Valheim heats up with a new ultra-deadly biome in the Ashlands update

Valheim is a fantastic sandbox survival game set in a fantastic 10th realm of the Norse afterlife. Adventurers explore the most dangerous biomes from the peaceful meadows, and today the most dangerous biome yet is available to explore. The last biome update was the Mistlands; today players can venture into the Ashlands.

Of course, that’s much easier said than done, as the Ashlands is a very hostile environment. Vikings will have to build ships strong enough to survive the boiling water, and things don’t get any better upon landfall. Undead known as Charred roam the lands, a fearsome Fallen Valkyrie attacks from the skies, and a beastly creature known as the Morning hunts prey along with other enemies.

Fortunately, new enemies mean new loot, which can be turned into new weapons. Flametal can be rebuilt into a new greatsword, spear and crossbow, and further enhanced with jade, bloodstone and isoite gemstones. Building outposts in the Ashlands is meant to be an ongoing battle, and the Charred control the area from fortresses. Fortunately, players can now craft siege weapons. Using catapults and battering rams, players can attack fortresses directly, extending their reach across the new biome.

“Ashlands should feel like a struggle, and players should expect a challenge. Every inch of territory you claim must be earned, and every outpost fortified before you move deeper. We are entering endgame territory here and players must be ready for what comes in the Deep North,” says Andreas Tomasson. Valheim producer, in a press release.

Valheim is available on PC and is still in early access. The survival game Viking had a huge launch in 2021, thanks to developer Iron Gate’s ability to create an engaging range of experiences across the biomes, from cozy and comfortable to striving for survival. The game has remained relevant through 2024 and attracted an audience of survival game fans. The Mistlands update expanded the game to include a mysterious, mountainous area with poor visibility and insectoid enemies, but the Ashlands sound like a whole new level of danger.