Valheim is a co-op survival game where you’re a Viking dropped into the Meadows and told to hunt down the realm’s bosses. The loop is simple: gather, craft, build a base, beat the biome boss, then push into the next, tougher region. Start by punching trees, make a crude axe and club, and work towards your first boss, Eikthyr.
Here is a beginner’s guide to Valheim — what to do first, how progression works, and how to survive the early game.
Valheim beginner basics
The essentials to know when you first spawn in.
| Basic | What to do |
|---|---|
| First tools | Punch trees and stone, craft a flint axe and club |
| Shelter | Build a small base with a workbench and fire |
| Food | Eat three different foods for max health and stamina |
| First boss | Hunt deer for trophies, then summon Eikthyr |
| Progression | Beat each biome boss to unlock the next region |
| Co-op | Play with friends — crossplay is now supported |
How to start out
When you first spawn in the Meadows, your goals are simple: gather wood and stone by hand, craft a flint axe and a club, and build a small shelter with a workbench and a fire. Keep your food bar topped up — eating three different foods at once gives you far more health and stamina, which is the single biggest early-game survival tip. From there, hunt deer for the trophies you need to summon your first boss, Eikthyr. Beating him gives a Forsaken Power and the pickaxe you need to mine, opening up the next biome. The whole game follows that rhythm: craft, build, beat the boss, move on — all the way to the Deep North.
First steps explained
Four things to get right when you start.
Start here
Shelter
Survival
First boss
Ready to go deeper? See our Valheim bosses in order, biomes in order and best weapons.
What to do by goal
Where to focus depending on what you want.
| Your goal | Do this |
|---|---|
| Survive the first night | Build a fire, a roof and a bed |
| Get stronger fast | Always eat three different foods |
| Progress the game | Beat each biome boss in order |
| Play with friends | Host or join a world — crossplay works now |
Valheim beginner FAQ
Valheim reached version 1.0 on 9 September 2026. This guide reflects the full-release game and will be updated as Iron Gate adds more.
