Whether you’re looking to tackle Valheim’s toughest bosses, find the elusive merchant Haldor, or just stay home and build a better base, Valheim has a seemingly endless supply of things to see and do. Before you venture out, however, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve got the best armor, weapons, and tools available to get the job done.
Valheim is still in Early Access. Still, it’s quickly become one of the best survival games on PC with millions of players. Being Early Access means that the developers are actively fixing bugs and adding tons of new content regularly. We’ll be adding all of those new items as they appear in the game, so be sure to check back here from time to time to see what’s been updated!
Weapons
You can’t get very far without a good weapon in Valheim. Here’s a tip — one-handed weapons pair nicely with a shield.
Bows
Bows are a great way to keep distance between you and an enemy.
Arrows
Arrows and bows go hand in hand, so make sure you have some before heading out into battle.
Armor Sets
Each piece of armor has its own stats and can be mixed and matched to your liking, but some sets provide additional buffs when worn as a complete set. Be sure to consider how you’ll be adventuring before you set out. Some armor is crafted at a workbench, while others will require you to visit a forge. Whether you’re going for aesthetics or preparing for a difficult fight, make sure you always have the right piece of armor on hand.
Rag set
This is the first tier of armor in the game. All characters start with a rag tunic equipped.
Leather set
Leather armor is not only twice as durable as rag armor, but it provides twice the amount of armor and sports a craftable helm, making this the first proper full set of armor in the game.
Bronze set
Bronze armor recipes are unlocked the moment you pick up your first bronze bar. All bronze armor is also crafted at the forge.
Troll set
Troll armor is the first one you’ll craft in the game that’s a four-piece set and includes the Troll Cape, which is found in the capes section below. You’ll get the recipe after collecting troll hide for the first time and can craft it at a level 3 workbench.
Iron set
Like bronze armor, iron armor is crafted at the forge. You’ll unlock iron armor recipes when you get your first iron bar, which is smelted from scrap iron found in the swamp biome. Iron armor requires a level 2 forge to craft.
Wolf set
Your first Wolf Pelt or silver bar will unlock these recipes. All wolf-named pieces can be crafted at level 2 forge, while the Drake helm only requires a level 1 forge.
Padded set
Despite its cushy name, Padded armor is actually the toughest armor in the game at this time. Padded armor recipes are unlocked after crafting Linen Thread.
Capes
Capes generally add very little armor but a whole lot of style. All capes are made at the workbench. These capes are listed in order of durability.
Shields
Smaller shields won’t provide as much damage resistance as tower shields, but smaller shields allow you to parry and move around more quickly than a tower shield. These shields are listed in order of their block power and base stats when first built.
Not only can these tools be used for building and maintenance, but you can use them to do damage, too. Make sure you have at least one of these lying around at all times.
Be prepared for anything
Valheim has seen incredible success in record time, with the tiny development team looking to expand quickly to meet the fast-growing demand of the game. What you see here is just the beginning of what the team is planning to add to the game. With a published roadmap full of incredible-looking updates and content expansions, 2021 is going to be an amazing year for all gamers who join in on the Valheim craze. Skål!
Valheim sailing guide: How to build and sail every ship
Sailing is very important in Valheim, as its the only way you can reach biomes beyond the Meadows and Black Forest. Here’s what you need to make each boat in the game, as well as a detailed overview on how to sail them properly.
Valheim mead guide: All recipes and how to make them
Mead is very important in Valheim, as it provides you with buffs, healing, and other effects that can help keep you alive as you explore the dangers of the world. Here’s what you’ll need for it, as well as how you can make all the different recipes.
Get this: Storm 2 is a portable power bank straight out of Mad Max
The Storm 2 is a 99WHr portable power bank that is see-through and has an on-board computer to monitor output, temperature, life cycles, and more. With up to 100 watts output, it should be able to handle all your portable needs while also looking rather rad. Here’s how to get one.