Valheim has released a Public Test branch update called Call To Arms, bringing a bunch of new combat features, creatures, and items. This test version lets players try out new mechanics like trinkets that provide temporary perks during fights, along with new enemies and weapons. Since it’s still in testing, some bugs might pop up, but it’s a good chance to see what’s coming before the full release.
To access this update, you’ll need to opt into the Public Test branch on Steam by entering the code yesimadebackups. It’s wise to back up your save files before jumping in, as this version could be unstable. Feedback is welcome on the official Discord or through the support form on Valheim’s website. If you want to avoid spoilers, be cautious when browsing discussions.
Now, let’s talk about the new combat features. Players can equip trinkets that fill an adrenaline bar as they fight. When full, adrenaline triggers a temporary perk depending on the trinket equipped. Adrenaline builds up through hitting enemies, using Forsaken Powers, magic attacks, and performing perfect blocks or dodge rolls. That new skill, Perfect Dodge Roll, returns some stamina if you dodge an attack that would have hit you. Wooden weapons have also been added so friends can spar without damage. Kind of a neat way to practice combat, right?
Alongside these mechanics, two new enemies appear: the Bear and the Vile. Plus, one existing creature has been overhauled. You’ll find new crafting materials, foods like Bear Meat, and even new armor sets themed around these creatures. The update also adds 18 wooden weapons, including swords, axes, and maces, as well as some fist weapons. There are also new building pieces designed for combat practice, such as an archery target and a battle brother dummy.
Combat got some tweaks too. Perfect Block no longer costs stamina, and heavy weapons like battleaxes and sledgehammers have less movement penalty. Fighting on slopes is easier now, which should help with those tricky terrain battles. Forsaken Powers have been rebalanced with changes to stamina usage, damage boosts, resistances, and movement bonuses. For example, Eikthyr now reduces stamina usage by 60% for running and swimming, while Moder offers a permanent tailwind and increased carry weight.
Many items can now be displayed in multiple orientations on item stands, and some new items, like barley flour and tankards, can be placed there as well. The update includes new hairstyles and beard styles for character customization, which is always a nice touch.
Under the hood, the Unity engine has been upgraded, and there are numerous bug fixes. These include fixes for server list issues, UI problems, and input glitches on various platforms. The server list system was rewritten to improve performance and reliability, which should help when finding community servers. Steam and Xbox versions have some platform-specific fixes and improvements, too.
Overall, this update adds a lot to Valheim’s combat and customization options, along with new content to discover. If you’re curious and don’t mind some potential instability, testing the Public Test branch could be worth it. Yikes, it’s a lot to take in, but I’m kinda excited to see how these changes play out. What do you think about trinkets and adrenaline perks? Could this add a fresh layer to combat?
Patch 0.221.3 – Call To Arms (Public Test)
- ACCESS: Right-click Valheim in your Steam library, then select ‘Properties’. In the new window, select ‘Betas’ and type in the code “yesimadebackups”. The Public Test branch should now be available for you to select. The PTB FAQ can be found here.
- FEEDBACK: Please leave any feedback in the “#valheim-public-test” channel in our Discord or through the form on our website.
New Content:
- New Mechanics: Trinkets that grant adrenaline-based temporary perks; adrenaline builds from combat actions and fades outside combat.
- Wooden weapons for safe sparring.
- New skill: Perfect Dodge Roll (dodge damage and regain stamina).
- New enemies: Bear and Vile; one creature overhauled.
- New crafting materials, including Blob Vial, Ectoplasm, and trophies from new creatures.
- New food item: Bear Meat.
- New armor sets: Patterns of the Bear and Vilebone Cage sets.
- New weapons: 18 wooden weapon,s plus fist weapons and battleaxes.
- New trinkets: 13 varieties, such as Heart of the Forest and Jörmundling.
- Combat practice build pieces: Archery Target and Battle Brother dummy.
- New location: CombatRuin01.
- New hairstyles and beard styles.
Fixes & Improvements:
- Perfect Block no longer costs stamina.
- Reduced movement penalties on heavy weapons and tower shields.
- Improved fighting on slopes.
- Rebalanced Forsaken Powers with various buffs and stamina cost changes.
- Expanded item stand placement options and new orientations.
- Updated hairstyle names and localization.
- Ghost visual overhaul.
- Upgraded Unity engine to version 6000.0.46f.
- Numerous bug fixes related to servers, UI, input, and matchmaking.
- Server list rewritten for better performance and reliability.
- Steam and Xbox platform-specific fixes.
