Valheim is a Viking-themed sandbox survival game, filled with dangerous enemies and powerful bosses. In the game, you can explore the world on foot or with your trusty boat, venturing to new and exciting biomes. If you are looking to branch out from Valheim, we are here to help.

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Although Valheim is great, sometimes, you may just want to add some variety to your gaming agenda. In this list, we are going to look at games that are similar to Valheim. This ranges from other sandbox survival games to ones that incorporate Norse mythology in a similar manner. Now, let's dive into the first entry of our list.

Updated March 29, 2023 by Jacqueline Zalace: We've given this list a refreshed formatting and purpose, focusing on games that are similar to Valheim. Now, you can find a selection of games that have survival-crafting or Norse elements, as well as some games that have both.

11 Ark: Survival Evolved

Promotional Art for Ark: Survival Evolved

Picture this; Valheim, but with dinosaurs. This is essentially what Ark: Survival Evolved is. Rather than existing in a Norse world as a Viking, you are surrounded by dinosaurs, with some being a bit nicer than others.

Crafting progression in Ark: Survival is a bit similar to Valheim as well. Rather than having every material near you, you will need to explore and gather new materials to progress. Like Valheim, Ark: Survival is also the perfect game to play with friends.

10 Subnautica

Discovering Beasts Of The Deep

Subnautica is a survival game that takes place underwater. Rather than traversing through mystical biomes or riding on dinosaurs, you will need to rely on technology to survive. The water is a dangerous place, and one wrong move can lead to your demise.

If Subnautica interests you, be sure to check out Subnautica: Below Zero. This is a sequel to the first game, set two years later. In this sequel, you will also need to craft and survive in the harsh ocean.

9 Sons Of The Forest

a makeshift tent in the snow built with a tarp and a stick

Sons of the Forest is a relatively new game, released in February of 2023. If this game sounds familiar, it's for a good reason; Sons of the Forest is brought to us by the team behind The Forest. As such, both games are similar in presentation. Survive in the forest filled that's filled with danger, as well as cannibals.

Related: Sons Of The Forest: Complete Guide To Crafting

It's important to keep in mind that Sons of the Forest is a horror game, and is described as a "cannibal-infested hellscape". If you are not a fan of horror games, then you may want to find a different game.

8 Tribes Of Midgard

Tribes Of Midgard - Cover Art

Tribes Of Midgard is an ARPG where you can craft, expand your base, and defeat powerful monsters. The world of Tribes Of Midgard is procedurally generated, so there will always be more to explore.

In terms of content, Tribes Of Midgard is like a mix between Valheim and Diablo. The game is a bit more guided than Valheim, but you have the ability to craft and mold the world around you.

7 Dysmantle

A player exploring a house in Dysmantle

Dysmantle takes place in a zombie apocalypse. Throughout the game, you will need to survive and find shelter, as well as dismantle everything that you come across. As the name suggests, dismantling is a large part of the game.

By breaking items, you will find new materials that can then be repurposed, helping you with your survival. Although this is a zombie game, it's not as scary as other zombie games, perfect for those who want to game without the fear.

6 Niffelheim

Niffelheim gameplay showing player outside of a cave

Next up, we have Niffelheim. This is a Viking-themed dungeon-crawler game, that takes place in the purgatory-esque realm of Niffelheim. This is based on Niflheim, which is essentially a Viking limbo. In Niffelheim, you play as a fallen warrior trying to get to Asgard.

Along the way, you can defeat powerful enemies and craft potions to help with your survival. If you are a fan of dungeon exploring in Valheim, then this game is definitely worth a try.

5 Craftopia

resting near campfire in craftopia

Craftopia is a lighthearted survival crafting game that blends together a few genres. In addition to gathering resources and crafting, you can explore dungeons and learn how to become a powerful magic user. Additionally, there are tons of crops that you can plant, growing a large farm.

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The game is best played with others, so if you and a friend want to play a sandbox together, be sure to check out Craftopia!

4 Mist Survival

Mist Survival is another survival game, this time taking place in a misty, apocalyptic world. In this game, you will need to do as you would in any other survival game; survive.

The misty effect will not be present at all times, but when it does come, it will bring a variety of dangers. With low visibility, you will need to navigate while running into infected enemies, strong creatures, and bandits.

3 Praey For The Gods

The main chracter holding her axe in Praey For The Gods. 

In Praey For The Gods, you take on the role of a hero, sent to the edge of the world. Your task is to learn about the "never-ending winter" that is plaguing the world. Rather than being an open-world sandbox game, Praey For The Gods is relatively straightforward when compared to Valheim.

Although there is a clear goal, Praey For The Gods is far from linear. On your journey, you can overcome obstacles however you see fit. Large bosses can be defeated in any order, and you can use the best weapon that works for you.

2 Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey

The Humankind Odyssey apes looking out towards valley

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is similar to Ark: Survival Evolved, as you will need to survive in an ancient world. Rather than living in a time of dinosaurs, you are in the Neogene period.

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Essentially, you play as an ape, with the goal of surviving and growing your clan. Rather than being just one character, you can switch perspectives and change your POV throughout time. As time goes by, you can evolve and develop new traits to help with survival.

1 Breathedge

Breathedge screenshot of outer space floating near ship building a base

Lastly, we have Breathedge. We've seen survival with dinosaurs, underwater, and in ancient times. Now, we have survival in space. In Breathedge, you play as a survivor of a crashed ship, accompanied by an immortal chicken.

You will need to craft tools, build a base, and survive in the harsh, space environment. This game isn't all seriousness though, as Breathedge is laced with humor, lightening the experience. Many players compare this to Subnautica, without the constant threat of death.

Next: The Best Survival Games For Beginners