated by today's standards, but the game runs well enough with such good gameplay that I very often forget the sub-standard resolution and concentrate on keeping the character alive.”
    • “The graphics may seem a bit low, but when everything comes together it is absolutely stunning.”
    • “The graphics are a bit dated, but the game play is definitely there.”
  • grinding10,434 mentions

    The grinding aspect of Valheim has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting that while it is a core component of the game, it can often feel excessively tedious and time-consuming. Players appreciate the sense of progression that comes from gathering resources, crafting, and building, but some express frustration over the high resource requirements and the punishing death mechanics that can lead to significant setbacks. Overall, the game is seen as more enjoyable when played with friends, as cooperative play can alleviate some of the grindiness and make the experience more engaging.

    • “Crafting feels well balanced, gathering materials isn't too grindy, and the rewards from it are very satisfying.”
    • “The bosses are tough, the mobs are tough, the gameplay is very rewarding and not too grindy at all.”
    • “The progression feels great, it's not too grindy but at the same time it doesn't go by too quickly.”
    • “The game is very grindy, and doing that alone became a miserable experience very fast.”
    • “The grinding for resources feels like just that, a grind, it isn't fun and isn't even that challenging.”
    • “The game is absurdly grindy, meaning you will be spending a lot of time trying to complete basic things, though for me this made it feel more real and true to life.”
  • music5,254 mentions

    The music in Valheim has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the immersive experience of the game. Players appreciate the diverse soundtracks that change according to the biome and situation, with calming melodies for exploration and intense themes for boss battles. However, some reviewers noted that the limited variety of tracks can lead to repetitiveness over extended play sessions, suggesting a desire for more musical diversity. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, contributing to the game's enchanting ambiance and nostalgic feel.

    • “The procedurally generated world is beautifully crafted with an amazing soundtrack to follow.”
    • “The atmosphere of the world inside the game just feels so right and the music in the game is amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack reflects this well; it's a nice soothing song, at some point though it turns to a more hostile theme, hinting there is still danger, despite the beauty of the place.”
    • “The music is a big downturn for me; there are only a few songs that repeat per zone and they do get quite repetitive.”
    • “The music is very calming, but it can become extremely repetitive after a while.”
    • “The soundtrack is relatively small and only has one song per biome, yet I never find myself growing tired of the melodies.”
  • story4,463 mentions

    The story in "Valheim" is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for gameplay, focusing on Norse mythology and the player's quest to defeat various bosses. While some players appreciate the freedom to create their own narratives through exploration and building, others express a desire for a more structured storyline with quests and NPC interactions. Overall, the game offers a loose narrative framework that encourages player-driven storytelling rather than a traditional, linear plot.

    • “The story in 'Valheim' is minimalist but steeped in Norse mythology, setting the stage for a journey of survival, combat, and conquest.”
    • “Valheim isn’t just a game you play; it’s a world you conquer, a story you live, and a legend you become.”
    • “Whether you’re braving the wild alone or teaming up with others to face mighty creatures, each moment builds into your own unique story.”
    • “Modern games put so much into graphics that the story and gameplay seem to be an afterthought.”
    • “The story is almost non-existent, but the rest is great.”
    • “If you like story, the game falls short, as the storyline and lore unlocks are bland and uninspired.”
  • atmosphere3,192 mentions

    The atmosphere in Valheim is widely praised for its immersive and enchanting qualities, combining low-poly graphics with stunning lighting and weather effects to create a captivating world. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from calm and serene to tense and foreboding, particularly during exploration and combat. The atmospheric soundtrack further enhances the experience, making it a standout feature that draws players into its Norse-inspired setting.

    • “The atmosphere of this game is superb.”
    • “Looks amazingly dreamlike for the level of the graphics; it runs so smoothly and remains so atmospheric.”
    • “The low-poly graphics belie the game's charm and atmosphere, as you are pulled ever deeper into the game.”
    • “There is no reason to explore, the lore is spoon-fed to you by collectible notes and since everything is randomly generated, there's zero environmental storytelling or atmosphere.”
    • “The worst thing is the always hazy gloomy atmosphere, which pulls down the mood.”
    • “The atmosphere in the game may be a little gloomy.”
  • optimization2,802 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users, with many reporting significant performance issues, particularly in densely built areas or during multiplayer sessions. While some players have noted that the game runs smoothly on lower-end systems and appreciate its low file size, others have experienced severe frame drops and stuttering, even on high-end hardware. Overall, there is a consensus that the game requires further optimization to enhance performance and stability, especially as it continues to evolve in early access.

    • “It's refreshing to play a game that runs smoothly without any technical hiccups.”
    • “The balance between performance and visuals was well done to the point where particle effects don't necessarily slow or lag the game.”
    • “This approach not only gives the game a unique charm but also allows it to run smoothly on a range of systems, making it accessible to a broader audience.”
    • “The game has really bad performance issues, lots of stuttering, and the game frequently crashed Windows entirely, forcing me to restart my computer and costing a lot of progress.”
    • “The performance is absolutely abysmal; frames drop from the usual 100+ to <40 when fighting a mandatory boss.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized; the server part works terribly.”
  • stability1,735 mentions

    The stability of Valheim has received mixed feedback from players, with many noting that while it is generally stable and runs well on various platforms, it still exhibits a range of bugs and glitches typical of early access titles. Some players report minor issues that do not significantly impact gameplay, while others have experienced more severe problems, such as crashes and lost progress. Overall, the game is praised for its performance relative to other early access games, but players are advised to expect some instability and occasional frustrating glitches.

    • “Solid survival crafting game that runs great on Mac and PC.”
    • “Highly recommend this one, be it to play solo or with friends, and runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “Valheim is a truly excellent adventure and runs great on the Steam Deck, Series X, and any modern PC.”
    • “Full of glitches that will never be fixed because the developers almost immediately quit the community after launch.”
    • “Valheim turned from a great basic game to a totally buggy unplayable shithole.”
    • “It is a broken and buggy game more than three years after launch and after hundreds of millions in revenue.”
  • humor1,160 mentions

    The humor in "Valheim" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the absurdity and hilarity of their experiences, particularly when playing with friends. From the comedic timing of unexpected deaths—often caused by falling trees or mishaps during combat—to the amusing interactions with the game's quirky AI, players find themselves laughing at both their own mistakes and the game's unpredictable moments. The combination of chaotic gameplay, funny bugs, and the camaraderie of multiplayer sessions creates a rich tapestry of humorous memories that players cherish.

    • “Tl;dr: hilarious, I've laughed harder at this game than 1000 hours of other games combined, by a wide margin.”
    • “The fact that the falling tree can damage you & unventilated smoke can suffocate you is so funny lol.”
    • “You'll die more times than you can count, but you'll keep coming back for more, drawn to its beautiful world, satisfying combat, and hilarious building system.”
    • “It's not funny, it's frustrating, especially with the new biome Mistlands.”
    • “Inventory and weight system is so outdated and bad it's not funny; over half the inventory space is needed for all your food, armor, accessories, and potions, leaving minimal weight and space for everything else.”
    • “What is not funny nor fun are the glitches that permanently end your character and/or your progress.”
  • replayability790 mentions

    The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting its procedural generation of worlds, which ensures that each playthrough is unique and offers endless exploration opportunities. Multiplayer features further enhance this aspect, allowing for cooperative gameplay that keeps the experience fresh and engaging. However, some players express concerns about the linear progression and lack of endgame content, which may limit replayability for solo players after completing the main objectives. Overall, the game is considered to have significant replay value, especially with the support of mods and community-driven content.

    • “Multiplayer also adds infinite replayability – working together with friends to build epic bases or defeat challenging bosses never gets old.”
    • “The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two worlds are the same, encouraging endless exploration and replayability.”
    • “Valheim delivers a deeply satisfying survival experience with endless replayability.”
    • “However, the progression is quite linear and strict, and personally it doesn't have much replayability compared to other survival titles.”
    • “The game is fun for a time but has little to no replay value as the world is simplistic and barren.”
    • “After you clear the bosses, replay value is meh.”
  • emotional381 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Valheim" resonates deeply with players, evoking a wide range of feelings from nostalgia and joy to frustration and heartbreak. Many reviewers express that the game rekindles the wonder of childhood gaming experiences, akin to playing "Minecraft" for the first time, while also providing a sense of adventure and camaraderie when played with friends. However, the game's challenging mechanics and occasional bugs can lead to moments of emotional turmoil, making it a rollercoaster of highs and lows that players find both rewarding and taxing.

    • “I cried many times during my playthrough, but I also learned to enjoy my own company for the first time with the help of Valheim.”
    • “Valheim is not just a game; it's a heart-wrenching journey into the heart of Viking legacy, where emotions flow as freely as the rivers that once guided their longships.”
    • “The music dynamically shifts based on the situation, enhancing the emotional impact of the game.”
    • “Some action games are rich in mechanics but have on-rails scripting and boring storytelling.”
  • monetization212 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its lack of microtransactions, paywalls, and exploitative practices, which they see as a refreshing change in the current gaming landscape. However, there are significant concerns about the game's development pace and the perception that it may be a cash grab, with some players feeling that the developers are prioritizing profit over meaningful updates. Overall, while some players appreciate the absence of aggressive monetization strategies, others fear that the game may not fulfill its potential due to slow development and a lack of content updates.

    • “The developers have stayed true to their vision, delivering a complete and immersive experience without resorting to microtransactions or other exploitative practices.”
    • “Finally a really good, fun game that the devs are passionate about without microtransactions.”
    • “No microtransactions, no battle pass, no manipulative corporate gaming practices...”
    • “The initial success of this game is probably to blame for the abysmal development and the shameless cash grabs pushing merchandise for an unfinished game.”
    • “It's hard to find games like this nowadays where it's just cash grabs and rushed games.”
    • “The time between patches, and the fact that they made millions of dollars on this game... screams to me of a cash grab.”
  • character development87 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing dissatisfaction with the character design, describing it as low-quality and reminiscent of older games like RuneScape. However, some players appreciate the depth of character progression tied to gameplay mechanics, noting that skills improve naturally through use, which enhances the overall experience. While the character models may lack polish, the immersive environments and engaging gameplay elements contribute positively to the character development aspect.

    • “The character development is top-notch, and you'll find yourself genuinely caring about the fate of the protagonists.”
    • “This innovative approach ensures that character development is intricately tied to in-game experiences, fostering a sense of natural progression.”
    • “Outstanding fantasy survival, depthy world and character development, so much fun with friends or all alone.”
    • “Character design is terrible!”
    • “Character design needs improvement.”
    • “Terrible character design and graphics, even for an early access title.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

88% average critic score

Buy Valheim

Play time

50hMedian play time
137hAverage play time
75hMain story
143hCompletionist
15-134hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2,567 analyzed playthroughs

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