Inside the Game: World Exploration

Last week we looked at Valheim through the lens of immersion. Today we’ll look at another aspect of Valheim, and the survival game genre, important for longevity – exploration.

Exploration is another vital component of survival games and Valheim showcases that in several ways. These include –

• Unique Biomes and Environments: Valheim offers diverse biomes, each with their own environmental challenges and aesthetics. You start in the meadows, knowing nothing about the land. Despite this, you need to gather materials to build shelter and a workbench. You need to find food to eat. And while doing this, you need to be aware of your surroundings, lest a boar or greyling catch you unawares. Frequently you’ll find yourself crossing the bounds into more dangerous areas, such as the black forest with its greydwarves and trolls. Or perhaps you’ve discovered a mountain with its unforgiving cold and swift wolves. Players are encouraged to explore these environments to adapt and find resources suited to their needs.

• Hidden Secrets and Treasures: Valheim has many hidden secrets to discover. There are dungeons in the black forest, crypts in the swamp, ice caves in the mountains. Each is filled with dangerous enemies, as well as a variety of materials and loot. Perhaps you even get fortunate and find one of the vendors, Haldor or Hilder, early on. These secrets adds excitement and motivation to explore the unknown.

• Bosses and Progression: The game’s various bosses are located in different parts of the world. To progress and unlock new abilities or content, players must locate and defeat them. This leads to some thrilling battles and a sense of accomplishment.

• Random Events and Encounters: Random events and encounters can happen during exploration. The weather can change without warning. You may be hunted or run into higher ranked, starred, monsters. And don’t think you’re safe at your base either. Raids can occur there when you’re home, crafting or growing crops. These add unpredictability to the game and keep exploration engaging.

• Discovery of Resources Valheim’s different biomes each contain their own unique resources. To survive and thrive, you’ll need to explore them in order gather these resources and unlock recipes, make better foods, better armor, stronger bases. This resource scarcity in different areas drives the need for exploration.

• Building and Settlements: As you explore you’ll find beautiful spots to build homes, crafting stations, and fortifications. Perhaps you fancy a base near the sea, where you can set sail in your longboat to new islands. Maybe you prefer the safety afforded from building a base in the trees. Or perhaps you’ve progressed to where a fortress in the mountains or plains is your style. Exploration and the freedom to build anywhere gives players infinite options.

In short, exploring the world is essential for survival, resource acquisition, progression, and discovery. Next week we’ll take a look at building and crafting, two equally important aspects of survival games

Until next time, bye for now!