patch · April 22, 2024
Valheim Public Test Patch 0.218.9 Introduces the Ashlands Biome
Valheim Public Test update 0.218.9 brings the Ashlands biome, adding new enemies, weapons, building pieces, mechanics, and resources. Players must access the test branch via Steam or Xbox Insider to try the new content.
Iron Gate launched the Ashlands update on the Valheim Public Test branch. The biome expansion introduces dozens of weapons, armor sets, buildable items, and survival mechanics.
Ashlands Environment and Survival Mechanics
The Ashlands biome brings distinct environmental hazards. Cinders rain from the sky to damage unprotected players, and wooden building pieces can catch fire, causing flames to spread. The surrounding waters are boiling hot, requiring sturdy new ships to navigate. Players can traverse large expanses of deadly lava using custom platforms and build defense systems like shield generators and siege machines.
Weapons, Magic, and Crafting
The update introduces over 30 weapons, including new swords, greatsword variants, maces, berserkir axes, bows, crossbows, spears, and elemental or blood magic staves. Flametal weapons can be combined with bloodstone, iolite, or jade gems to unlock magical blood, storm, and nature effects. Three new armor sets, two capes, and extensive new crafting station extensions are also available.
Creatures and Factions
Ten new creatures inhabit the biome, including the Fallen Valkyrie, Charred variants of warriors, archers, warlocks, and twitchers, alongside the Skugg turret, Morgen, Bonemaw Serpent, tameable and rideable Asksvin, Voltures, and Lava Blobs. Players also encounter the Redbeard Dvergr NPC, Lord Reto as a miniboss, and the Fader boss.
Building Pieces and Resources
Over 70 buildable items arrive with the update, featuring 25 Ashwood pieces and 26 Grausten pieces alongside gates, stakewalls, and furniture. New plantable Ashvines grow on base walls. The update also standardizes game text and updates old Flametal items.
Why this patch matters
Patch 0.218.9 delivers a content injection for Valheim, requiring careful preparation and backups due to its public test status.