Monster Hunter fans, the wait is almost over! After the massive success of Monster Hunter: World, we’ve all been itching for the next big hunt. Capcom has answered the call with Monster Hunter Wilds, and it’s shaping up to be an absolute beast of a game. So when can you actually get your hands on it? Let’s dive into everything we know so far.
When is Monster Hunter Wilds Coming Out? Release Date, Platforms & More
Mark your calendars! Monster Hunter Wilds is officially launching on February 28, 2025. That’s right, early next year, you’ll be able to jump into the Forbidden Lands and start tracking down some seriously epic monsters.
Which Platforms Will Get Monster Hunter Wilds?
This is fantastic news for many of us. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, which had a staggered platform release, Wilds will be launching simultaneously on:
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
PC
Sadly, it seems like Nintendo Switch users will be left out this time around, as it isn’t slated for release on the console.
What Will The Gameplay Be Like?
Monster Hunter Wilds is staying true to its action RPG roots, with a third-person perspective. You create a custom hunter and venture into the “Forbidden Lands” to investigate a missing expedition. Classic Monster Hunter gameplay is here: track, fight, capture or slay monsters to gather resources. These resources then turn into powerful new weapons and armor to take on even bigger beasts.
The world is made up of massive open biomes that seamlessly connect to your home village where you can eat, craft, and get ready for your next mission.
Here are some of the new gameplay features:
Seamless World: No more loading screens between zones! The world is a huge, interconnected playground.
Seikret Mounts: A new mount called the Seikret will automatically guide you towards targets and let you fight on its back.
Two Weapons on the Fly: Swap between two weapon types mid-hunt for more combat flexibility.
Returning Weapon Types: All 14 weapon types from Monster Hunter World return with new moves and actions.
The Slinger Returns: Use it for grabbing items and triggering environmental hazards.
Focus Mode: Target specific monster parts for extra damage.
Dynamic Ecosystem: Monsters interact with each other and the environment based on weather and time of day.
Co-op and Solo Options: Hunt with up to three other players or take AI companions on solo adventures.
How is the Story?
While Monster Hunter has never been famed for its story, Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be taking things up a notch. You’re not just hunting random monsters but unraveling the mystery of the White Wraith Arkveld and the happenings in the Forbidden Lands. Your hunter and Palico are fully voiced, making the story more immersive.
What About New Monsters and Regions?
We’ve caught glimpses of new regions like the Windward Plains and the Scarlet Forest. In the Scarlet Forest, you’ll find the Temnoceran monster, the Lala Barina, a spider-like beast. Additionally, apex predator Rey Dau, a flying wyvern with lightning powers, appears during the Sandtide Inclemency storm.
What About the Open Beta?
The open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds ran in late October 2024, with over 460,000 players on Steam. Despite some technical problems, the hype is real!
Will there be DLC?
Yes, Capcom has confirmed cosmetic DLC, such as layered armor, without pay-to-win items.
Pre-Order Details
Pre-orders are available now, with three editions to choose from:
Standard Edition: The base game.
Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game plus a Deluxe Pack with layered armor, Seikret decorations, gestures, hairstyles, and more.
Premium Deluxe Edition: Includes the Deluxe Edition content, two post-launch cosmetic DLC packs, and the music track “Proof of a Hero.”
In Conclusion
Monster Hunter Wilds looks like it’s going to be a massive step forward for the series. With a seamless world, new mounts, improved combat, and a deeper story, it’s shaping up to be the best Monster Hunter experience yet. Get ready to jump into the Forbidden Lands on February 28, 2025. It’s going to be a wild ride!
Never Grave Release Date: What We Know About Pocketpair’s New Metroidvania
Okay, gamers, let’s talk about Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse. You know, the new side-scrolling action game from Pocketpair, the same folks who unleashed the wild world of Palworld upon us? Yeah, that one. If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to get your hands on it, and the big question on everyone’s mind is: when is this thing actually coming out?
The Scoop on the Release Window
Alright, so here’s the deal. Pocketpair hasn’t dropped an exact date yet, but they have said that Never Grave is set to launch into Steam Early Access by the end of March. That’s right, we’re looking at a potential release in just a few weeks! While not set in stone, it’s the best we have to go on right now.
Now, this isn’t a full launch, mind you. It’s an early access release, which means the game will still be in development, and we might see some changes and additions as it moves forward. But honestly, I’m hyped to jump in and see what Pocketpair has cooked up.
What is Never Grave Anyway?
If you missed the announcement, Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse is a Metroidvania-roguelite. Think exploration, platforming, and combat, but with the added twist of roguelike elements. What this means is that each time you enter a dungeon it’s going to be different. You’ll be collecting temporary upgrades during your run, and permanent resources that can be used to rebuild the town. Oh, and it’s got co-op multiplayer for up to four players!
But here’s the really cool part – you’re not just playing a standard character. You actually start out as a hat. Yes, a hat! You then possess a lifeless girl, which becomes your default form. And that’s not all. The cursed hat also lets you possess enemies, using their unique abilities to your advantage. This adds a whole new layer of strategy to the gameplay, and it’s something I’m really keen to try out.
Gameplay and Features
Never Grave seems to be packed with cool features, including:
Metroidvania x Roguelite Gameplay: Explore, fight, die, and repeat with procedurally generated dungeons.
Possession System: As I mentioned, you’re a hat that can possess enemies. It’s a key part of the puzzle-solving as well as combat.
Rebuilding a Ruined Village: Collect resources, rebuild the village, and prepare for your next dungeon delve. This makes it more of a “roguelite”, but who’s counting.
Multiplayer: Team up with up to three friends and tackle dungeons together.
Hand-drawn Aesthetics: The game boasts a cool, hand-drawn art style, reminiscent of a picture book.
Dynamic Combat: You’ll need to master the combat system, as enemies can be tough, with some having no hit stun and quick attacks, and a few technical issues were present in the demo.
What About the Demo?
Good news! If you can’t wait until the end of March, there’s a free demo available on Steam right now! It’s part of the Steam Next Fest, so you can get a feel for the game and its mechanics ahead of the early access launch.
I gave the demo a go myself, and it’s definitely promising. The combat takes some getting used to, and there were a couple of crashes, but overall, the core gameplay loop is fun, and the aesthetic is very charming. It also got me even more hyped for the multiplayer which wasn’t available in the demo.
Why All the Hype?
So why is everyone so excited about Never Grave? Well, for starters, Pocketpair surprised everyone with Palworld, and now they’re jumping into a completely different genre. There are already comparisons with Hollow Knight, one of the most popular and loved Metroidvanias out there, which definitely makes people notice it.
Combine that with the unique possession mechanic, a charming art style, and roguelike elements, and you’ve got a game that’s definitely got people’s attention.
Final Thoughts
Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse is shaping up to be a very promising game, and it’s exciting to see Pocketpair trying their hand at a completely different genre after the huge success of Palworld. With the early access release potentially just around the corner, this is one to keep an eye on. Make sure you check out the free demo on Steam and maybe we’ll see each other on the dungeon floor!
Palworld 2025 Roadmap
Palworld has exploded onto the gaming scene, captivating players with its unique blend of creature collection, survival mechanics, and a dash of dark humor. Its early access launch, while wildly successful, has also made it clear that this is a game with a long journey ahead. Developer Pocketpair has released a roadmap outlining the planned updates for the game’s future, showcasing their commitment to expanding and polishing the experience. While the exact timing for these additions is yet to be announced, the sheer scope of the roadmap gives a clear idea of what players can anticipate in 2025 and beyond.
Immediate Focus: Fixes and Stability
The initial focus will be on resolving the immediate issues stemming from Palworld’s unexpected popularity. With sales exceeding expectations, the team is prioritizing bug fixes and addressing server congestion. This means that updates focused on performance and stability are on the horizon, before any major content drops. Expect improvements to key configurations, Pal AI, pathing issues in player bases, and a general optimization of the game’s stability.
Future Ambitions
Pocketpair has ambitious plans to expand and enhance the core gameplay, addressing player feedback and solidifying Palworld’s unique identity. The roadmap is brimming with new content and features that promise to keep the game fresh and engaging for a long time to come.
Player Versus Player (PvP) Mode
One of the most exciting additions on the horizon is Player versus Player (PvP) mode. The specifics of this mode are still unknown, but it has captured the imagination of players. Will it be a direct confrontation between players, or a strategic battle of Pals? Either option would add a compelling new layer of challenge and replayability.
Pal Arena
Complementing the PvP element is the Pal Arena, a dedicated space for battles between Pals. This arena format allows players to test their breeding and training strategies against others in a controlled environment, making the concept of Pal collection even more rewarding.
End-Game Raid Bosses
Beyond player-driven combat, the roadmap also teases end-game raid bosses. These battles will likely require the coordination of multiple players and offer substantial challenges and rewards. The introduction of raid bosses will address the current mid-to-end-game content gaps and will offer dedicated players a new goal.
Social and Trading Features
The social and trading aspects of Palworld are set to receive a significant boost as well. While some have found clever loopholes to trade Pals already, the official implementation of a trading system is highly anticipated. This would likely introduce the ability to trade across worlds and would allow players to collect Pals that they are still missing.
Crossplay and Server Transfers
The long-awaited feature of crossplay between Steam and Xbox is also in development, promising to break down platform barriers and unite the player base. This means that PC and Xbox players will finally be able to cooperate and compete together. Server transfers and migrations are also being planned to allow players to move their progress between servers. This would avoid the fear of wasting time when updates alter old worlds, or players want to join their friends on a specific server.
New Content and Improvements
Pocketpair plans to deliver new content, including:
New islands with unique biomes, Pals, and challenges.
Reworked dungeons to make them more engaging and challenging.
Enhancements to the building system, with potential updates to structures, resource management, and crafting options.
Mod Support
Perhaps the most impactful addition to the game will be mod support. By opening up Palworld to the modding community, Pocketpair is essentially giving the game a potentially infinite lifespan. Players will be able to customize their gameplay experience with new Pals, items, weapons, building styles, and even entirely new game modes.
Final Thoughts
While Palworld’s roadmap is extensive and promising, it’s important to remember that it’s still in early access. This means the game is still being actively developed and that there is room for potential changes and delays. The developers have also clearly stated that bug fixes will always come before new content, which could mean that the timeline for these ambitious additions is fluid.
However, the commitment to addressing player feedback, along with the roadmap’s scope, indicates that Pocketpair is serious about Palworld’s future. With regular updates and a clear vision, Palworld is positioned to become a mainstay in the survival-crafting genre. Players should anticipate a year of consistent improvements that build on Palworld’s successful launch and look to further evolve the unique experience that makes the game so fun. The roadmap promises an exciting journey ahead for all.
Control Is Free Again On Epic
Alright, listen up, you beautiful basket cases. It’s time to talk about that game. You know the one. The one that’s been given away more times than a cheap hooker’s business card. Yeah, I’m talking about Control. It’s free. Again. On Epic. 🙄
Now, before you start sharpening your pitchforks and lighting your torches, hear me out. I know, I know, we’ve all got it by now. Probably on like, five different platforms. Epic, PS Plus, that Humble Bundle you forgot you bought – it’s like a damn STD that just keeps coming back. But here’s the thing, if you’re still one of the uninitiated, the poor souls who haven’t yet had their minds bent by this game, then for the love of all that is holy, grab it. Even if it’s from that launcher everyone loves to hate.
For those of you living under a rock, Control is a mind-bending action-adventure game by Remedy, the same twisted geniuses behind Alan Wake and Max Payne. It throws you into the shoes of Jesse Faden, the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a shadowy government agency that deals with all things paranormal and weird. Think X-Files meets SCP Foundation, cranked up to eleven with a dash of Max Payne’s chaotic gunplay.
The FBC’s headquarters, the Oldest House, is a brutalist masterpiece that is constantly shifting, twisting, and generally breaking the laws of physics. It’s a labyrinth of concrete corridors, seemingly endless offices, and hidden dimensions that you’ll be navigating while battling interdimensional nasties. The story is a dense, bizarre trip into the unknown that will keep you hooked if you are into that kind of thing. And the gameplay? Oh man, the gameplay. You get telekinetic powers, a shapeshifting gun, and the ability to rip chunks of concrete from the walls and hurl them at your enemies. It’s like being a force-wielding badass, as some folks have pointed out, but with a bit more cosmic horror thrown in for good measure.
I have to admit, when I first played it, I was kind of confused. The game doesn’t hold your hand, it throws you into the deep end and expects you to swim. But once it clicks, you get sucked in, like one of those poor sods that get hoovered up by a fridge.
Let’s get into the meat of it – the combat. It’s fast-paced, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. You’re not just mindlessly shooting enemies; you’re also throwing objects, levitating, and mind-controlling your way through combat encounters. The sound design is top-notch too – that little whistle when you pull something to your hand? That’s the stuff that makes me moist, let’s be honest. And don’t even get me started on the environmental destruction. Stacks of paper go flying, walls crumble, and the whole place looks like a warzone by the time you’re done.
There is a certain satisfaction in ripping a chunk of concrete from a wall and hurling it at some poor bastard that’s in your way, that never gets old. It’s just so visceral. It’s not just the big obvious things that get destroyed either; it’s the little things too. And that’s what makes the environment feel so alive and dynamic. It’s like a modern-day Max Payne with telekinesis and a whole lot of weirdness.
But it’s not just the combat that makes Control so great. The game’s world-building is phenomenal. The Oldest House is a character in itself – a constantly shifting, labyrinthine structure that’s full of secrets and surprises. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring its corridors, offices, and hidden dimensions, uncovering the mysteries of the FBC and the paranormal forces they’re trying to contain. It’s like a mix of X-Files, Fringe, and the SCP Foundation, all rolled into one glorious, mind-bending package.
The story itself is a slow burn, unfolding through documents, audio logs, and environmental storytelling. It’s not a linear experience either, but more of a jigsaw puzzle where you have to piece the whole picture together, and it’s a rewarding experience to unravel it all. Some people find that tedious but I think it gives the game more depth. And the way the Old Gods of Asgard lyrics tie into the game? Pure genius. I spent 55 hours listening to them and the AWII soundtrack this year, and I regret nothing.
There’s a secret boss that is basically an SCP. It’s a fridge that you can’t stop looking at. Once you get too close it sucks you into another dimension and then you have an epic boss fight. There’s a recurring motel that can transport you across dimensions by pulling on a light string 3 times. And the janitor? Don’t even get me started on the janitor. The Oldest House is basically a containment facility for a bunch of anomalies and powers that appear in the world. Halfway through the game you get to explore the actual containment facility and read up on all the anomalies. It is a great world-building experience.
But enough about the good stuff. Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: The Epic Games Store. I get it. It’s not Steam. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. The UI is clunky. It’s like that one friend who always shows up late to the party, but they brought the good booze. But honestly, if you let something like a launcher stop you from playing a great game, you’re missing out big time. I mean it is free stuff, you know? You just click play and that’s it. It’s not like you need extra functions to play a single-player game.
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis: A Classic Adventure Game
Alright, listen up, you glorious nerds, because we need to talk about the Indiana Jones game. Not that newfangled, fancy pants one with the realistic graphics – no, I’m talking about the real deal, the one that made us lose sleep back in the day: Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. And yeah, I know, some of you are probably thinking, \”Dude, that game is older than my grandma’s dentures,\” but hear me out. This isn’t just some dusty relic of gaming history; it’s a damn masterpiece, a testament to a time when games had balls, and weren’t afraid to challenge you. 2024, and we’re still talking about it, still feeling that old itch to dust off the floppy disks (or, you know, find it on GOG) and dive back in.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: the graphics. Yeah, they’re pixelated. Yeah, they’re not gonna win any awards for realism. But who the hell cares? This ain’t about photorealism; it’s about atmosphere, and Fate of Atlantis has it in spades. Every location, from the dusty streets of Algiers to the icy depths of the Atlantic, is dripping with that classic Indiana Jones charm. It’s like stepping into the movie, except you’re actually in control, calling the shots. You’re not just watching Indy swing on a rope; you’re the one who’s gotta time that jump just right or faceplant into the abyss. And let’s be real, there’s a certain beauty in those chunky pixels. They’re a reminder of a simpler time, when imagination was king, and games weren’t afraid to be a little bit rough around the edges.
And the story? Forget about it, it’s fire. We’re not just talking about some run-of-the-mill treasure hunt here, my friends. Fate of Atlantis takes us on a wild ride through ancient myths, forgotten civilizations, and of course, Nazi scum. You’re hot on the trail of the lost city of Atlantis, trying to keep its power out of the wrong hands. The plot is complex, twisty, and engaging as hell. There are three separate paths you can take: the wits path, the fist path, and the team path, each with its own set of challenges and dialogues. You get to make choices, and those choices actually matter. It is not some on-rails experience. The sense of accomplishment when you finally unravel the mysteries of Atlantis is unreal.
Let’s talk about the puzzles, because they’re the spice of this experience. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, \”find the key to unlock the door\” type of puzzles. These are puzzles that will make you scratch your head, pull out your hair, and maybe even consult a walkthrough or two. They’re intricate, challenging, and sometimes downright cruel. You’ll be deciphering ancient texts, manipulating weird mechanisms, and combining random items you found lying around in your inventory (gotta love those obscure inventory puzzles). But the satisfaction you get when you finally crack a tough puzzle is like no other. It’s a feeling of pure, unadulterated triumph, like you just outsmarted the game itself. It’s a real brain workout, and that’s a rare find these days.
And the dialogue, man, the dialogue! It’s witty, it’s snappy, and it’s full of those classic Indiana Jones one-liners that we all know and love. Indy’s sarcastic quips, Sophia Hapgood’s sassy remarks, and the outrageous villains you encounter – it’s all pure gold. The writing is so sharp, it could cut glass. It’s not just about moving the plot forward; it’s about creating memorable characters and making the world feel alive. It’s like having an actual conversation with these virtual people, and that’s the sign of good storytelling.
Now, let’s get to the point that some people are missing. This ain’t a new release; this is a relic from the golden age of gaming. But that’s precisely why it deserves our attention. In a world of endless remakes, sequels, and reboots, Fate of Atlantis stands tall as a reminder of what made games so damn special in the first place. It’s not about flashy graphics or cutting-edge technology; it’s about storytelling, atmosphere, and a gameplay experience that gets under your skin. It’s about that feeling of being an adventurer, going on a perilous quest, and maybe, just maybe, saving the world along the way.
And let’s address the point some of you are making about the newer game. Look, I get it. New graphics, modern mechanics, all that jazz. But sometimes, newer isn’t always better. Sometimes, you just want to go back to the basics. You want a game that’s challenging, rewarding, and packed with character. And that’s exactly what Fate of Atlantis delivers. So, if you’re someone who still appreciates the classics, if you yearn for a time when games didn’t hold your hand every step of the way, then do yourself a favor and check this one out. You might be surprised by how well it holds up, even after all these years. You may be surprised by how much you appreciate a good, solid, brain-bending, pixelated adventure. And you might just find yourself falling in love with gaming all over again.
Of course, there’s always that one guy who has to mention how they would make a better movie, but let’s ignore him. And yeah, yeah, I know, some of you are gonna be all, \”Oh, but the submarine part is unrealistic!\” or \”The swinging with monkeys is dumb!\” To that I say: shut your face. It’s a game, not a documentary. It’s about fun, and this game delivers it in spades. Embrace the absurdity, embrace the challenge, and embrace the fact that you’re playing one of the greatest adventure games ever made.
Some other people have said the puzzle can be a bit difficult. Yeah, no shit, that’s the point! You’re supposed to struggle a little, use your brain, and figure things out. It’s not supposed to be a walk in the park. If you just want to be spoon-fed a story with no challenge whatsoever, then go play something else. But if you want a game that will test your limits and make you feel like a real adventurer, then Fate of Atlantis is the game for you. And you know what, even if you’re stuck on some puzzle, there is a whole community out there who’d be happy to point you in the right direction. And if not, there is always GameFAQs, which will help you out if you’re in a pickle.
And lastly, for those of you still rocking some old hardware, there’s something undeniably cool about getting it to run on some older machine. It is like connecting to another era, bringing back the magic of when you first experienced the game. Sure, you can emulate it on modern PCs, but there is something about the physical act of booting it up on the original hardware. It’s not just playing a game; it’s a time travel experience.
So, there you have it. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. A classic, a masterpiece, a testament to the golden age of gaming. If you haven’t played it, go do it. If you have played it, go do it again. And if you disagree with me, well, you can just go have a drink with the fleas of a thousand camels. You’ve been warned.
Valheim Crafting Skill Bug: Extra Items and Mayhem
Okay, buckle up, you magnificent bastards, because we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, glitchy mess that is the crafting skill in our favorite Viking survival sim. Forget your meticulously planned spreadsheets and perfectly optimized builds, because the RNG gods have decided to bless us with the chaos of extra stuff. Yeah, you heard me right. Extra. Like, ‘oops, I accidentally crafted a second flaming staff’ extra. Or ‘whoopsie, now I have two wolf capes’ extra.
It all started with a simple observation: that satisfying ding sound when you’re churning out nails or arrows isn’t just a cute auditory cue; it’s the sound of the game deciding to throw you a bone – or rather, an extra piece of gear. It’s like the universe whispering, \”Here, you clumsy Viking, have another one. Don’t ask questions.\”
Now, the official line is that this crafting bonus is supposed to be limited to stackable items. Arrows, nails, food – the usual suspects. But as it turns out, the game’s code seems to have a bit of a rebellious streak, and occasionally decides to give you a duplicate of something that definitely shouldn’t be duplicated. We’re talking about weapons, armor, even those fancy-schmancy magic staves. It’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your old jeans – unexpected, delightful, and slightly confusing.
Some people are losing their minds with joy at this unexpected boon. \”I got a whole extra set of padded greaves!\” one player exclaimed. Another reported snagging a free Mistwalker. The sheer audacity of the game to just give you top-tier gear is enough to make you giggle like a loot goblin. And hey, who are we to complain? Free stuff is free stuff. Especially when it comes to something as tedious as grinding for resources.
Then there are those, like me, who get a little more… conflicted. Like, I’m not gonna lie, getting an extra Dead Raiser skull is pretty damn rad. But it’s also a little bit annoying. It’s like the game is trying to be generous, but in a slightly clumsy, \”I bought you the wrong size\” kind of way. Because, let’s be real, how many flaming staves does one Viking really need? And all of a sudden you have to deal with storing this extra gear in your already cluttered inventory. It’s a high-class problem, for sure, but a problem nonetheless. The extra slots are sometimes not worth the effort.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a proper nerdy discussion without some speculation about the mechanics. Is it a bug? Is it a secret feature? Is it some chaotic algorithm having a drunken party in the code? The official wiki says that the crafting skill has a \”25% chance to craft an extra item\” but specifies this applies to stackable items only, but does not match what we are experiencing. Some think the code is bugged, and it is not supposed to give armors and weapons, while others think the wiki is out of date and there are no restrictions. The real answer is probably some combination of the above with some ‘oopsie’ on the dev side. And that makes it even more hilarious.
Then comes the big question: should they patch it? Should they “fix” this happy little accident? Part of me says yes. It’s not like we’re playing some easy mode game here, Valheim is supposed to be brutal. There should be some kind of logical structure behind it all. There are even some suggestions, like ‘instead of an extra item, give us a better one’. Level 2 axe, anyone? Seems like a sweet deal. Or a random stat boost on your armor, I would not mind that at all.
But then the other part of me says, \”Nah, let it ride.\” This unexpected chaos is precisely what makes this game so damn fun. It’s like a virtual box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. And sometimes, just sometimes, you get a double helping of the good stuff. Besides, the world is already full of deadly beasts and treacherous terrains. Do we really need another perfectly balanced, predictably boring crafting system? I think not.
And then the most hilarious bug of all time. One poor Viking was building a portal, and the game decided to refund their Surtling Cores. It’s like the game is saying, \”You know what? Building portals is hard work. Here, have your cores back. And maybe another 20 for good measure.\” I mean, what a mess! I can picture it so vividly: You are in the middle of nowhere, you need a portal, you craft it, and suddenly you are staring at the cores in your inventory, like, what just happened? So you go and craft another one, just for kicks. I would do the same.
So yeah, the crafting skill is officially broken, and I’m here for it. It’s a reminder that games, just like life, are more fun when they’re a little unpredictable. It’s a testament to the fact that even when you think you have everything figured out, the code will always find a way to throw you a curveball, or in this case, an extra flaming staff. Embrace the chaos, my fellow Vikings. And for Odin’s sake, don’t throw away those extra nails.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go craft a hundred more arrows and see if I can get a stack of ten by sheer dumb luck. You should do the same. And if you get an extra piece of something cool, let me know. Maybe we can trade. Or, you know, brag about it to all our buddies. Because what’s the point of having extra swag if you can’t show it off?
Happy gaming, you magnificent beasts, and may your crafting endeavors be as glitchy as possible!
Valheim’s Forbidden Harvest: A Guide to Sneaky Resource Gathering
Valheim’s Forbidden Harvest: A Guide to Sneaky Resource Gathering
Alright, Vikings, gather ’round! You think you know Valheim? Think again. We’re diving deep into the dark arts of resource acquisition, beyond the usual grind of chopping trees and smashing rocks. Forget what you think you know about where to find iron, eggs, and all that shiny loot. We’re going full forbidden knowledge today.
Iron: More Than Just a Crypt Crawl
Let’s kick things off with the backbone of any Viking’s arsenal: iron. You’re probably thinking, “Go to the crypts, duh!” But what if I told you, you could get iron from fish? Yeah, you heard right. Giant herring, those slimy bastards, have a chance to drop iron ore. Smelt that down and you’re in business, baby! It’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sneaky iron farming.
Here are some more forbidden ways:
Muddy Scrap Piles: Sure, you know ’em from the crypts, but these suckers can spawn OUTSIDE in the swamp. Smash ’em with a two-handed hammer or use the wishbone to find them. If you see that
Valheim’s Launch Version: A Viking’s Blast From the Past
Okay, buckle up, Vikings, because we’re about to take a serious trip down memory lane. Not just any memory lane, but a brutal, pixelated one, back to the primordial ooze of Valheim’s launch in 2021. I’ve been hacking and slashing my way through this Viking purgatory since day one, so trust me, I’ve seen some shit. And let me tell you, revisiting the OG Valheim was like stepping into a time machine built by a sleep-deprived, axe-wielding berserker. Prepare for a dose of nostalgia, some serious ‘WTF’ moments, and a whole lot of nerdy dissection. It’s gonna be a wild ride, so grab your mead and let’s dive in.
The Menu – A Blast from the Past (and not in a good way)
The first thing that smacked me in the face was the main menu. It’s a completely different beast than what we have now. The change log? Yeah, that was over on the left, proudly displaying dates from early 2021 – feels like ages ago, doesn’t it? The feedback box? Gone, vanished, like my hopes of finding a decent piece of flint on day one. It’s a stark reminder of how much this game has evolved. It’s not just a visual shift; it’s a testament to the journey, the devs, and the fact that we all kinda lived through it.
Character creation was a bit of a letdown, honestly. Sure, the basics were there, but options were limited. You wanna rock a sick beard or a flowing Viking mane? Too bad, buddy. Those glorious customizations came later, with the ‘Hilder’s Request’ update in 2023. Back then, you were lucky if you could get a decent mustache without looking like a drowned rat. World selection was similarly barebones. No fancy server management, no community servers, and, most shocking of all, no world modifiers. Can you imagine? No tweaking the world to your liking. No beards or hair growth settings! The horror! Settings have been overhauled with controller support and accessibility options – this makes sense – but the sheer lack of customization back then is almost appalling by today’s standards. We’ve come so far, haven’t we?
Into the Meadows: A Barebones Beginning
The opening scene, the tech crawl and the flight into Valheim, well, that’s remained pretty much untouched. But once you land, the differences become glaring. You’re greeted by a mere five runestones, not the seven we have today. The Queen and Fenrir were still just whispers in the wind back then, ghosts of updates yet to come. And of course, our boy Hugin was there to provide his usual cryptic guidance, always has been, always will be. But as we all know, it’s not just the ‘guide’ that makes your experience whole.
Now, let’s talk about the UI. The user interface has been completely revamped over the years. The stamina bar, for example, didn’t have a number displayed, just a visual representation, leaving you guessing when you’re about to run out of gas in the middle of a troll fight. And those food slots? No colored forks, no duration timers, just blinking food icons, mocking your slow progression. It was a simpler time, sure, but definitely not an easier one. It’s like the devs were purposely trying to make us suffer – which, let’s be honest, is kind of the point of a survival game anyway, right?
Food, Glorious Food (or Lack Thereof)
One of the biggest shocks was the food system. It’s been overhauled so many times that my memories of its early state are blurry to say the least. The early days of food were bleak. You ate to survive. Period. No fancy fork-coded, stat-boosting, perfectly balanced culinary experience. Just raw meat, berries, and the vague hope that you wouldn’t die from malnutrition before your next meal. The food system now is a masterclass of choice and consequence. Back then, it was just… food. No stat bonuses, just a health boost that made it slightly less likely for a greydwarf to make you his chew toy. It was rough. Raw meat wasn’t a guaranteed drop from boars, and when it did drop, it was just
Valheim: 50+ Tips to Conquer the Viking Wasteland (No Spoilers, Promise!)
50 Valheim Tips to Conquer the Viking Wasteland (No Spoilers, Promise!)
So, you’ve just landed in Valheim, huh? Fresh off the boat (or, you know, the raven), ready to carve out your legend? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain’t your grandma’s crafting game. Valheim’s a beast, and it’s about to chew you up and spit you out if you’re not careful. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are 50+ tips to get you from zero to Viking hero without spoiling the juicy bits. Let’s dive in!
Early Game Shenanigans: Don’t Be a Noob
Timber Trouble: Chopping trees early on can be a real pain in the ass. Those logs have a serious hate-on for your skull. Watch where they fall, or you’ll be eating dirt faster than you can say \”Valhalla!\”
Rock On: Smash those rocks! You’ll need stone for crafting, and it’s way easier than dealing with those tree-hugging maniacs.
Berry Bonanza: Gather all the berries you can find. They’re your early-game lifesavers when you’re low on health.
Mushrooms, too!: Keep an eye out for mushrooms. They’re another good food source, and variety is the spice of life (and your health bar).
Crafting is King: Start crafting immediately. Even the most basic tools will make your life significantly easier.
Build a Workbench: This is your crafting hub. Place it somewhere safe and convenient.
Hammer Time: Once you have a workbench, build a hammer. It’s essential for constructing buildings.
The Hut Must Stand: Construct a basic hut. It’ll provide shelter from the elements and keep you from freezing your Viking butt off.
Beddy-bye: Place a bed in your hut. This is your spawn point. If you die (and you will), you’ll respawn here.
Fire Starter: Don’t forget to make a campfire! It’s crucial for cooking food and staying warm.
Cooked Food is King: Raw food doesn’t do much for you. Cook everything you find over a fire for maximum health benefits.
Deer Hunting 101: Hunt those deer for leather and meat. They’re a great source of early-game resources.
Sneak Attack: Use the sneak ability to get the drop on unsuspecting deer. It’s much easier than a head-on confrontation.
Flint is Your Friend: Keep your eyes peeled for flint along the shoreline. It’s used to make better tools.
Stone Axe FTW: Upgrade to a stone axe as soon as you can. It’ll make chopping trees much more efficient.
Don’t be a Pack Mule: Avoid carrying too much. Overburdening slows you down significantly.
Stamina Matters: Keep an eye on your stamina. You don’t want to run out of steam mid-fight.
Rest Up: Resting in your hut replenishes your health and stamina faster than waiting out in the open.
Mid-Game Maneuvers: Level Up Your Viking
Bronze Age is Coming: Once you have enough resources, smelt bronze. It’s a game-changer in terms of tools and weapons.
Mining Matters: Start mining copper and tin. You’ll need them to create bronze.
Smelt It: Build a smelter. It will allow you to process ore into bars.
Forge Ahead: Build a forge to craft bronze tools, weapons and armor.
Weapon Upgrades: Craft a bronze axe and pickaxe. They’ll make your resource gathering much more efficient.
Armor Up: Craft bronze armor. It’ll keep you from getting killed by every stray boar.
Boss Time: Locate and prepare for the first boss battle. It’s a tough fight, so don’t go in unprepared.
Explore the World: Venture into new areas. Just be ready for new challenges and enemies.
Build a Boat: Construct a raft or karve to explore the seas. There is more to Valheim than just your starting biome.
Map it Out: Fill out your map. It makes finding your way back home much easier.
Cart It Up: Build a cart to transport large amounts of resources.
Portals are Essential: Once you obtain the resources, build portals to travel quickly between locations.
Troll Troubles: Watch out for trolls! They are much stronger than anything you have faced up to this point.
Shield Up: Craft a shield. It is essential to block those pesky troll blows.
Cook Up Some Better Food: Start cooking more complex dishes for greater health and stamina benefits.
Farming Life: Start planting and harvesting crops. It’s a great way to ensure a stable food supply.
Bee Prepared: Find a beehive and start your honey production. It’s a great way to stay healthy.
Fishing Fanatic: Learn to fish. It’s another good way to get food.
Leather Up: Start processing leather. It is required for upgraded armor and crafting benches.
Upgrade Your Base: Start upgrading your base to make it more secure and organized.
Late Game Adventures: Become a Viking Legend
Iron Age Incoming: Start mining for iron. It’s a crucial resource for the late game.
Crypt Crawling: Explore crypts to find iron ore and other goodies.
Iron Tools FTW: Upgrade to iron tools and weapons. It will make your life so much easier.
Iron Armor Upgrade: Craft a full set of iron armor. It’s essential for taking on the toughest enemies.
The Mountains Await: Prepare to venture into the mountains. Be ready for a cold reception (literally!).
Dragon Time: Get ready to battle the dragon boss. It’s one of the toughest challenges in the game.
Black Metal: Mine for black metal. It’s used to make the best weapons and tools in the game.
Seeker Hunting: Start hunting for the Seekers. They drop the items needed for high-end crafting.
Build A Longship: Build a longship so you can travel in style and carry more cargo.
Set Sail: Explore the seas and find new lands. The world is vast and full of secrets.
Conquer the Final Boss: The final boss awaits. Prepare for the ultimate challenge!
Become a Legend: Continue exploring, building, and conquering new challenges. The Viking life is a never-ending adventure!
So, there you have it – 50+ tips to get you started in Valheim without spoiling any of the surprises. Now get out there, explore, build, and become the Viking legend you were born to be! Valhalla awaits!
Valheim: From Humble Beginnings to a Frosty Future
Valheim: A Viking Saga Through the Ages – From Humble Beginnings to a Frosty Future
Valheim, the survival game that burst onto the scene like a longboat raiding a coastal village, launched in February 2021 and, let’s be real, nobody expected it to become the colossal hit it did. We’re talking millions of copies sold in the first month – a staggering number that forced Iron Gate to ditch their initial roadmap and get their ship in order. And, boy, has it been a ride ever since! Seven major updates over four years have transformed Valheim from a cool concept to a bona fide Viking epic. So, let’s grab our mead horns and delve into Valheim’s past, its current state, and the icy, epic future that awaits.
Abandoning Ship (The Roadmap, That Is)
The initial success of Valheim was… well, unexpected, to say the least. Iron Gate, bless their cotton socks, had to scramble to fix bugs and optimize performance to accommodate the massive influx of players. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but who expects that from a bunch of Viking game devs? The first major update, Hearth & Home in September 2021, marked a turning point. Forget the roadmap, they said, we’re focusing on solidifying the game. And good call, I reckon! They balanced the food system, added a new iron cooking station, oven, and three cauldron upgrades. But that’s not all, oh no! They introduced tar pits in the Plains (nightmare fuel, if you ask me) and the gnarly Growths. Tar gave us new darkwood building pieces, but also new weapons, shields, and vital fixtures like the obliterator (for all that unwanted trash) and the multiplayer-friendly cartography table. Oh, and let’s not forget the best part, the addition of saddles allowing us to ride frickin’ lox. It was a necessary move, and frankly, Hearth & Home was arguably the most impactful update for the game. It laid the groundwork for future content, solidifying Valheim’s foundation. And yeah, most of the original roadmap items have since been added, just, y’know, in due time.
Swamp Thing (and other horrors)
But 2021 wasn’t done with us yet! A sneaky update dropped in November, with patch notes that were more ominous than informative, bringing us one of Valheim’s most iconic creatures: The Abomination. These swampy terrors emerging from the ground with a guttural groan – still gives me the chills – and their animation and sound design are top-tier. From these rooty fiends came the Root Armor set, and shortly after, the armor stand recipe to show off our ill-gotten gains. Iron Gate closed the books on 2021 with a bang, or should I say, a groan.
2022: The Year of the Viking
2022, my friends, was a bloody good year for Valheim. It started with the Frost Caves update in March, and this was only the first of two major drops! These mountain dungeons brought us the Ulv, Cultists, and the ever-annoying Bats. Clearing these bad boys gave us new resources and items like the Fenris armor (still my favorite) and the flesh ripper fist weapon (unleash the beast!). On top of that we got some sweet new buildable items like jute carpets and standing braziers.
Unfortunately, it also brought us the dreaded \”You Stirred the Cauldron Event.\” Nobody asked for that.
Then, the update we’d all been waiting for: Mistlands. At the end of 2022, the Mistlands finally arrived, the first new biome since Valheim’s launch. It took the existing web-covered landscape and plunged it into a deep and mysterious fog. This update was… controversial, let’s just say that. But along with the new biome came everything you’d expect: a new boss, creatures, weapons, armor, food, building pieces, crafting stations, and the brand new mana mechanic of Eitr and spellcasting staves. And let’s be real, the soundtrack? Fire. The fishing system was also revamped with a new skill and biome-specific fish with varying quality levels. Despite all the goodness, players were on the fence due to poor visibility and the stamina-sapping cliffs of the biome, but I gotta admit, it’s grown on me. The Mistlands is mechanically diverse, with its creatures, resources, and gameplay progression. There are these beautiful, rare moments when you break through the mist, see the landscapes and appreciate the gorgeous view that is often overlooked.
2023: Console Ports and a touch of Fashion.
2023 was less about new content and more about expansion. The Xbox release in March brought Valheim to a whole new audience, with accessibility features added later. Not completely without gifts, the Fishing Hat was added in February to take advantage of the new fish, and then, out of nowhere came Hildir’s Request in the summer. A new vendor! That’s right, our boy Haldor got some company. Hildir gave players three quests to complete, with dungeons and mini-bosses in the Black Forest, Mountains, and Plains with role playing clothing from her shop. And for the customization junkies among us, we got new hairstyles, beards, and a slew of modifiers for our worlds, allowing for different ways for Vikings to play their game. Hildir was the first NPC added to the game, and thankfully, not the last.
2024: Ash and Bog, Fire and Brimstone.
2024 came in swinging, right alongside 2022, with two major updates, one of which was the end game Biome of Ashlands in May. Here, you navigate treacherous jutting rocks in the new Drakkar ship, evade terrifying bone serpents, and land in an unforgiving wasteland that’s quickly earned a rep as the most difficult biome. The biome is full of siege weapons like catapults and battering rams. Inside, players found the charred to overcome and gather precious gemstones to embed in their ashlands weapons for elemental powers. Again, like the Mistlands before it, the Ashlands got mixed reviews with its difficulty being a turn off for many, but thankfully the Iron Gate team responded to the concerns and reduced the number of creatures in the biome for a better experience.
And the Mac gamers rejoiced! Valheim finally came to Apple computers. But 2024 wasn’t finished with us. A surprise content drop in October gave us a new NPC, a vast set of new meads, and a revamp of the food system with the Bog Witch. The cauldron was split into three with the addition of the preparation table, mead kittle and new food items called feasts, craftable with ingredients from the new swamp NPC. New skills were added and various quality of life features long desired by the community. And just like that, we closed the books on 2024, and now, we look to 2025 and beyond.
The Icy Horizon: The Deep North Awaits
So, what do we know about the future of Valheim? Well, not much, honestly. Iron Gate’s only official release is a screenshot of the northern lights, confirming it to be the final biome, and this release will officially usher in 1.0. But, don’t fret, the devs have been dropping breadcrumbs that I’m about to share with you.
First, while pre-production of the Deep North has begun, we will have to wait a while before we get this update, and in the meantime we can expect at least one other smaller update, like the Bog Witch update. My money is on the long-awaited ocean biome revamp. Back to the Deep North, Iron Gate has said not to expect the difficulty spike we saw in the Ashlands. It will still be an end-game biome, but they suggest a difficulty similar to the Ashlands, but with moments of peace.
And the devs have made comments about the difficulty that have made me speculate that the Deep North and Ashlands might just break the existing ‘linear’ progression of Valheim. Today, you conquer the meadows, then move to the black forest, swamp, and so on, with the experience ending in the Ashlands. I think that, after the release of 1.0, players, once finished with the Mistlands, will have the option of choosing between the Ashlands or the Deep North to progress.
What makes me think this? Well, the Deep North will, of course, be its own biome with new resources, weapons, armor, and boss, but the Iron Gate team have indicated the game will receive a proper ending with this release, so I think that we just might get another boss beyond what is in the Deep North for one final battle sending us to Valhalla. Maybe even Loki, or Odin himself!
As for the specifics of the Deep North content, the details are few. Grimmcore, a Valheim dev, has said that they want to add a new weapon for every weapon class and that the Deep North will introduce a creature bigger than any boss we have seen to date! A Jotun maybe!? And not only will we get the new biome, Iron Gate has said this update is meant to feel like a TRUE 1.0. To achieve this goal, they plan to release small additions to every biome to make for a new experience from start to finish, encouraging new and returning players to start a new play through. And on top of all that, you can expect achievements for Steam and Xbox, and some kind of mod support.
When Will We See 1.0 and the Deep North?
So, the million-dollar question: When are we going to see 1.0? The short answer is, nobody knows. But I can speculate! Based on previous major update releases, there were 7 months between the launch and Hearth & Home, about 14 months between Hearth & Home and the Mistlands, and another 17 months before we saw the Ashlands. Considering the scope of the 1.0 release, and past development timelines, my best-case scenario would be the holiday season of November or December of 2025. Realistically though, I think we will be waiting until 2026, with maybe February to align with the fifth anniversary of Valheim.
So, that’s where we stand, Vikings. It’s been a hell of a journey so far, and with the Deep North on the horizon, the best is yet to come. So, grab your axes, gather your crew, and let’s prepare for what Valheim has in store. And who knows, maybe we will see each other in Valhalla after all.
