The full version of the popular survival game Valheim has been released, marking the end of its early access phase. Despite a five-year wait, the game’s popularity remains robust as it sees a resurgence in players on Steam.
Valheim’s early access concluded recently, and it appears many users were poised to re-enter its distinctively charming digital world. Current data indicates that approximately 160,000 players are actively engaged with the game on Steam, a peak not observed since April 2021, according to SteamDB.
Though impressive, these numbers fall short of the game’s highest recorded simultaneous player count of 502,387, achieved over five years ago. That peak was bolstered by widespread online sharing and a pandemic-affected player base.
Console Launch Boosts Player Base
Recent figures might be influenced by the game’s expanded availability on new platforms, including PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. Consequently, the player statistics from Steam are now just a portion of Valheim’s total audience. The success of the first weekend following the official release remains to be seen.
New Content Fuels Interest
The release of Version 1.0 comes with a substantial update, reflected in detailed patch notes spanning nearly 1,800 words. This update introduces a variety of new features, such as a new biome called Deep North, over 40 additional weapons, new crafting options, and enhanced graphics settings for improved draw distances. This wealth of new content is designed to attract both returning players and newcomers alike.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.