Summary
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Ashlands is a success Wallheim Update, offering challenging enemies, new loot and a gem crafting system.
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Deep North should balance challenging weather, introduce unique enemies, and provide substantial loot.
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Deep North should avoid high enemy density, random environmental effects and aim for a timely release.
Wallheim Has one final update to commemorate its 1.0 launch, and it should learn a lot from the Ashlands. The Ashlands expands the fiery hellscape in the southern part of the map and is easily the best update to the game. The biome is filled with powerful enemies and environmental challenges that make surviving an accomplishment. This challenge is rewarded with incredible loot ranging from new weapon tiers and a gem crafting system that infuses weapons with magic.
The latest update brings Wallheim Being version 1.0 will take Vikings to the top of the map for the revamped Deep North biome. Unfortunately, there isn’t much current information on what will fill this biome. It is similar to the mountains with its deep cold debuffs, but no loot or enemies have been divulged. Some predictions about the Deep North can be made from Norse mythology, but the biome remains an empty landscape of potential. There’s also a chance that the ocean biome will get a slight revamp with the 1.0 update, but it’s not that big of a deal.
Why Ashlands is a good update to learn from
What makes Ashlands so good
The Ashlands is an update that does almost everything rightWith the only popular criticism being that it can be too heavy at times. However, this kind of feeling fits Wallheim Well, as it is one of the hardest open-world games. The survival aspects, like food, are toned down and serve as bonuses rather than necessary parts of the game. This comes back with the difficulty of enemies and environments.
The Ashlands are the perfect example of these, starting with the intense heat around the biome. Filled with lava and surrounded by boiling water, The intense heat of the Ashlands would be a quick killer without fire resistance mead or flame metal armor. The landscape also has hordes of challenging new enemies, along with a mini-boss, Lord Reto, and a biome boss, Fader, which are two of the hardest fights in the game. These fights require proper preparation and are unique experiences that reward players with proper loot that expands their Viking arsenal.
Outside of the new weapon and armor tier, Ashlands has great options with the new sword and magic gems. The named sword, Dyrnwyn, can be crafted after defeating Lord Reto and has some of the highest damage in the game with its ability to double damage to the last hit of its combo chain. Magic gems can be infused with flame metal weapons and provide magic buffs based on type. Jade deals nature damage and an immobilizing effect, Lolite deals lightning damage while you have a chance to summon chain lightning, and bloodstone increases damage based on the user’s missing health.
What the deep north can learn from ashlands
Be the best mirror you can be
A popular belief is that the Deep North should be the mirror opposite of the Ashlands, and The first part of accomplishing that is creating a balanced but challenging weather system. Although similar to the Mountain biome, the cold effect should be taken a step further. Basically, the cold resistance med should prevent death, but without the new armor tier, players would still lose health. Intense snowstorms could also hit periodically, forcing Vikings into cover and slowing down any movement. This would create moments where running into even a common enemy could be devastating.
Regular enemies feel like a respectable challenge in Ashlands, which is in stark contrast to many other biomes common enemies. Enemies focus on specific kits that push a certain playstyle, which is what Deep North should have as well. Popular theories for enemies in the snowfield include frost giants and bears, both of which could use the terrain to their advantage. There may also be a new form of skeleton that is frozen, trading speed for defense and attack power. At the end of the day, The enemies should feel built for the Deep North and not simply dropped into it.
The last piece of a successful Deep North biome will be proper loot, viz This will likely be the best stuff for players to take in whatever endgame Wallheim planned. Magic should be expanded with more gems, and at least one that gives some kind of fire ability for extra damage in the deep north. Another option would be to let armor be infused with magic as well, giving extra defense and rebound effects when you hit. The balance doesn’t have to be perfect at release, but since this would likely be the last major gear update, it needs to feel substantial like Ashlands gear.
Ashlands mistakes that the Deep North needs to avoid
Find the proper balance of difficulty
Although the temperature system is largely beneficial for the ashlands, it has some fair criticism. That is why balance is the key word when it comes to any implementation of this. The other main complaint is the randomness of environmental effects. This is the main one Comes in the form of lava spews Which can instantly kill Vikings. These types of effects should be in WallheimBut should have a bigger/more warning so they can be avoided. This keeps the effect strong while rewarding players who are aware of the world around them.
Another popular complaint is the ashlands’ enemy densityWhat sometimes feels like an army will suddenly appear. In certain circumstances, like base defense or charred fortresses, this is fine, but randomly exploring and finding 10+ enemies is more hindering than immersive. Deep North, depending on enemy health, should limit groups to two to four enemies.
Overall, after the success of the Ashlands, the Deep North is in good hands. The main concern is if its predicted release date of 2025 or early 2026 is too late to capitalize. This could be an issue if the studio is looking for new players for the 1.0 launch. But, if WallheimThe Deep North Biome of ​​​​​​Ashlands can learn from Ashlands, it should have everything it needs to be the perfect ending of the Viking survival title.