Valheim’s new update enters public testing, introduces new Ashlands biome

The soaring heights of Valheim might seem to be in the rearview mirror for now, but it doesn't look like its team is willing to let go just yet.

The survival title dominated Steam when it first stepped up to the plate as an Early Access title, and its huge influence hasn't gone amiss with plenty of players still lurking in the game's existing biomes and looking for their own ways to contend with fellow Vikings.

It's not willing to pack up just yet, as Coffee Stain and Iron Gate have revealed that a new era of the game is about to arrive, and it's bringing an entirely new biome to explore along with it.

Valheim introduces Ashlands biome in new update

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It's been revealed that a new update is coming to Valheim, and it's boasting a new biome called the Ashlands for players to explore and get to know.

The Ashlands are described as the most deadly biome the game has ever seen, with a fiery and ashy theme setting the scene for a genuinely peculiar and nerve-wracking adventure.

Players will be able to use new Flametal weapons that can be boosted by gems, offering wide playstyles to be adopted with the new arsenal. It's good news, too, as there are also a host of new enemies across the biome you'll need to take on to truly reap its rewards.

"The Ashlands mark a significant milestone as the last major update before our final batch of content when the game reaches 1.0," says Valheim producer Andreas Tomasson.

"We’re anticipating players will be surprised by how difficult it is at first, but that’s what Valheim is all about - challenging and often brutal exploration and survival. We will of course keep an eye out on how public testing goes, and make sure that it’s not unfair!"

Public testing for the new biome update is now live, so if you think you're ready to take on the Ashlands, the door is open to you.