Valheim's 2024 Ashlands Update: A Fiery New Frontier

Valheim is one of the OG survival games, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful game with engaging combat and intricate building mechanics. Sure - Palworld and Enshrouded have taken it down a peg, but it’s still a fantastic game that’s only getting better.

Earlier this year the developer Iron Gate, announced they’d finally be fleshing out the Ashlands biome. And they delivered on that promise. The DLC level update just dropped and everyone’s scrambling to set sail. But you’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you make landfall - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

The Ashlands: Valheim’s Endgame

Ever since the game’s launch, the southern edge of the map has been an empty wasteland. Now, it’s still a wasteland, just much less empty. Bristling with burning skeletons and other horrific monsters shambling between the charred trees and decrepit fortresses. It’s truly a sight to behold.

The gameplay trailer shows a band of brave Vikings navigating the Ashlands using some of the - frankly insane - new items/mechanics. It’s a tantalizing glimpse of what’s been added, and we’ll be covering what’s in the update and how to make sure you’re ready next. Spoilers ahead!

Creatures and Enemies

The most prolific of the new enemies are the Charred. Roving groups of these perpetually burning skeletons fill the Ashlands, but there are many more dangers. Some you’re familiar with like Lava blobs, or the Bonemaw serpent that inhabits the boiling waters surrounding the Ashlands. And some more unique additions, like the necromantic horrors Morgen, or the airborne Volture.

Of course, some less hostile additions are around as well: A new NPC named Redbeard Dvergr, and the tamable and rideable Asksvin. That’s right, a land mount has finally been added! And like every other biome, the Ashlands has its own boss, with a mini-boss to boot. That list is far from exhaustive, but you get the idea. The Ashlands are full of dangers, so you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped with the best Valheim has to offer.

Weapons and Armor

Valheim’s penultimate biome comes with a veritable armory of new equipment. Three new sets of armor - likely heavy, light, and magik - and several new weapons of every type. Most of these additions use the new Flametal material alongside some monster drops like Asksvin hide to craft.

This means you’ll need to get a strong foothold in the biome to keep you safe while you get equipped. Luckily, there’s plenty of new build pieces you can use to build an aesthetically pleasing outpost.

Build Pieces, Furniture and Vehicles

If you want your base to look like it belongs (or survive) in the Ashlands, you’ll want to use one of the two new building materials: The self-explanatory Ashwood or the stone-like material Grausten. Drop a Bone throne, Flametal gate, and the magik powered shield generator in, and you’ll have a fortified/stylish outpost.

Just make sure you build the Drakkar ship before you set sail, otherwise your adventure might meet a steamy end. But the boiling waters aren’t the only new mechanic that’s been introduced to the Ashlands.

New Mechanics/Environmental Hazards

Keeping with the smoldering wasteland theme, Valheim’s Ashlands update introduces challenging and immersive content to the biome. Arguably the most important being that wooden build pieces can now catch fire. This applies in the Ashlands no matter what. But you can choose if it applies to the rest of the world when you make a new game.

Building with wood in the Ashlands isn’t recommended, but if you insist, you’ll need to build a shield generator to keep the raining cinders from setting it ablaze. Those cinders are a hazard for players too, so make sure you find cover when they start.

Once you’ve mastered navigating the flaming skies, you’ll have to contend with the deadly lava lakes littered throughout the Ashlands. Basalt bombs are going to be crucial for this, as they create temporary platforms allowing you and your friends to traverse the lava safely.

When you’re geared up and ready to take the fight to the enemy, you can build one of the new siege engines. Bring your choice of the Catapult or Battering ram and lay waste to the Charred Fortresses. Either for loot or to claim them as your own.

Now that we’ve explored the dynamic new features that have been added in the Ashlands update, let’s discuss how you can best prepare for this challenging new frontier.

How to Prepare for the Ashlands Update

Iron Gate has said that Valheim is intended to be a difficult game that only gets harder as you progress, and the Ashlands update is Valheim’s peak. Toeing the line between fun and frustration, they hope this release lands on the fun side. One of the best ways to ensure you get the most out of this update is to prepare however you can. And Iron Gate has a guide for doing just that.

It’s important to note that world generation changes will only apply to unexplored parts of the map, so if you’ve already visited the southern edge of the world you’ll need to make a new one to experience the Ashlands. And, like every other update, most mods have likely been broken. So you’ll have to wait for the mod developer to make them compatible again. As for in-game preparation, you must master the Mistlands before venturing to the Ashlands. Because, The Queen drops a component required for a new pickaxe (needed for Flametal!), just like Eikthyr’s antler.

Conclusion

Valheim’s Ashlands update is a true masterpiece, adding a new level of challenge and discovery for seasoned players. Boasting a wealth of fiery new dangers, powerful equipment, and environmental hazards, this scorching biome is a wonderful endgame addition to the beloved survival game. 

Can’t wait to get into the action with your friends? Grab a dedicated server from AleForge. Or if you want to know more about Valheim server hosting before you get one. We have a guide that covers everything you need to know.

Good luck on your adventures! May the wind always be at your back.