Valheim 1.0: A Guide to Biome Order and Progression

Viking survival crafting has evolved significantly since its early access days, and while Valheim’s biome progression remains largely intact in version 1.0, there are plenty of new elements for returning players to consider. If you’re eager to reach the latest biome quickly, I’ve put together a progression guide to help you journey from the Meadows to the Deep North.

As of September 9, I’m still working on a comprehensive guide for tackling all of Valheim’s biomes in order, but you can dive right into the first three zones or jump ahead to the Deep North. Just be cautious of potential spoilers in 1.0.

It’s time to hunt some deer, so craft yourself a Crude Bow and stock up on arrows. You’ll need to take down Eikthyr’s kin until you snag a Deer Trophy, and gathering extra leather is always a smart move.

Your adventure begins at a shrine located in Valheim’s tranquil Meadows biome. This area is relatively safe compared to other zones teeming with hostile creatures, making it a great starting point alongside the Black Forest. Your primary objectives here are to establish a small base, collect leather for armor, and obtain a Deer Trophy to summon Eikthyr.

Feel free to explore the edges of the Black Forest for additional resources and upgrades, but don’t wander too far. Bears and Trolls can quickly take down low-level Vikings.

Engage with Greydwarf Brutes and destroy any Greydwarf Nests you come across. These nests are your only source for the three Ancient Seeds needed to summon The Elder.

You’ll find yourself frequently traveling between your Meadows base and the Black Forest for new materials, so be sure to return Eikthyr’s head to the spawn shrine to gain the deer god’s blessing. Use the Hard Antlers from Eikthyr to craft the Antler Pickaxe and mine as much Tin and Copper as you can—you’re going to need a lot of ore to smelt into ingots. I always prioritize crafting a Bronze Pickaxe as my first upgrade to speed up the process.

Be cautious when engaging Trolls or Bears, and start collecting materials from dungeons to build portals. Once you’re ready, we’ll craft a boat and set sail for murkier waters.

Single-room caves are often filled with gold and other valuables perfect for trading. Just hope there aren’t any Trolls home when you drop by.

Complex caves are inhabited by hostile Skeletons and the occasional Ghost. You can gather Yellow Mushrooms and treasures here, but your main goal is to raid for Surtling Cores.

The Merchant Haldor is a rare ally in Valheim, offering a variety of useful items in exchange for the gold you’ve been hoarding. He won’t be found on the starting island, but you can locate him in a patch of Black Forest further along your journey.

Don’t misplace the Swamp Key, as it’s essential for entering the Sunken Crypts scattered throughout the bogs. Explore these dungeons to collect the 10 Withered Bones needed to summon Bonemass.

Navigating Valheim’s Swamps can be quite challenging, so take your time and brew plenty of poison resist potions. I tend to use up Surtling Cores quickly when I reach the hostile waters, creating portals for easier travel and additional bases to process Iron Ore.

Above all, exercise patience. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of repeated deaths, and if you’re not careful, your Viking will suffer significant skill level losses.

Complex caves are filled with hostile Skeletons and the occasional Ghost. You can gather Yellow Mushrooms and treasures here, but your primary focus should be on collecting Surtling Cores. Stockpile as many as you can carry, as you’ll need them for building portals and crafting stations.

The Bog Witch can be found somewhere in the Swamps, and like Haldor, she won’t appear in any Swamp connected to your starting island. She offers a range of useful items like Fresh Seaweed and Pungent Pebbles, so set up a portal for easy return visits.

Whenever you come across village ruins in the Deep North, take a moment to search for large two-story buildings. These often contain deep pits leading to the Hidden Tunnels, where you can find molds to create Intricate Keys or upgrade your gear.

After exploring the Hidden Tunnels and crafting an Intricate Key, you’ll be ready to unlock a door to Morkhalla. This process will need to be repeated three times to summon enough Jotun raids for the Malicious Blood required to call forth the final boss, Kall Fimbulbringer.