Five years is a long time to spend on a boat. After launching all the way back in 2021, Valheim has finally parked the boat on the shores of Valhalla - version 1.0 has been released, alongside the long-teased Deep North biome, the final piece of Iron Gate’s planned content for the game’s core progression. If you’ve been waiting for the “finished” version of Valheim, it’s time to jump back in.
What is the Deep North?
The Deep North is a frozen tundra, sitting on the, well, northern most end of the world, and easily the most hostile biome yet. Snow piles deep on the ground, and sheets of ice on the water pose a threat to any ships attempting to dock there. It feels like the ground itself is opposed to you setting up camp there, as befits the final chapter of the game.
If you dare to wander the tundra, you’ll run into Gammeltrolls, stone-covered beasts who fling trees at passers-by and turn to stone the moment they die. Their bodies contain valuable loot, so you’ll be crafting explosives to harvest their petrified flesh. Underneath the ice and stone are winding tunnel networks, filled with burrowing monsters, so you’ll want to bring Mistlands gear to survive, and you’ll need ample resistance to the cold.
Waiting at the end of your journey is a new boss - but it’s no fun having every surprise spelled out for you, so you’ll have to learn that one yourself. Suffice to say, it will provide an ample challenge for veterans to overcome.
New toys for your collection
This update didn’t just add new ways to kill you, it’s also added new ways to fight back. Three new weapon lines (Nord, Frostfire, and Thunderblood) make up part of the 40 new weapons added across all categories and play styles. This also includes four new staves, some of my personal favorite toys - Echo Spike throws a frozen projectile, Lightning Strike does exactly what it says on the tin, Spirit Caller summons spectral animals to fight by your side, and Northern Vengeance, an upgrade to the Staff of Protection, which creates a barrier that retaliates against attackers.
In addition, new armor sets will improve your defense even further, and provide synergy with your preferred combat style. The new grappling hook item - crafted from items found back in the Mistlands - allows for even more flexibility in traversal. Last but not least, for the aesthetically-minded, a fresh crop of building pieces are available to redecorate your meadhall.
Worth trekking back for
Beyond the Deep North itself, this update quietly overhauls the back-end performance as well. The Unity engine has been updated, and the save system has been rewritten to be a bit more robust and less prone to errors from crashes. Previously existing worlds will still work, but I would recommend creating a new world to experience the changes fully.
Whether you’re a launch-day veteran looking forward to finally seeing the story through, or a newcomer picking it up for the first time, there’s never been a time better to get your longship crew together and go raise some helheim in the snow.
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