What is Ashlands exactly?
The Valheim Ashlands biome is a volcanic wasteland that represents one of the most dangerous and rewarding areas in the game. Originally released as a Public Beta on April 22, 2024, the Ashlands biome has since become a fully integrated part of Valheim's challenging end-game content, offering formidable enemies, unique resources, and essential progression for dedicated Vikings.
Volcanic Hazards
Ashlands features lava flows, ash storms, and environmental hazards that require specialized gear. Temperatures are extreme and visibility is often poor.
Elite Enemies
Home to Asksvin riders, Charred undead, and other deadly creatures. Combat is challenging and requires top-tier equipment.
Valuable Resources
Flametal ore, Charcoal, Smoke-puffs, Vineberries, and other rare materials. Essential for crafting end-game gear.
Prerequisites for Entry
Before venturing into the Ashlands, you must complete several milestones:
- Defeat The Queen: The Mistlands boss must be defeated to unlock Ashlands progression.
- Queen's Item: The item obtained from The Queen is now functional in Ashlands. If you defeated her previously, remove the item from your inventory and pick it up again to activate its new powers.
- Top-Tier Equipment: Mistlands gear (Carapace armor) or better is recommended. Ashlands enemies hit hard.
- Frost Resistance: While Ashlands is hot, you still need resistances from Mountains and earlier biomes to reach it.
Ashlands Environment
Landscape Features
The Ashlands biome is characterized by:
- Volcanic Terrain: Jagged rock formations, lava pools, and unstable ground.
- Ash Storms: Periodic weather events that reduce visibility and can damage exposed players.
- Lava Flows: Dangerous rivers of molten rock that deal massive damage and are impassable on foot.
- Scattered Surtlings: Fire creatures that patrol the area, guarding valuable resources.
- Glowing Metal Meteorites: Rich deposits surrounded by Surtlings, excellent for mining Flametal and Surtling Cores.
Environmental Hazards
Surviving in Ashlands requires preparation:
- Heat Damage: Prolonged exposure to open lava causes burning. Use cover and movement.
- Ash Inhalation: Ash storms can damage health and reduce stamina. Use potions or resistances.
- Unstable Ground: Some areas may collapse or erupt. Watch for warning signs.
- Surtling Aggression: Fire creatures are numerous and aggressive. They deal fire damage.
New Resources and Materials
Flametal Ore
The most valuable resource in Ashlands:
- Location: Found in glowing metal meteorites, often surrounded by Surtlings.
- Mining: Requires Iron Pickaxe or better. Be prepared to fight Surtlings.
- Uses: Essential for crafting Flametal weapons and armor, end-game equipment with superior stats.
Other Valuable Resources
- Smoke-puffs: Mushrooms found throughout Ashlands. Used for crafting and Asksvin food.
- Vineberries: Exotic berries growing in volcanic areas. Used for food potions and Asksvin taming.
- Charcoal: Abundant from burned vegetation. Useful for smelting and crafting.
- Surtling Cores: More common in Ashlands than other biomes. Essential for certain crafting stations.
- Charred Remains: Dropped by undead enemies. Used for specialized crafting.
New Mount: The Asksvin
One of the most exciting additions in Ashlands is the Asksvin, a rideable creature that transforms exploration:
- Appearance: Reptilian, fire-resistant creatures that thrive in volcanic environments.
- Lava Immunity: Asksvin can walk through lava flows without taking damage. Essential for Ashlands navigation.
- Speed and Jumping: Fast and agile, capable of jumping across obstacles and lava streams.
- Asksvin Saddle: Required for riding. Crafted using Ashlands materials.
- Taming: Can be tamed using Smoke-puffs or Vineberries. Requires enclosure and patience.
- Combat Support: Asksvin can assist in combat, dealing fire damage to enemies.
Enemies and Combat
Primary Threats
- Charred Undead: Reanimated Vikings burned in volcanic fires. Fast and numerous.
- Asksvin Riders: Enemies mounted on Asksvin. Highly mobile and dangerous.
- Surtlings: Fire elementals that patrol resource nodes. Aggressive and deal fire damage.
- Charred Draugr: Heavily armored undead with powerful melee attacks.
- Volcanic Creatures: Various fire-based monsters with unique attack patterns.
Combat Strategies
- Fire Resistance: Use potions and gear with fire resist properties.
- Ranged Combat: Bows are effective against many Ashlands enemies. Maintain distance.
- Area-of-Effect: AOE weapons (Atgeir, maces) excel against grouped enemies.
- Mount Combat: Use Asksvin for mobility and hit-and-run tactics.
- Environment: Use lava flows and terrain to your advantage. Lead enemies into hazards.
Ashlands Loot and Rewards
New Weapons and Armor
Ashlands introduces end-game equipment:
- Flametal Weapons: Swords, axes, and bows with fire properties and superior damage.
- Volcanic Armor: Heavy protection with fire resistance bonuses.
- Asksvin Accessories: Gear that enhances mount capabilities and fire resistance.
Unique Items
- Volcanic Artifacts: Rare drops from bosses and elite enemies.
- Charred Remains: Used for specialized crafting stations.
- Ashland Tokens: Currency for trading or crafting special items.
Survival Tips for Ashlands
- Come Prepared: Bring plenty of food, potions, and repair materials.
- Use Asksvin: Mounts are essential for traversing lava quickly and safely.
- Set Waypoints: Mark safe locations, resource nodes, and exits on your map.
- Watch Your Stamina: Combat and movement consume stamina. Manage it carefully.
- Don't Overextend: Return to base regularly to rest and resupply.
- Work Together: Ashlands is much easier with coordinated group tactics.
- Use Cover: Ash storms and lava are deadly. Use natural cover and constructed barriers.
How to Access Ashlands
Public Test Branch (Beta Access)
For testing upcoming features:
Singleplayer (PC):
- Open Steam Library and find Valheim.
- Right-click on Valheim, select Properties.
- Go to the Betas tab.
- Under "Betas Participation," select public-test.
- Close the menu and launch Valheim.
Dedicated Server (Using Supercraft):
- If needed, rent a Valheim server from Supercraft.
- Navigate to the Settings tab in your server control panel.
- Find the "Branch" dropdown menu and select Public Test.
- Save changes and reboot the server.
Main Release (Current Version)
As of the main release, Ashlands is accessible in the standard game version:
- Ensure your server and clients are updated to the latest version.
- Sail to volcanic islands after defeating The Queen in Mistlands.
- Look for dark, ash-covered terrain on the coastline.
- Prepare adequately before landing on Ashlands shores.
Server Compatibility: All players must match server versions (Public Test or Main) to join. Ashlands requires server restart when switching between branches. Always backup your world before changing versions.
Future Developments
Ashlands continues to evolve with updates. Future additions may include:
- Additional boss encounters in the volcanic region.
- New crafting stations and recipes utilizing Ashlands resources.
- Expanded Asksvin abilities and mount customization.
- Underground volcanic areas and dungeons.
- Integration with the upcoming Deep North biome.