Valheim Finally Leaves Early Access as Deep North Completes Its Viking Survival Journey

Valheim has officially reached version 1.0 after more than 5.5 years in Early Access, completing one of the most successful survival game development journeys with more than 17 million copies sold and the arrival of its final major biome, Deep North.

Developer Iron Gate and publisher Coffee Stain Publishing launched Valheim 1.0 on September 9 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Linux and Mac, with full cross play supported between platforms. The release follows the previously announced September 9 launch and expansion to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, turning the original Early Access survival experience into what Iron Gate now considers its complete vision for Valheim.

The centerpiece is Deep North, described by Coffee Stain as Valheim's ultimate biome and the largest region introduced to the game. The frozen territory was once inhabited by the first Vikings who entered the 10th realm, but its settlements have since fallen into ruin. Players exploring the region will encounter new creatures including gammeltroll, elakingar and barka, alongside an ancient threat hidden beneath the frozen landscape.

Deep North also brings one of Valheim's largest content expansions. The official 1.0 patch includes more than 40 new weapons, 4 armor sets, 2 capes, 2 trinkets, more than 10 creatures, over 80 building pieces, 30 new crafting materials and more than 20 food items. New tools, bombs, ammunition, locations, music, events and gameplay mechanics are also included, alongside upgradeable pockets and a new achievement system.

Iron Gate has also used version 1.0 to improve systems beyond the new biome. Players now have an additional graphics option for draw distance, redesigned hammer and serving tray menus, an updated cloth system, revised item descriptions and changes to enemy spawn rates in Ashlands. All hair and beard styles are available from the beginning, while the game has also moved onto an upgraded version of the Unity engine.

The launch closes an Early Access period that began in February 2021 and expanded Valheim through major additions including Hearth and Home, Mistlands, Hildir's Request, Ashlands and Call to Arms. What began as a breakout PC survival title has now grown into a multiplatform release with more than 17 million copies sold worldwide.

Valheim reaching 1.0 feels less like the end of development and more like the completion of the journey Iron Gate originally promised. Deep North gives veteran players a true final progression challenge, while more than 40 weapons, 80 building pieces and a completely new endgame biome provide enough substance to make another Viking expedition worthwhile.

The bigger opportunity may be outside PC. PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 significantly expand Valheim's audience, while full cross play means new players can immediately join communities that have spent years building settlements, fighting bosses and losing longships in places they probably should never have sailed into.

After 5.5 years of Early Access, is Deep North enough to bring you back to Valheim for one final Viking adventure?