Valheim Patch 0.221.4 (Public Test): Adrenaline Tweaks, Wooden Weapon Fixes, and T.W.I.G. Returns

Valheim patch 0.221.4 (Public Test) is live with adrenaline adjustments, wooden weapon fixes, and a proper name restore for T.W.I.G. This roundup covers access steps, key highlights, and the detailed fixes so you can decide when to hop into the branch—just remember to back up your worlds.

Access and backups (Public Test)

• Steam: Right-click Valheim → Properties → Betas → enter the code (leave blank if already whitelisted) and pick the Public Test branch.
• Back up your worlds and characters before joining; the branch may be unstable.
• Feedback: use the #valheim-public-test channel on Discord or the website form.

Highlights

• T.W.I.G. restored as Battle Brother’s real name.
• Adrenaline gain rebalanced (lower from staggers and seeker broods; area attacks now grant adrenaline).
• Wooden weapons: repairable greatsword, better block power, woodier sounds, rarer atgeirs.
• Creature tweaks: bears can swim, Viles drop Rotten Meat, both despawn faster and path better.
• Bug fixes: crash fixes (dungeons, Yagluth on Xbox, shield generator projectiles), GUI/matchmaking refresh, spelling/localisation.

Detailed patch notes

• Battles & adrenaline: area attacks grant adrenaline; stagger reward reduced (5 → 3); seeker broods grant less; mage staff adrenaline sources limited to use/hit adjustments.
• Wooden gear: greatsword repairable at workbench; wooden block values adjusted; atgeirs rarer; sword/greatsword sound wooden.
• Weapons & crafting: Skull Splittur craftable at Black Forge lvl 1; now emits light; Blackmetal Battleaxe/Skull Splittur grip corrected; trinkets move to Forge/Black Forge.
• Projectile tweaks: Frost Blob weak to fire, resistant to frost; Frost Blob Bomb uses Drake trophy; Staff of Frost grants 1 adrenaline per hit.
• Creatures: bears swim; Viles in Plains Monster faction; Viles can drop Rotten Meat; both despawn in 4s and path around trees/boulders.
• World & items: stairs on Stone Portal climbable; cores no longer forced into hotbar; Fader sacrificial stone carvings brighter; Bearskin Rug flicker fixed.
• Placement & stands: Fragrant Bundle, Fresh Seaweed, Thistle place flat on stands (shift+E rotates).
• Quality-of-life: overencumbered players can’t dodge; trinket + utility item both visible on character; Stone Portal stairs climbable.
• Stability: shield generator projectile exceptions fixed; sledges hit fractured mine rocks again; T.W.I.G. no longer deconstructs multiple times in multiplayer.
• Matchmaking/UI: join-code server add now refreshes immediately.

Risks and spoiler courtesy

• Public Test may be unstable—keep backups.
• Avoid posting spoilers where players aren’t opted in; keep feedback to official channels.

For more Valheim coverage and build guides, browse the Valheim category and switch back to default once the patch graduates if you prefer stability.