Summary
Valheimtackles the vistas of Norse myth headfirst, with its tenth realm sporting an ancient history beyond the vikings settling there to prove their worth. However, as the game looms closer and closer to leaving its early access state, players still need answers to the questions provoked byValheim’s lore.
Valheim’s survival gameplay is enveloped by Norse mythology, with its tenth realm setting an addition to the nine realms of Yggdrasil. The game’s plot, though not overly present throughout gameplay, revolves around Odin—the head of the Aesir gods. The whole reason the player, taking on the role of a dead viking, is in the tenth realm is for Odin to judge their worthiness by having them do battle with the enemies he imprisoned there long ago. Among these stirring foes are boss creatures like Eikthyr and The Elder, but also creatures like draugr and fulings—which are said to have been rivals of the Allfather in ancient times.
Valheim’s Lore Needs To Be Building To Something
With all thatValheimhas established, a rich world filled with ancient evils damned by hubris, it would be a waste for it all to become set dressing. The game’s opening text crawlestablishes howValheim’s monstersare getting out of hand in some way, saying that Odin’s enemies are ‘growing once again in strength’. It’s implied, therefore, that this is why Odin is sending dead vikings down there—to keep things in check. This leads players to wonder why these rivals are stirring now and why Odin needs vikings to get involved. A bigger threat might be on the horizon, and Iron Gate should take advantage of such an opportunity.
Norse Gods Are Vulnerable Enough To Be Threatened
The lore found onValheim’s runes describes the power of the gods, telling stories of how they leveled the cities and salted the fields of ancient peoples who warred with them. Though this power is undeniable and incredible, gods in Norse mythology aren’t the omnipotent beings found in many monotheistic religions. There are many legends where Thor, Loki, and others are compromised, and the death of the god Baldr is one of the main touchstones of the mythology. Ragnarök, the apocalypse-type event in Norse myth, is said to be a time when many gods—including Odin—will die.
This explains how this mighty pantheoncould be threatened byValheim’s bosses, as they are, in a sense, mortal. There’s also an explanation as to why the gods have only been seen getting involved in onlooking cameos, with one of the game’s runes saying ‘the Vanir cannot come in arms to this world but still they watch from afar’. The Vanir are the other part of the Norse pantheon and, though Thor and Odin are not members but have still only looked on at the player, it could be assumed that the same principle goes for the Aesir.
Haldor And Hildir Could Play A Role In A Climax For Valheim
Haldor and Hildir havelong been a mystery inValheim, but clues such as their Odin-related runes, lack of hostility, and merchant presence in a world with only one buyer suggest that they may be agents of Odin. If they’re both in the tenth realm explicitly to help the player, it’s all the more reason for the game to build toward some grand climax. Whether it be in the form of an army event, a boss, or something greater, the game is hinting toward something big if Odin needs not only the player, but allies to ensure the player’s success.
Valheim’s Showstopper Shouldn’t Be Ragnarök
Whatever’s being built up to with the skirmishesagainstOdin’s nemeses inValheim, it probably shouldn’t be Ragnarök. The concept is a bit too predictable, especially consideringValheim’s deep and inventive use of the mythology. It could still be fun if Iron Gate wants to go that route, but the idea is a little played-out.
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.
