Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Total Film
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsarama
Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Total Film
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsarama
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Trending
  • Battlefield 6
  • Golden Joystick Awards 2025
  • New Games for 2025
Don't miss these
Warhammer Quest: Darkwater box on a watery background
Board Games New Warhammer Quest: Darkwater board game revealed
Norse Oath of Blood
RPGs Norse: Oath of Blood gets a new trailer showcasing BG3-style combat, base building, and a whole lot of axes
1348 Ex Voto
Action Games Upcoming historical epic 1348 Ex Voto just got an ominous new reveal trailer, and I'm already getting KCD2 flashbacks
An old monk in The Blood of Dawnwalker
RPGs Former Witcher 3 devs behind The Blood of Dawnwalker want the vampire RPG to set "a new standard" for the genre with a "hybrid" combat system influenced by Batman: Arkham Asylum, For Honor, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A Helldiver waves a flag while looking down at a battlefield in a screenshot from Helldivers 2's Masters of Ceremony trailer.
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 CEO absorbs duty of a chivalrous galactic knight, swears to heavens that "we won't rest until some kind of chainsword is in the game"
Half Sword
Action Games Steam Next Fest's first big hit is a brutal medieval combat sim where I bludgeoned three other peasants with a candlestick
Jorma Tommila covered in blood as Aatami Korpi in Sisu: Road to Revenge
Action Movies Sisu sequel gets a blood-soaked trailer that pits the Finnish murder machine against the Red Army officer who killed his family
Valor Mortis boss fight with giant red hand
FPS Games The Ghostrunner devs have cooked up a first-person Soulslike that looks like BioShock meets Bloodborne, and oh yeah, it's set in fictional 19th century Europe during the Napoleonic Wars
EverSiege: Untold Ages hero fighting horde with Future Games Show logo
Roguelike Games EverSiege: Untold Ages is a co-op rogue-like where the horde comes to you, and it's launching into early access later this year, but you can play it right now
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam screenshot shows someone holding a gun, running behind two other soldiers.
FPS Games Hell Let Loose: Vietnam devs say their new shooter isn't a replacement for the OG World War 2 game, and don't want fans to "feel like we've abandoned them in any way"
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A screenshot of the vampire Brencis holding up a crown during the trailer for the upcoming game.
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker: Everything we know so far
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A screenshot of the vampire Brencis holding up a crown during the trailer for the upcoming game.
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker dev says comparisons to The Witcher 3 are inevitable, but it's OK because "we are not compared to a bad game" and "we are making our own kind of beasts"
Valor Mortis boss fight with giant red hand
Action Games "We aren't trying to make a game for everyone": Dev knows its first-person Soulslike is weird, says it's "much closer to Dark Souls" but "we love Dishonored and it has definitely influenced us"
Dawn of War 4
Strategy Games Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 is real, and the devs seem keen to wash the bad taste of the last RTS out of everyone's mouths "with classic Dawn of War gameplay"
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam
FPS Games Hell Let Loose returns with a brand-new action-packed FPS set in Vietnam – this time featuring new warfare, weapons, and more
  1. Games
  2. Action

War of the Vikings update adds spears and screaming Norsemen

Features
By Lorenzo Veloria published 5 December 2013

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

With all of the sweet looking armor, brutal axes, and epic beards, it's a wonder that we don't see more Vikings in gaming. But if you've been looking for the Norse brand of violent, close-quarters combat, War of the Vikings looks like it will have it all. We had a chance to meet with developer Fatshark and play the latest version of the now Steam Early Access title, and the new additions make the battles even more intense than ever.

In previous builds, our warrior classes only had access to a select few swords, axes, bows, and throwing weapons. This time the developers have added several new two-handed and single-handed axes and an addition weapon type: the spear. The spear is limited two normal strikes: a high stab to the face, and a low attack to the gut. In the right hands, the simple weapon is devastating thanks to the longer range, but you'll have limited defenses.

The other major addition is what the developers call battle chatter. This is a feature you might notice in some shooters out there. Team mates automatically shout out, "Grenade!" or "Sniper!" when there is danger nearby. In War of the Vikings, its that same idea, but instead of warning you of explosives, teammates will automatically yell to take cover from arrows, or to bring up your shields. It might not sound like much in writing, but when you're hacking down foes and hearing your comrades yelling for you raise you shield against and incoming arrow volley, the experience is super badass.

Interested in playing? War of the Vikings will be available to play for free this weekend starting today (12/5). Download it on Steam to get in the game. If you want more information, images, and our previous coverage of War of the Vikings, check out the following slides.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Fatshark announced that female warriors will be a customization option in the future.

Fatshark announced that female warriors will be a customization option in the future.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
A dueling mode is one possible match type the developers said may come later.

A dueling mode is one possible match type the developers said may come later.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
This--is--probably somewhere in England!

This--is--probably somewhere in England!

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Weapons can now be picked up off the ground.

Weapons can now be picked up off the ground.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
You have my axe

You have my axe

What's better than being a knight in shining armor, running down victims on horseback and slicing through foes with greatswords? Well, probably being a vicious Viking, throwing axes into enemy skulls and growing massive beards. Developer Fatshark made competitive medieval multiplayer an up-close-and-personal experience with the release of 2012's War of the Roses. Now, it's taking the battle to a new era in War of the Vikings.

Players choose between Viking and Saxon armies to bash, slash, and stab each other to death in Team Deathmatch, Domination, and the new confined Arena mode. Vikings' fighting mechanics are similar to its predecessor, using precision controls that determine the angle of each strike. Accuracy is the key to landing a killing blow, but a few more defensive abilities have been added to your combat actions in Vikings. For instance, using your shield now requires you to position the block in front of an attack (much like blocking with a weapon in WotR), and the lightly armored warriors are much more nimble, enabling them to dodge attacks using quick sidesteps.

As in WotR, players can customize their characters' loadouts and appearance as they progress. We asked the developers if they had plans for beard customization options (we are talking about Vikings after all), and the answer was a lot more interesting than we expected. Fatshark is toying with the idea that the more experienced Vikings will have more elaborate beards, outfitted with braids, jewels, and other Viking vanities; the noobs will have wussy, five o'clock shadows. Theoretically, that would mean players could identify battle-hardened, bearded badasses on the battlefield by looking at their facial hair, rather than having to look at a level ranking.

Check out the following slides for more information and images

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Historically, Vikings didn't actually wear horns on their helmets, so you won't be seeing any of that nonsense in the game.

Historically, Vikings didn't actually wear horns on their helmets, so you won't be seeing any of that nonsense in the game.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Each weapon now has a special attack, which has replaced the down attack from WotR.

Each weapon now has a special attack, which has replaced the down attack from WotR.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Each weapon now has a special attack, which has replaced the down attack from WotR.

Each weapon now has a special attack, which has replaced the down attack from WotR.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Unlike the knights in WotR, Vikings wear light leather armor and mail instead of heavy plate.

Unlike the knights in WotR, Vikings wear light leather armor and mail instead of heavy plate.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Players will be encouraged to create shield walls, place banners, and use other forms of squad support in battle.

Players will be encouraged to create shield walls, place banners, and use other forms of squad support in battle.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Platforms
Lorenzo Veloria
Lorenzo Veloria
Social Links Navigation

Many years ago, Lorenzo Veloria was a Senior Editor here at GamesRadar+ helping to shape content strategy. Since then, Lorenzo has shifted his attention to Future Plc's broader video game portfolio, working as a Senior Brand Marketing Manager to oversee the development of advertising pitches and marketing strategies for the department. He might not have all that much time to write about games anymore, but he's still focused on making sure the latest and greatest end up in front of your eyes one way or another.

See more PC Gaming Features
Read more
Norse Oath of Blood
Norse: Oath of Blood gets a new trailer showcasing BG3-style combat, base building, and a whole lot of axes
 
 
1348 Ex Voto
Upcoming historical epic 1348 Ex Voto just got an ominous new reveal trailer, and I'm already getting KCD2 flashbacks
 
 
An old monk in The Blood of Dawnwalker
Former Witcher 3 devs behind The Blood of Dawnwalker want the vampire RPG to set "a new standard" for the genre with a "hybrid" combat system influenced by Batman: Arkham Asylum, For Honor, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance
 
 
A Helldiver waves a flag while looking down at a battlefield in a screenshot from Helldivers 2's Masters of Ceremony trailer.
Helldivers 2 CEO absorbs duty of a chivalrous galactic knight, swears to heavens that "we won't rest until some kind of chainsword is in the game"
 
 
Half Sword
Steam Next Fest's first big hit is a brutal medieval combat sim where I bludgeoned three other peasants with a candlestick
 
 
Jorma Tommila covered in blood as Aatami Korpi in Sisu: Road to Revenge
Sisu sequel gets a blood-soaked trailer that pits the Finnish murder machine against the Red Army officer who killed his family
 
 
Latest in Action
Yakumo getting ready to fight two members of the Divine Dragon Order during Ninja Gaiden 4.
Kings of infuriating brutal games now heading Ninja Gaiden 4 say fairness is the secret ingredient to difficulty: "Enemies are on equal footing with the player"
 
 
Wind Waker
As The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary looms, I'm begging Nintendo to stop ignoring its greatest run of Zelda games and make this generation's Ocarina of Time
 
 
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar pays tribute to singer D'Angelo, whose contribution to Red Dead Redemption 2 "will forever be an enduring part" of its legacy
 
 
Image of the Switch 2 box art for Age of Imprisonment and a matching notebook sitting on a light green GamesRadar+ background.
The Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment pre-order gift is pretty dull, but the Zelda nerd in me wants it anyway
 
 
Constance art of purple artist
Better hurry and finish your 100% Silksong playthrough, because I've found another must-play Metroidvania coming next month, and it has one of the best demos in Steam Next Fest
 
 
GTA 6 Lucia
GTA 6 might feature one of the biggest meme songs of 2025, as rapper Skrilla seemingly confirms it'll be in the new Rockstar game: "Gonna have 6 7 on there, too"
 
 
Latest in Features
Indy the dog in Good Boy
Good Boy made me realize I've judged horror fans who fuss over furry on-screen stars too hard, and now I've found 9 more scary movie dogs that prove them right
 
 
A space ship landing on a beautiful tropical planet in No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky's biggest problem in 2025 is being too good, and now I'm trapped in a vicious cycle
 
 
Aaron Paul's character Robert Robertson in Dispatch, stood holding a dog in an elevator filled with strange superheroes
Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul has "always wanted" to be in a game, but The Boys-esque superhero comedy Dispatch was the first truly irresistible role: "Nothing really felt like the right fit"
 
 
Olden Era
I've been playing Heroes of Might and Magic since I was 6, and after putting 10 hours into Olden Era's huge Steam demo, the strategy series has never felt better
 
 
Photo of a black gaming mouse sitting on a Final Fantasy TCG playmat, with a Lorcana playmat to its left.
I swear by using TCG playmats as mouse pads, and that's never going to change
 
 
Atsu riding her horse in Ghost of Yotei with the black bars disabled
Ghost of Yotei's art director wanted the RPG to look like a "living painting," but the detail required stresses even me out: "When the wind blows, the trees know how strong the wind is"
 
 
  1. Ball x Pit
    1
    Ball x Pit review: "Vampire Survivors and Breakout collide in this brilliant roguelike ball basher that struggles with repetition"
  2. 2
    Pokemon Legends: Z-A review: "Fast fluid real-time fights and a world worth exploring make this finally feel like the anime come to life"
  3. 3
    Little Nightmares 3 review: "An overly safe, uneven, and half-baked follow-up where co-op is a hindrance instead of the evolution it should've been"
  4. 4
    With a new season on the way, is Blood Bowl's second edition still worth a look?
  5. 5
    Battlefield 6 review: "More refined than innovative, this FPS is on target with multiplayer even if its campaign is just a big shrug"
  1. Tron: Ares
    1
    Tron: Ares review: "Misses out by swapping the Grid for the real world"
  2. 2
    One Battle After Another review: "One of the best studio movies in years and an instant classic"
  3. 3
    The Conjuring: Last Rites review: "Not bold or memorable enough for the Warrens' final chapter"
  4. 4
    Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle review: "Roars past Mugen Train as Demon Slayer's best adventure yet"
  5. 5
    The Long Walk review: "One of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made"
  1. Splinter Cell Deathwatch
    1
    Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"
  2. 2
    Marvel Zombies review: "A fun expansion of the What If episode with delightful MCU Easter eggs and truly gross R-rated kills"
  3. 3
    Gen V season 2 review: "As strong as the first season, if not stronger"
  4. 4
    Wednesday season 2 part 2 review: "Ortega shines, but it's a zombie who steals the entire show"
  5. 5
    Peacemaker season 2 review: "Darker and sadder than the first year, but there's still a lot of fun to be had with the 11th Street Kids."

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...