ValheimandEnshroudedare two very similar survival games, both taking place in dangerous worlds filled with a variety of monsters who want to kill you. There are many similar mechanics between these two games, which begs us to ask the question, which game is better?
Here, we are going to answer just that. This will take an in-depth look at Valheim and Enshrouded, helping you decide which one you should play. This will include specific points, explaining which game has the edge. Of course, if you have the time, we recommend checking out both games, as they are both still great options.
9Building Physics - Valheim
In both Valheim and Enshrouded, you’re able to build giant bases, but they tend to be a bit more realistic (in terms of physics) in Valhiem. Platforms and building components can’t just be placed in mid-air, and there needs to be enough support to hold up the piece in question.
If you are aiming for realistic physics, then Enshrouded may disappoint. The building in Enshrouded is phenomenal, but gravity doesn’t really exist; you may make a floating platform that’s connected to just a single ladder touching the ground, and nothing bad will happen.
8Quest Availability - Enshrouded
In Valheim, you will have a few main goals and quests, but for the most part, you make your own objectives along the way. This is great for players who don’t want any constraints, but it can be challenging if you want some guidance.
Thankfully, Enshrouded is packed with quests. The NPCs of the game can give quests, but you can also trigger new quests as you explore the world. Once you progress far enough, you may have more quests than you know what to do with.
7Replayability - Valheim
The world is Valheim is procedurally generatedbased on the seed that you enter. With literally over a million seed options, you can replay again and again, and still run into new situations. This makes for great replayability, especially if you seek out worlds that are quite different from each other.
In Enshrouded, there is one map, with every player seeing the same environment. Although the world is quite vast, you won’t be able to restart in a new area. If you like to start over several times, Embervale may become old news.
6Travel Efficiency - Enshrouded
Traveling and exploring is a staple of the survival crafting game. In games like Valheim, teleportation is limited to gates, and certain materials can’t be taken through. This can cause some frustration if you are looking to get something done quickly.
Teleportation and fast travel are common in Enshrouded. You canteleport between Flame Altars, which you can personally place down around the world. There are also Ancient Spires that serve as large teleportation points in each of the five biomes. With fast travel, you can quickly complete objectives.
5Atmosphere - Valheim
If you’ve ever played Valheim, then you know that it truly exceeds in creating a chill atmosphere. Sure, there are monsters and bosses that want to kill you, but there is something so relaxing about spending an hour or two chopping down trees.
Enshrouded can have some nice atmospheric vibes, but sometimes, it just doesn’t feel as cozy. Maybe this is due to the inclusion of fast travel; you won’t often spend a long time just wandering to a patch of trees that you want to cut down.
4NPCs - Enshrouded
For the most part, both Valheim and Enshrouded are sparsely populated. Besides your character in Valheim, there is one other NPC that you can find, who is a merchant. In Enshrouded, there is a grand total of five NPCs, which can be unlocked and placed on your base.
These NPCs can add some life to your base, especially as you will need to place them in a sheltered area, like a house. With five houses for your NPCs, you can create a little village.
3Leveling - Valheim
Looking to level up? This is possible in both games, but it feels a bit quicker and more rewarding in Valheim. In this game, you have a variety of skills ranging from Running, Spear, and Wood Cutting. Each of these has 100 levels, and you become more efficient as you level up.
Within Enshrouded, there are 25 levels for your character, with no specific skill-based leveling. While you may unlock new skills andperfect your class build, leveling up takes a bit longer and sometimes, the skill node that you unlock is as simple as more stamina.
2Puzzles & Unique Locations - Enshrouded
Above, we mentioned that Enshrouded has one map that every player uses. While this can limit replayability, it can make a map feel more interactive. Rather than having some randomly generated structure, you candiscover unique forts, catacombs, and villages.
In Embervale, there are also plenty of small puzzles that you’re able to complete to earn a reward. Regardless of where you are in the world, the environment around you has been handcrafted for the ultimate experience.
1Conclusion
Which game is better? We can take the easy way out and say it’s up to you because it ultimately is. Still, you’ve come to us for guidance, so let’s answer this question. Overall, we suggest heading into Valheim first. This game feels more complete, but this is understandable, as Enshrouded is newer and still in Early Access.
Below, you can check out a summary of each game’s pros.
More quests for guidance
Fast Travel can help with exploration
NPC variation that can be placed makes your base feel more alive
The world is handcrafted, with unique locations to visit
Building physics feels more real and lifelike
Procedural generation adds to the game’s replayability
The environment and music create a relaxing atmosphere
Leveling up is more satisfying
