Viking cultural representation in media has seen a spike in recent years, with prominent titles likeGod of War: RagnarokandAssassin’s Creed Valhallaemploying its folktales in a dazzling display of gaming mechanics.Valheimhas leveraged upon the trend, becoming one of the most memorable sandbox games since its Early Access release back in 2021. For its post-launch era, Iron Gate AB isn’t satisfied with the success of theMistlands Update, and there’s another patch in the works for the brutal exploration game. The promise of a new biome in the ever-expandingValheimuniverse and the dangers that come with it, such as harsh conditions and novel enemies, is a source of excitement for the fan base, and players are looking forward to the Ashlands Update with bated breath.
While fans wait for the game’s next big update, Iron Gate AB is keeping players occupied with several smaller updates like Hildir’s Quest, in a similar fashion to the gap betweenValheim’s Hearth and Homeand Mistlands updates. Since it took over a year for Mistlands to release after Hearth and Home, it makes sense to assume Ashlands will follow the same timeline, and the developer has shown multiple teasers of upcoming features to sate its fan base. From these glimpses, the Ashlands Update is expanding on the highly unfavorable terrainValheimplayers have come to love with several upgrades, and the biome has a few tricks up its sleeves to engage gamers.
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Lava and Zombies Aplenty in the Ashlands
The Ashlands are already unique from other biomes inValheim, occupying a permanent location on the map even before the expansion. The large chunk of land lies to the game’s far south, and from all indications, every southern island is part of the Ashlands instead of the mix of biomes players are accustomed to. WhereValheim’s deep north Hearth and Home update introduced an icy mountain landscape, the south is set to be the polar opposite, as sneak peeks of the Ashlands - also known as the land of the dead - reveal a terrain dominated by a fiery volcanic theme and full of creepy zombies.
According to Iron Gate AB’s concept art forValheim’s new biome, these zombies will appear in two forms - The Charred and Morgen. The Charred form dons the regular zombie look and is divided into melee and mage subclasses, and the melee subclass can either handle a single longsword or two short blades. Judging from the number of ominous skulls on their figures, players should be especially wary of dual wielders and the mage type. On the other hand, the Morgen is a uniquely terrifying sight, crafted in an arachnid fashion. Players will also find the Fallen Valkyrie standing in the way of their exploration, a winged volcanic skeletal terror stationed to guard Ashlands' fortresses.
The waters around the Ashlands provide no safety either, with the introduction of the BoneMaw serpent - large sea snakes patrolling the shorelines. However,Valheimplayers won’t be ill-equipped to face these new terrors, as the new biome also comes with a host of weapons like the gigantic two-handed Slayer sword which might contain some elemental magic. For lovers of close-range combat, Berzerkr axes and the Niedhogg sword areValheim’s new options. Siege is a big part ofValheim’s gameplay, and the Ashlands' fortresses will be subject to bombardment from new siege engines.
Speculation is rife as to what these offensive machines will be, with possibilities forValheim’s developers to add a battering ram and a catapult, although there’s nothing confirmed at the moment.Valheim’s defensive structuresare also getting an update, with concepts of Ashlands' fortresses having structures pouring out lava from narrow openings, showing the potential for plenty of fire shelling. Asides from the volcanic theme, the Ashlands also features some Gothic-styled ruins for exploration, and the update promises to add even more quality depth toValheim’s content.
Valheimis available now for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
