Valheim is an in development survival adventure game placing the player in the role of a recently deceased Viking charged with bringing and end to the forsaken so Odin can return… or to enter Valhalla. Honestly, I’m not quite sure now, piece if intro knowledge was so long ago at this point.
Being in development the story is, fair to say, thin and loose. If you’re hoping for epic ballads and storytelling, look elsewhere. The storyline as it stands, is held together largely by a raven who will at key points show up with a paragraph of context or guidance but for the most part seems to be MIA. The rest of the time you’re left to fend for yourself. That’s not too bad a deal for an open world game, and there is plenty to achieve… in theory.
Yes you can build multiple armour sets, weapons, get creative with building and furniture like any sandbox type but the reality is to do any of that you will spend most of your time grinding for resources. Like any sandbox type right? Sure, but without a strong narrative holding it together and lots (and I mean lots of preparation) between major encounters, it wears down the enjoyment factor. Get used to running between your base and the copper you discover, hacking at trees endlessly, repairing your pickaxe and regular axe what seems far too frequently, and getting jumped by creatures that for most part become just an annoyance interrupting your circle running. Except for the ones that you stumble upon that will mess you up fantastically so you can spend the next half hour getting back to your stuff. You know you well, especially for your ‘good’ pickaxe that cost you those 5 hours of earlier gathering.
All that said… you WILL find yourself coming back for more. It’s like an earworm. That tune you love but hate to hear, that’ll just keep playing on your thoughts. If you give this game more than half an hour, it’ll have you. Next thing it’ll be 2am and you’re thinking of that ore deposit – it’ll get you those shiny new pants man, sleep is for suckers, let Monday ay work you deal with the fatigue.
For overall gameplay time I’ve heard some accounts of completion within 70 odd hours as the average however I can’t see that. In my guestimate this is a game you can sink 90+ hours in if you’re not really focussed on just ploughing through with some foreknowledge of how to accomplish that, friendly support is a must for any amount of enjoyment. If you like to build or explore this will blow out easily, the maps are vast.
FINAL WORDS
For a solo player you’re looking at hard yards to beat (if at all) and by GIO standards, months of hard-won gaming time for a story shallow and grindy experience, it just becomes an addiction to make it to that next armour tier / weapon / boss / crafting element. Our advice – skip it, there are more rewarding titles and journeys out there.
For co-op? The same story and time cost stands but never discount the benefit of playing with a friend. Working together, saving each other’s butts and gear, the more the merrier but maybe try a game with a bit more bang to it.
Our last note is a reminder. This game is currently in early access so credit where credit is due. The developers are showing their ambition in the scale of their maps and fundamental ideas so someday it all may be worth the grind.
VERDICT = NOT to be played in OVERTIME
