Valheim update 0.147.3 has arrived, and it’s a smaller update that hopes to solve some of the latency problems that were introduced in last week’s patches. The biggest change is to dedicated servers which now offer a direct connection to players rather than routing through Steam Datagram Relay (SDR).
With fewer stops between player and server, latency should improve and connection issues introduced in previous patches should clear up, at least, according to Iron Gate. Valve is reportedly working on fixes to SDR to let them re-introduce Steam routing, which comes with data protection and several other helpful services.
SDR is still being used for multiplayer connections with non-dedicated servers, which means you might still have some connection issues if you were just hosting while playing. Valve reportedly also has a beta steam client that might help if you're having issues, so sign up for that if you are.
In addition to the connectivity stuff, Iron Gate has also enabled private dedicated servers that can only be joined if the player knows the server's IP. To set your server private, add "-public 0" to the server command line.
Patch 0.147.3 also adds some localization updates, lowers wolf procreation, prevents pickups while walking through a portal, and also lowers the chances of boss trophies talking. You can read the full patch notes over on Steam.
If we had to guess, the next patch is likely going to have to address this odd bug that lets seagulls fly away with peoples' longboats. There's a hilarious bug in Valheim that sometimes gives seagulls incredible flying strength such that they can steal a Viking's ride.
Valheim is still on an upward trajectory, recently passing four million in sales and starting its fourth week in Steam's top-sellers list. There really doesn't seem to be anything out there that can stop this surprise Viking invasion.