At first glance, it may seem like you’re all alone in Valheim. Aside from the raven who occasionally lends a hand, the world is teeming only with animals and monsters. But you’re not completely on your own: there are three more NPCs you can encounter on your journey through Valheim. Their locations are random, so you’ll need a bit of luck to find them. They’re extremely helpful companions who will trade great items for coins. Some of these items are even essential to unlock certain aspects of Valheim’s gameplay. Keep an eye out for them — you won’t want to miss their wares!
Find Haldor in the Black Forest: locations, shop items, and tips
You’ll likely search for Haldor first, a small blue dwarf in fancy robes. His camp is found in the Black Forest, and he can spawn in 10 different spots per world. The spot must be in the Black Forest and at least 1500 meters from spawn. For Haldor and the other merchants alike, we recommend sailing along the coast in a boat and watching for the pouch icon on the map. This is the easiest way to find the NPCs.
You buy from Haldor — as with the other two merchants — with coins you find. You can loot them or trade valuables to the NPCs. This works with all three. In both single-player and multiplayer, we therefore recommend keeping amber (5 coins), pearls (10 coins), rubies (20 coins), and silver necklaces (30 coins) safe and then trading them in for coins. Rent an affordable Valheim server. Split the coins fairly among the group. As soon as you find a merchant, build a portal right next to them.
You should visit Haldor fairly early, once you’ve defeated Eikthyr and entered the Black Forest. His shop offers several very useful items that make your journey through Valheim much easier.
Must-buys include:
- Dverger circlet (620 coins): A headlamp that lights your way.
- Megingjord (950 coins): A belt that increases your carry weight by 150.
- Fishing rod + bait (350 + 10 coins): Lets you start fishing in Valheim.
- Ymir flesh (120 coins): Available after defeating The Elder; used as a crafting material for weapons.
- Thunderstone (50 coins): Also available only after defeating The Elder; needed to craft the Obliterator.
- Chicken egg (1500 coins): Available after defeating Yagluth (Plains biome). You need two eggs to breed chickens.
Find Hildir in the Meadows: chest quest, clothing, and locations
Hildir is Haldor’s sister and can be found in the Meadows. You probably won’t meet her right at the start, since she only appears 3000 meters from the spawn point. She also has 10 possible spots where she can set up shop. On the map, she’s marked with a T-shirt icon. You can also trade valuable items for coins with her.
Unlike her brother, Hildir focuses on clothing you can buy and wear. Not all pieces are available at first — you must find three of her chests to complete her assortment. To do this, travel through several biomes and defeat bosses inside their dungeons.
- Brass Chest from Brenna in the Smoldering Tomb (Black Forest)
- Silver Chest from Geirrhafa in the Howling Cavern (Mountains)
- Bronze Chest from Zil (Zil & Thungr) in the Sealed Tower (Plains)
Each chest weighs 200 kg, and you must carry it back to Hildir by hand — quite an undertaking. Mark the boss locations using Hildir’s map table. You don’t have to focus on it immediately, but it’s a good side quest to collect all the chests.
So what do you get for the effort? Hildir specializes in clothing you can wear. Many items provide the same effects, so you can choose purely by looks which you prefer. Her stock expands with each chest you return. Clothing costs between 150 and 550 coins. Most of her tunics reduce stamina usage by 15% or 20%.
You should especially save up for the Harvest Tunic, which grants +25 Harvesting level when you wear the full set (hat, pants, and robe). To unlock it, you must have found the Brass Chest. She also sells fireworks and sparklers for fun effects, plus a barber kit for 600 coins to craft the Barber station.
Find the Swamp Witch in the Swamp: mead ingredients, food, and useful materials
The newest merchant in Valheim is the Swamp Witch, whom you’ll naturally meet in the Swamp. The rules are similar to the others, except she appears between 3000 and 8000 meters from spawn. On your map, her icon is a cauldron. Her hut is cozy and offers shelter from the dangers of the swamp.
Her stock is solid, with plenty of materials and ingredients for mead and food. There are also other important items. Her offerings expand when you defeat Moder, The Elder, Yagluth, and Fader. It’s worth stopping by the witch from time to time.
Her wares include, among other things:
- Scythe handle (200 coins): Used to craft a scythe for faster harvesting.
- Various items for mead or mead bases
- Serving tray (140 coins): Required to enjoy a feast.
- The necessary ingredients to craft feasts.
- Ivy seeds (65 coins for 3): Grow ivy on your structures.
- Candle wicks (100 coins for 50): Combine with resin to craft candles.
Conclusion: Find merchants in Valheim and trade for valuable items
Merchants are the only characters besides ravens you’ll encounter on your journey through Valheim. They aren’t always easy to find, but sooner or later you should stumble upon their camps. They sell several practical items you’ll need for specific activities in the game. Their stock also adapts to your progress, and their inventory expands with each boss you defeat. It’s worth placing a portal at their camps and dropping by from time to time.
