Summary
The subject of mythology used to be a niche discussion often restricted to history lessons, but the topic has witnessed a steep rise in popularity over the last few years. This sudden interest can be attributed in no small part to the gaming industry, with franchises likeAssassin’s CreedandGod of Warflying the Norse mythological flaghigh in recent memory through excellent releases inValhallaandRagnarokrespectively. As a result, more games have sprouted to take advantage of this mainstream boost across several categories, asValheimhas most notably enjoyed due to its meshing of Minecraft mechanics with the harsh ancient Norse terrain.
DespiteValheim’s well-documented Steam success, Iron Gate Studios could still add some finishing touches, andGod of War Ragnarok’s example of leaning into the Norse gods provides an area for the title to emulate. Building the perfect sandbox game that resonates with fans is a tough ask for any developer, butValheimhas firmly stamped its imprint on the genre through innovative base-building mechanics and little nods to Norse culture scattered across its map.
From Hugin, the wise raven companion that teaches players just about everything they need to know, to the gigantic branch of the world tree Yggdrasil visible from all areas of the map,Valheim’s connections to Norse mythologygive it a visual edge over its rivals in the sandbox genre.
Valheim Needs Increased Pantheon Appearances in Light of Ragnarok’s Example
God of War Ragnarok’s recent Valhalla DLChas only continued to demonstrate the popularity of mythological figures represented in video gaming. Interest in Norse mythology has probably never been higher, and franchises are poised to strike while the iron is hot.
Valheimis already one of the more visible titles in the niche-turned-mainstream genre, but its greatest strength in its connection to Scandinavian culture plays a muted role in its gameplay. Odin gets a nod through Hugin’s role and his cloaked appearance, and Thor can be occasionally spotted riding bolts of lightning, butValheimcould increase the representation and impact of the Norse pantheon to a significant degree.
TheGod of Warfranchise is one of the most legendary in the gaming stratosphere, surging to the limelight through Kratos' rage-fuelled domination of the Greek pantheon in the first three mainline installments.God of Warmarked an exploratory shift into Norse mythology, andRagnarokwent a step further, displaying the Viking gods in all their glory through brutal boss fights. Apart from the combat,Kratos and Atreus' deep relations with Tyrand Angrboda gave some nuanced context to the mythical characters, and Santa Monica’s attention to a wide net of pantheon members was instrumental toRagnarok’s success.
Valheim’s Norse Gods Could Directly Impact its Gameplay
Admittedly, it is infinitely easier for story-driven games to give characters impactful roles in their gameplay than sandbox titles, butValheimneeds to find creative ways to increase the number of Norse gods that appear in its environment. Currently,Thor and Odin have Easter egg appearancesin the title, while Freya is only mentioned by name, and it seems like a waste for so few mythological figures to appear inValheim. Borrowing fromRagnarok’s example, a diverse display of several Norse gods could make a difference for the title, before increasing their impact from mere cultural nods to actual gameplay usage.
