Summary
As a relatively new player in the survival genre, there are many places forValheimto take inspiration from as it nears the time of its final release. In this respect,Minecrafthas a couple features thatValheimcould do with pilfering.
Given the current climate of criticism againstMinecraft,Valheimis often compared favorably against it. However, despite some shortcomings, there’s a reason forMinecraft’s status as the biggest game of all time. It’s an absolutely feature-packed title that has a lot to offer any game looking for feature inspiration. In fact, many of Valheim’s basic elements are reminiscent ofMinecraftalready—especially its emphasis on construction.
Features Valheim Could Take From Minecraft
Different Dimensions (Worlds) in Valheim
Valheimalready has a massive map size, requiring multiple real-world hours of travel time to get from one side to the other. Given this, it might seem unnecessary for other dimensions to be explored. However,Valheimis set within Norse mythology—and it’d be almost wasteful to not explore the other nine worlds that can be found upon Yggdrasil. The tenth realm of Valheim sits below these other worlds, which include everything from the icy plains of Jotunheim to the fires of Muspellsheim. Muspellsheim, a plane of fire and giants, is somewhat analogous toMinecraft’s Nether in this example, one of that game’s best features. A new realm with an entirely unique ecology is a great way to shake up gameplay. It wouldn’t need to match the existing map size ofValheim’s overworld; players only need a hint at the greater cosmology out there for a truly epic adventure.
More Passive Creatures in Valheim
Minecrafthas swathes of passive mobs to fill out its biomes. It also has neutral mobs that will only attack the player if certain conditions are met; not just in retaliation to attacks, but in response to light levels or giving an enderman a look in the eye. Now, some of theseMinecraftmobs have been criticized for lacking features, but there’s nonetheless an appeal to having a variety of passive creatures.Valheimhas a few, but far fewer thanMinecraft—and such creatures would do well to diversify its ecosystems.
In addition, this would open up the opportunity forValheimto add more passive beasts of Norse myth. Perhaps the player could find steeds with additional legs that are derivative of Odin’s eight-legged horse Sleipnir or horned squirrels reminiscent of Ratatoskr. The title already has a variety of creatures that are unique interpretations of existing folklore/mythology—such as the necks, which take cues from the Swedish ‘nack’ and other water spirits.
Enchantments in Valheim
Though many ofMinecraft’s enchantments imbue statistical upgrades, others entirely change how a weapon is used—such as Multishot or Riptide.WhileValheimalready has many unique weaponsto its name, as well as a system to upgrade these arms, an enchantment system that radically alters weapons could be enticing. Given that leveling in skills is reduced upon death, perhaps these levels could also be traded for the purposes of enchantment, just as how levels are used for those inMinecraft. Such a cost would justify these enchantments altering weapons in radical and powerful ways.
Archaeology in Valheim
Valheim’s runestones tell of a world far older than the player upon their entry, one with civilizations that have fallen into ruin.Minecraft’s fantastic archaeology featurewould be a great way to explore this lore and gain a few rewards. It might not fit perfectly into the fantasy of playing a Viking warrior, yes, but the extra layer such a mechanic could add to structures is worth the consideration alone. Even a lowly abandoned house could perhaps be home to great treasure, should the player acquire the needed tools for archaeological excavation.
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.
