The Valheim Ashlands update, still under development as of December 2023, is poised to significantly expand the game's universe with the introduction of a new biome and a plethora of new features. This update is expected to transform the gaming experience in Valheim, offering new challenges, settings, and equipment for players to explore. Here's what we know so far.

We’ve seen the Ashlands biome as early as the Mistlands, but there isn’t much to do there. Like the Mistlands it was a biome in progress. With the upcoming update there should be a lot of fun stuff to do in this new environment. Looking like a Sith homeworld, the Ashlands is full of lava, scorched rock, (and of course) ash. It’s very much a land of fire mountains and is best described as hellish. Dotting the landscape are surtlings and burning bones with little flames in their eyes. Oh, and giant bone snakes. Because reasons.

A key feature of the Ashlands is the introduction of “towering fortresses.” These formidable structures are adorned with rows of spikes and ominous doorways, possibly constructed from the resilient flametal. These structures are not just about overcoming their walls but also the challenges that lie within. Alongside them, the update teases the introduction of new armor sets, including the Embla, a cloak with a hood that symbolizes both destruction and rebirth​​​​. Wonder what that does? You know I like dem cloaks. I spent an entire post talking about them. Maybe it functions as a resist fire potion? Maybe brings you back from death?

To aid players in navigating these challenges, the update will introduce new equipment, including new weapons with extra power boosts, and new armor. One such weapon teased is a longsword glowing with a vibrant blue energy, possibly charged with lightning, ice, or a similar “blue” powers. Yes, blue. Just like grape tastes like purple so too does blue do ice or lightning. It’s a rule. This indicates a shift towards more magical or elemental-based combat tools​​ – which, hell, I can’t say I don’t like. My favorite weapons are from Mistlands at the moment.

Accompanying these new features, the update is set to introduce customizable difficulty settings with buttons! And sliders! And toggles! (Or maybe not. We’ll see.) These settings will offer variations for combat, death penalty, and resources, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience. Now I like this because for the most part I’m not a fan of modding. I like the game if I like the game. No need to change it too much. But death is so unforgiving in Valheim at times and I’d love nothing more than to ignore that some. It’d probably make me play the game more. Additionally, new clothing options for player characters and more accessibility settings are being developed​​​​. Daddy needs some new duds.

The terrain in the Ashlands is designed to be uniquely elevated compared to other biomes in Valheim, with lava as a central element. Players will need to navigate this hazardous landscape carefully, as it poses numerous dangers and challenges​​​​. I mean that’s obvious, but the trend we’re seeing lately with the updates is the terrain and environment are also enemies and that is fun for me. I like games where the difficulty is not just in newer meaner foes, but in puzzles and terrain problems that need to be solved with thought and tactics.

The update is set to bring siege engines, which will be crucial in taking down the fortresses spread across the new biome. Alongside these, new enemy types like the Charred and Fallen Valkyrie have been revealed, adding to the game's combat diversity​​. As stated previously, we’ll see some old enemies return as well. One thing I wonder is will enemies take damage from the head (if heat does damage – which I’m sure it will) if they show up? Imagine the greylings just bursting into bonfires. They are afterall just walking piles of kindling.

As the development of the Ashlands update progresses, more details and features are expected to be revealed. The launch date for the update has not been announced yet, but the steady flow of teasers and information suggests that it will significantly enhance the Valheim experience​​ as people hang on to se what comes next. I personally think we’ll see more information by the end of the year and likely a release date. They’ve been developing it for a while now and if you don’t release something to keep people entertained they will find their entertainment elsewhere.

Overall, the Valheim Ashlands update is shaping up to be a major expansion, offering players new lands to explore, fortresses to conquer, foes to vanquish, and mysteries to uncover. It promises to add new dimensions to the game's survival and exploration elements, keeping the Valheim community eagerly anticipating its release. What do you think of all of this? Are you as excited as we are? Let us know in our Discord!