On September 9, it’s finally time: Valheim launches in its full release! That brings not only many small changes and tweaks, but also one last biome for you to explore. As with all previous updates, you can of course transfer your save and continue playing in your world. This lets you jump straight into the new update and discover fresh content. However, the Deep North will likely be a very challenging area, with harsh nature and tough enemies. So you should be well prepared to face this challenge right at release. Let’s look at what you should get done before your first trip into the Deep North.
Valheim Ashlands weapons: The best gear for the Deep North
First, you should make sure to find the best weapon for you. The Ashlands offer new possibilities for every playstyle, whether a new bow, new melee weapons, or magical staves. For most of these weapons you’ll need Flametal to craft them, a valuable ore from the Ashlands. We also recommend crafting and testing all of them, because you never know which one will suit you best.
You can craft the following in the Ashlands:
- Berserkir Axes
- Flametal Mace
- Nidhögg (sword)
- Dyrnwym (sword)
- Slayer (two-handed sword)
- Splitnir (spear)
- Asche-Fang (bow)
- Ripper (crossbow)
- Staff of Shattering
- Staff of the Wilds
- Dundr
- Troll Staff
Most weapons craftable in the Ashlands can also be adorned with one of three gemstones to unlock an alternative combat style. We recommend trying these as well so you’re perfectly prepared for fights in the Deep North. Share gemstones found in multiplayer with others. Here you can rent your Valheim server and dive right into version 1.0.
Gemstones that empower weapons:
- Bloodstone: This stone makes your weapon 0.2% stronger for every HP you’ve lost. Great for squeezing out more damage in tight situations.
- Iolite: With the blue iolite, your weapon deals 10 lightning damage and has a 20 to 25% chance to trigger a chain lightning. A powerful attack that can jump to multiple enemies.
- Jade: This green stone adds 10 poison damage to your weapon. In addition, a hit has a 20% chance to immobilize the enemy for 10 seconds.
Valheim Ashlands armor: Best set for the Deep North
Alongside your weapon, your armor is of course essential to protect you from the dangers of the Deep North. The Ashlands offer three sets to choose from depending on your preferred combat style. Naturally, you’ll also find and assemble new sets in the new area, but for your first expeditions you should pick one of these.
- Ask Set: A light armor primarily made from linen thread, Asksvin hide, and Lox pelt. The full set consists of three pieces plus a cape, which you should also wear. The cape grants the Windwalk effect, and a full armor set reduces your stamina consumption when running, jumping, and attacking. In addition, your piercing damage increases by +10%. This set is best suited for ranged fighters using a bow.
- Embla Set: The three-piece set for a mage, with little raw armor but 130% increased Eitr regeneration. With this armor you can practically fire off one spell after another. Magic is one of the strongest combat forms in Valheim.
- Flametal Set: The last set is for true warriors who fight in direct melee. With all three pieces you gain +40% heat resistance, which is great in the Ashlands but likely less useful in the Deep North. Still, with an armor rating of 114, this set offers significantly more protection than the others. The matching cape reduces stamina costs for attacks by 10% and for blocking by 20%.
Valheim frost resistance: Reliably counter cold and ice
Another recommendation is to prepare for the northern cold in other ways as well. For one, you can brew Frost resistance mead. You should already have received this recipe in the Swamp to prepare for the Mountains. You’ll need 10x Honey, 5x Thistle, 2x Bloodbag, and 1x Greydwarf eye. If you need a refresher on brewing mead, check out our guide (Valheim Mead Guide: All Recipes, Effects & Tips) .
Valheim base building: Storage, upgrades, and a portal for the Deep North
A secure base with expanded storage is also great preparation to jump on the new content immediately. There you can not only store all your new items, but also benefit from new upgrades for some of the workstations. So far, upgrades are planned for the Black Forge, the Cauldron, and the Galdr Table. Otherwise, it’s certainly worth setting up a new portal in advance and placing its counterpart in the new biome.
Of course, there will be new options to expand your base again—likely new materials for walls and roofs, but also completely new things like a drawbridge. With that you can expand your existing base or build yourself a cozy hut in the Deep North.
Valheim map preparation: Don’t explore the northern edge before 1.0
To enjoy the new content right away, you should not explore the north of the map. Landmasses are already generated there, but they don’t contain any additions before version 1.0. And any areas you have already explored will not be replaced.
Your best starting position is having defeated Fader and collected his relic. With version 1.0 it will reveal its true function, giving you access to the Deep North and its secrets.
Conclusion: Enter the Deep North of Valheim 1.0 with the best gear
A new biome in Valheim is always an exciting new challenge—and an adventure. You’ll face new monsters and gather new resources to strengthen your gear. The Deep North is frosty and cold, so you need to prepare accordingly. Monsters are rare but all the stronger. Keep the best weapon from the Ashlands at the ready—the one you enjoy fighting with and have upgraded to the max. Also bring a portal right away so you can teleport from your base to the Deep North. You should also have wrapped up the Ashlands and defeated the boss Fader, because you’ll likely need his relic.
