Suppose you are interested in Valheim, a Viking-themed sandbox survival game with massive popularity for its engaging enemies and expansive world exploration. In that case, you’ll undoubtedly find this article fascinating.
Gleaning through myriad game releases, we have sifted out a collection of 10 phenomenal games that carry resonating semblance to the thrilling survival mechanics and Norse mythology immersion of Valheim.
Each game shares its unique take on survival strategy, world exploration, and cooperative gameplay, establishing Valheim’s reputed stance in the gaming community.
So buckle up and prepare for an intriguing journey as we explore this curated selection of games that will certainly evoke echoes of your Valheim adventures.
1. Ark: Survival Evolved
Release and platform details
Released in August 2017, Ark: Survival Evolved is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Genre of the game
It’s a sandbox survival game where you exist in a world populated by dinosaurs.
Similarities with Valheim
Both games strongly focus on exploration and crafting progression where materials are scattered, encouraging players to venture farther.
A key distinction is Ark’s extra dimension of co-existing with dinosaurs, which adds unique challenges and circumstances.
2. Subnautica
Release and platform details
Subnautica was officially released in January 2018 and is accessible on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Genre of the game
Unlike the Norse wilderness, Subnautica places you in a beautifully dangerous underwater world. It’s a survival game focusing on exploration and resource management.
What makes it comparable to Valheim
Both survival games feature gorgeous, hostile environments and require careful resource management. Subnautica, however, adds a different flavor with its underwater setting and the use of technology to navigate through dangers.
3. Sons Of The Forest
Year and platforms of release
Released in February 2023, Sons of the Forest is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Game’s genre
It’s a survival horror game with building mechanics and enemy threats.
Its likenesses with Valheim
Both games immerse you in a perilous environment where your survival depends on gathering resources and building shelters. However, Sons of the Forest steps into the horror genre and is filled with adrenaline-pumping threats.
4. Tribes Of Midgard
Details about the game’s release and platform
Released in July 2021, you can play Tribes Of Midgard on PC and PlayStation 4/5.
Type of game
This game is an ARPG with base-building, crafting, and monster fighting.
Shared characteristics with Valheim
Like Valheim, in Tribes Of Midgard, you take on challenges to explore, gather resources, and craft items. Both get to fight powerful bosses and build bases in an open world, although Tribes Of Midgard resembles a hybrid between Valheim and Diablo in its presentation.
5. Dysmantle
Release details and platform accessibility
Dysmantle became officially available in 2021 on PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Game’s genre
Situated in a post-apocalyptic world of zombies, Dysmantle is a survival RPG where you dismantle practically everything.
Parallels with Valheim
Both games revolve around survival mechanics and the necessity to gather resources. In Dysmantle, though, the “dismantling” adds a very hands-on, satisfying aspect to crafting.
6. Niffelheim
Release year and gaming platforms
Niffelheim was released in September 2018 and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Genre details
Venturing into the dungeons of the purgatorial realm, Niffelheim is a survival-based game deeply rooted in Norse mythology.
Comparison with Valheim
Both games share Viking-themed settings and the goal of reaching Asgard. They also involve dangerous jungle explorations, crafting, and fighting powerful enemies.
7. Craftopia
Details of release and platforms
Craftopia was officially released in September 2021 on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Type of game
It’s a survival action game in a picturesque universe blending several intriguing genres.
Similarities to Valheim
Craftopia offers the sandbox survival experience, where resource gathering, crafting, and base-building are key but adds elements of farming, hunting, and dungeon raiding. Both are perfect for players seeking immersive co-op experiences.
8. Mist Survival
Release information and platform availability
Currently, in early access, Mist Survival can be played on PC.
Genre of Mist Survival
Mist Survival is an open-world survival game in a post-apocalyptic setting surrounded by threats.
How it relates to Valheim
Both games emphasize survival in a hostile environment, resource gathering, and base building. The intense survival situations in Mist Survival may appeal to Valheim players looking for even more challenging experiences.
9. Praey For The Gods
Release and platform details
Launched in January 2023, Praey For The Gods is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Genre specifications
It’s a survival-action game full of adventures and enormous bosses.
Similarities with Valheim
While Praey For The Gods is more narrative-driven than Valheim, both games share survival elements, boss battles, and epic adventures in harsh winter environments.
10. Breathedge
Details about the game’s release and platform
Breathedge was fully released in February 2021 and is available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Game genre information
A first-person space survival game with a comedic angle, Breathedge puts you in the boots of a stranded space traveler with an immortal chicken as the only companion.
How Breathedge is comparable to Valheim
Both games offer exploration-rich, survival experiences with resource gathering and crafting. While Valheim offers a fantasy Viking experience, Breathedge presents a new challenge: surviving the vastness of space while keeping your sense of humor.
The Success Story of Valheim: The Viking-themed Sandbox Survival Game
Valheim, a Viking-themed sandbox survival game developed by Iron Gate Studio, has become a sensation since its release in February 2021.
Telling the story of a warrior in the Norse purgatory trying to earn his way to Valhalla, this game captured the gaming community’s attention with its exciting exploration mechanics, engaging combat, and extensive crafting system.
But what made Valheim a true standout is its mix of cooperative multiplayer dynamics and a mythic, procedurally-generated world that holds new surprises with each playthrough.
If you’re a fan of Valheim, you might be curious about other games that offer similarly engaging experiences. Let’s take a look!
