Summary
Despite the stigmas surrounding early access releases,Valheimhas managed to carve out an isle of positive attention for itself. Its best qualities plant it in sharp contrast to an upcoming title, one thatValheimshares some surface similarities with in terms of multiplayer.
Valheimand the upcomingSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueare entirely different games, no doubt. However, both share the commonality of being cooperative multiplayer experiences. In this respect, it’s clear to see how the two embody different sides of the multiplayer spectrum. ThoughValheim’s multiplayer has some early access jank, it’s already leagues more well-received thanSuicide Squad’s—which hasn’t even been released yet. An analysis of these differences works wonders in showing which pitfalls to avoid in executing multiplayer and pitching it to a playerbase.
It’s by no means an original criticism, but thedisdain forSuicide Squad’s always-online requirementsis prevalent for a reason. The reveal thatSuicide Squadwill require an online connection even during single-player came in 2023. Not only is there an issue of access here, putting content that doesn’t need to be online behind a connectivity wall, but it also funnels players into online gaming whether they wish to engage with it or not.
Rocksteady has since addressed this and has confirmed an offline mode for the story campaign will be available later this year. Still, connectivity will be an issue for the time being.
Valheim’s multiplayer doesn’t have these issues, thankfully. This makes multiplayer a much easier pill to swallow when it can be ignored by those who don’t wish to engage in it, despite the fact that games likeValheimandSuicide Squadcouldn’t be more different on paper.
Suicide Squad’s lack of an offline capability at launch is a dead-ringer forRedfall, which had a similar fiasco surrounding post-launch roadmaps for vital features. Not only was the game locked at 30 FPS at launch, butRedfallstill requires an online connectionto play single-player. This case is even more bizarre;Redfallhas no microtransactions. A possible explanation could be its status as a first-party Xbox title.
Developer statements onRedfall’s connectivity requirementimply that the difficulty in undoing them lies in how tied up the game is in online play. Admittedly,Redfallis designed with online co-op in mind—but it begs the question as to why solo play would be offered in the first place. If the title is balanced around co-op to the extent that its online requirements exist in such an infrastructure web, single-player is more likely to be an unbalanced experience.
Valheim’s more comparable toMinecraftwith its 10-player servers and greater longevity, on the other hand. By allowing for offline play during single-player, it forgoes asking for any online subscription or reliable connection. This improved accessibility, combined with its excellent gameplay, allows it to sit alongside titans of the industry and be compared favorably against them.Valheim, by virtue of being in early access, has many obvious flaws. However, its better qualities have been amplified by the volume of players able to access it more easily than they would be if always-online requirements were in place.
Valheim
WHERE TO PLAY
Valheimis a brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players set in a procedurally-generated world inspired by Norse mythology. Craft powerful weapons, construct longhouses, and slay mighty foes to prove yourself to Odin!EXPLORE THE TENTH WORLDExplore a world shrouded in mystery. Discover distinct environments with unique enemies to battle, resources to gather and secrets to uncover! Be a viking, sail the open seas in search of lands unknown, and fight bloodthirsty monsters.BUILD MIGHTY HALLSRaise viking longhouses and build bases that offer reprieve from the dangers ahead. Customise buildings, both inside and out, with a detailed building system. Progress through building tiers to upgrade, expand and defend your base.GATHER, CRAFT AND SURVIVEStruggle to survive as you gather materials and craft weapons, armor, tools, ships, and defenses. Decorate your hearths and sharpen your blades, grow crops and vegetables, prepare food, brew meads and potions, and progress as you defeat more difficult bosses and discover new recipes and blueprints.
