Valheim has been the centre of the gaming world recently, and you may be wondering whether to grab yourself a copy.
To help make that decision, we've been putting some time into the game.
READ MORE: Valheim Roadmap 2021: Steam Updates And New Features Coming To Early Access Game This Year
Survival Of The Fittest
Initially, when loading into a new world I was a little taken aback – you'll arrive being carried by a large crow, Hugin.
Turns out he's your guide, offering a unique perspective for the game's early tutorial.
Within minutes I'd grabbed stones and sticks and begun to construct rudimentary tools, before being slain by a Greydwarf (which I now know isn't exactly the toughest adversary).
Before long I experimented with new crafting options, opening up a whole new world of possibility.
A Builder's Dream
If you're like me and spend way too much time building in survival games or even The Sims, Valheim will be right up your street.
A flexible creation system allows you to tailor everything within the game, with plenty of aesthetic variation, too.
There are intricate details like having to have chimney or hole in the roof if a fireplace is inside to prevent smoke inhalation.
Over time I began collecting more resources which unlocked new recipes.
Many of the items were functional like the Smelter but they even have a bunch of objects purely for decoration like the Deer Skin Rug.
Vikings Sail Together
My favourite thing about the game was the ability to play with friends, adding a whole new dimension.
Between construction, animal rearing and plenty else, it feels unique among survival sims for its wide range of playstyles.
Creating a village with friends and settling in was fun, as was seeing the differences between each home within the settlement – a testament to the flexibility of Valheim's building mechanics.
Almighty Boss Fights
It's all fun and games when building a settlement, but it's just as much fun to band together against some of Valheim's boss battles.
When fighting Eikthyr, he isolated one team member and bore down on them, prompting a heart-stopping rescue mission.
Difficulty scales, too, so the larger your group, the tougher the enemy.
Verdict
Despite being in early access, Valheim has a lot to love.
There's a wealth of content, some impressively deep systems, and an ever-expanding community, it feels like the sky is the limit.
It's perfect to share with friends and can be wonderfully meditative when played solo.
If you like survival, Vikings and a bright future with constant updates, Valheim is the game for you.
5/5
Review copy provided by the publisherReviewed on PC