Hildir's Request: New adventures and improved gameplay

Hildir's camp introduces a new merchant experience to the Valheim universe.
Hildir's Request is a major update from 2023 that introduces Hildir as a new traveling merchant in the Meadows biome. Hildir comes with her own questline, in which she asks players for help in recovering stolen items from an attack on her camp. This sends you on adventures in several new dungeons – such as Smouldering Tomb and Howling Cavern – which contain 3 new mini-bosses to fight. Upon completing Hildir's quest, you will be rewarded with access to a range of new cosmetic items such as colorful hats, capes, and clothing sets that allow you to uniquely outfit your Viking.

In addition to new content, Hildir's Request offers a number of quality improvements. You can now change your character's hairstyle at the new barbershop, which adds 8 new hairstyles and 5 beard types – and finally, your Viking's hair and beard will still be visible even when wearing a helmet, thanks to the update. Building enthusiasts will enjoy the new manual placement feature, which lets you fine-tune snapping points for buildings, and a "quick-stack" button that quickly transfers items from your inventory to chests. In addition, various difficulty settings and world modifiers are introduced, allowing you to tailor the challenge – from a more relaxed "casual" mode to hardcore – or adjust each difficulty parameter on your Valheim server for a unique experience. All of these measures make it easier and more fun to play, whether you're new to Valheim or a seasoned Viking.

Ashlands: A fiery new biome with epic challenges

The Ashlands biome offers a harsh, volcanic landscape filled with lava, fortresses, and new threats.
Where Hildir's Request improved the mid-game, the Ashlands update targets Valheim's late game and expands the map with a whole new biome. Located in the distant southern part of the world, Ashlands is a volcanic "land of death" filled with fire and undead creatures. The area is separated from the other biomes and can only be reached by sea, which in itself adds a new element of exploration and danger. This fiery landscape is extremely harsh: glowing ash constantly falls from the sky, damaging unprotected Vikings, and wooden structures can catch fire and turn into full-blown infernos in Ashlands. Large parts of the terrain consist of deadly lava, so you'll need to build your own platforms to cross the boiling rivers. In short, Ashlands lives up to its reputation as Valheim's most challenging biome to date.

The Ashlands update also introduces a host of new enemies and rewards for those who dare to venture in. You'll encounter terrifying new opponents such as the charred "Charred" warriors, the spider-like Morgen, fallen Valkyries, and even a fire-breathing bone giant. To top it all off, a new powerful boss called "Father" lurks somewhere in the Ashlands, flanked by the mini-boss Lord Reto – so even the most experienced Vikings will have their work cut out for them. Fortunately, the update comes to your aid with more powerful weapons and equipment. There are over 30 new weapons to forge – including new swords (such as the mythical "Nidhogg"), axes, bows, crossbows, and even magic staves – as well as 3 new sets of armor to protect you. Many of these can even be upgraded with elemental effects by combining flame metal weapons with rare gems. Builders will also enjoy 70+ new building elements, allowing you to construct everything from ash farms to sturdy bases that can withstand the heat. You'll need them, because the Ashlands are home to charred fortresses that you can besiege and take over. To that end, the update includes two new siege engines—including catapults and battering rams—to help you smash through the fortifications. Finally, you can harvest new resources in Ashlands and cook up 15+ new recipes and potions that give you the buffs you need to survive in the realm of fire. All in all, Ashlands delivers a wealth of endgame content that both extends the game's lifespan and lets experienced players put their survival skills to the ultimate test.

After months of anticipation, Ashlands is now available as a free update for all Valheim players. There has never been a better time to jump back into Valheim—especially if you have a dedicated server to play on. With a Valheim server, you and your Viking clan can explore Ashlands together without lag, experiment with the new mechanics, and build your dream base in safety. Are you ready to sail for Ashlands? Start your adventure in style by purchasing your own Valheim server from us. As hosting experts, we provide high performance, DDoS protection, and 24/7 uptime so you can focus on surviving the trials of Valheim. Grab your shield, gather your clan, and let the new updates fuel your Valheim adventure – see you in the Ashlands!