The Valheim Ashlands is here and it's time to take a look at the new content. Although we’ll likely stumble upon a few surprises while exploring the Ashlands biome for the first time, Valheim developer Iron Gate has shared many sneak peeks of the fiery realm, thereby revealing the uninviting terrain, some spooky creatures, and epic architecture.
We’ll also explain the Valheim roadmap, which includes previous update plans, future update plans, and the smaller update that arrived before the Ashlands; Hildir’s Quest. This update gives you access to a new merchant, Hildir. She's Haldor’s sister and has three dungeons for you to take on if you want to unlock all her new clothing items. Check out our guide for a full walkthrough there.
Here’s everything we know about the Valheim Ashlands update, and every other update so far!
What are the Valheim Ashlands?
So far, we know that the Ashlands are intended to become a “land of the dead” with, as the name suggests, a “volcanic nature.” Unlike previous biomes, the Valheim Ashlands occupy a permanent location in the deep south of the map, which means that instead of the usual mix of biomes, all of the southern islands are part of the Ashlands. As confirmed in a recent Valheim development blog, the Ashlands are separated from all other biomes by water, so you can’t reach them over land. Let’s hope the seas separating the Ashlands from the other Valheim biomes aren’t home to monstrous sea serpents…
You can already visit the Ashlands in the current version of the game, but you’ll find nothing but an empty, desert-like ‘filler’ landscape, which provides little indication of the biome’s final version. A bunch of fiery Surtlings are the temporary occupants of this filler biome.
Should you wish to explore this area nonetheless, beware that uncovered parts of the map usually can’t be ‘regenerated’ after an update. Iron Gate has confirmed that this is indeed the case for the Ashlands biome; the new content won’t appear in previously explored areas. They recommend starting a new world once the Ashlands update arrives, but if you want to explore the Ashlands content in your current world, just make sure you don’t go there yet.
Valheim Ashlands creatures
Iron Gate dropped plenty of Ashlands concept art since the update was announced. The picture above shows a bunch of skeleton warriors called The Charred. By the looks of it, there are two melee types (one with a big sword and a dual-wielder) and a mage. If the number of skulls on their body is any indication, the Charred with the dual blades and the mage are the most dangerous.
Besides the Charred, the Ashlands are home to Twitchers; creepy, twitching skeletons that are spawned from devices called Twitcher Spawners. These spawners, which look like dark rocks with red-glowing inscriptions, are found all across the Ashlands. The Twitchers will function as a common Ashlands foe, similar to the Black Forest’s Greydwarves - and just as annoying when they come at you in great numbers.
This nightmarish undead bird shows another Ashlands enemy: the Fallen Valkyrie. After sharing several variations of this creature’s concept art, the Valheim developers almost deleted it from the update (as mentioned in a development video), but it seems they’ve now found a purpose for it: the Fallen Valkyrie will become an airborne foe. Keep an eye on the sky, Vikings!
Another creature that clearly fits the “undead” theme is the Morgen. Looking somewhat more intimidating and unique, this creature should be tougher than the skeletons. The developers mentioned that fighting the Morgen will feel a bit like a mini-boss challenge - which also means it won’t become an official biome boss.
To make your journey to the Ashlands extra scary, the Valheim devs are planning on putting a BoneMaw Serpent in your way. These giant sea snakes will guard the fiery shorelines -and we bet they’re a lot more dangerous than the ‘regular’ ocean serpents. Based on the latest creature model, we may be able to spot these Bonemaw Serpents by the spikey bones on their head as we navigate the seas around the Ashlands.
Luckily, not every upcoming Ashlands creature is a viking-killing monster. This vulture will become one of the region’s passive creatures, so even though it doesn’t look too friendly, it won’t attack you.
Do keep in mind that this is just concept art, not a finished design. As the developers mentioned, some of these creatures may not even make the final cut.
Valheim Ashlands weapons and armour
A new biome comes with new weapons, and based on the concept art, the Ashlands will provide the materials needed to craft some truly spooky swords. There’s a two-handed Slayer greatsword, a one-handed Niedhogg sword, Berzerkr Axes for dual-wielding, and the mysterious Eldner weapon. Based on a more recent developer update listing the Ashlands weapon types, the Eldner could be a mace.
The Ashlands weapons are made from flametal (which is found near lava), but they won’t come with default magical powers. You need to craft the weapon first, then combine it with a green, red, or blue gemstone to turn it into a nature, blood, or storm weapon respectively. Instead of melee, you’ll also be able to play as a mage in the Ashlands.
Looks like melee combat won’t be the only type of fight we’re facing, as the Ashlands update introduces siege weapons needed for “fortress time” (more on that below). It’s been confirmed that this includes a battering ram and a catapult.
Whether it’s for melee, ranged, or siege weapons, the Ashlands’ crafting recipes will likely require some of the local creatures’ drops. So far, we know that those drops will likely include feathers, large teeth, and hearts.
This Valheim update would not be complete without new Viking fashion, so the developers have promised to add three brand-new Ashlands armour sets, thus granting every player the opportunity to find something that befits their playstyle. The picture above shows concept art for the light armour set on the right, and what looks to be an Ashlands Eitr mage armour set on the left. As explained in a developer’s blog, the latter is named after one of the two first humans in Norse mythology to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings: Embla.
Valheim Ashlands buildings and terrain
Based on recent sneak peeks, the Valheim Ashlands are formed by two types of terrain: a dark, rocky landscape flooded by lava, and ashy patches with nothing but barren trees – a remnant of the once lush forest.
As for buildings, the developers posted three models of potential Ashlands fortresses, which could become dungeons or the biome boss’ lair. The first one, as shown above, is clearly filled with lava. The second fortress exhibits a bright red light instead of lava, while the third fortress is enclosed by circular walls. To see the full collection, take a look at the original tweet.
Speaking of dungeons, the developers announced a slight change to the usual biome progression, which (for now) is called “Fortress Time!” As we know that the Ashlands update will include siege engines, it’s highly likely that we’ll need those machines to capture fortresses guarded by The Charred. Whether this is the Ashlands dungeon challenge or merely gives us access to the dungeon’s entrance… That remains to be seen.
Our first glance at Ashlands architecture shows a bunch of cathedral-like archways. For now, it’s unclear if these same shapes and materials will become available as building materials - but we do know that the Valheim Ashlands update contains more than 50 new build pieces.
Valheim Ashlands food and materials
A few sturdy plants somehow manage to grow in the Ashlands, which means there’ll be some gathering and cooking ahead. One of these is a reddish fern-like plant with purple flowers, which look like they can be picked. The other type of Ashlands plant are vines that, by the looks of it, will yield plenty of grapes. You’ll be able to plant these vines around your base and allow them to grow over your walls and roof.
It’s not yet clear whether those grapes are meant to become fruit salads or wine, but to give you an idea of the Ashlands menu, the picture above unveils three new dishes: Mashed Meat, Piquant Pie, and Spicy Marmalade.
