Valheim, released into early access February 2, 2021, by five-person Swedish studio Iron Gate, became an instant phenomenon. The Viking survival game sold 1 million copies in one week, 5 million in one month, and topped Steam charts for weeks.
Norse Survival
Players explored a procedurally generated Norse purgatory, building bases, sailing seas, and defeating mythological bosses to earn Odin’s favor. The game combined Minecraft’s building, Dark Souls’ combat difficulty, and breathtaking low-poly visuals.
Pandemic Perfect
Valheim arrived as people craved co-op experiences during COVID-19 lockdowns. The game’s emphasis on cooperative building and exploration—up to 10 players per server—made it appointment gaming for friend groups.
Despite being early access with limited content, Valheim’s polish and charm justified its $20 price. Slow updates tested patience, but the game remained one of Steam’s top sellers through 2024.