There is finally new information on the first major update coming to Valheim. The developers went dark for a few weeks when it came to the Hearth and Home update that fans expected to come in the first half of 2021. That may have been the original intention, but delays have set back Valheim's 2021 roadmap a few steps, which means there will be even more waiting than originally expected. With so many teasers and now further delays, when will Hearth and Home finally get released?
Valheim debuted in early access in February of 2021, so the Viking survival game is still very early in its probable lifecycle. Also in February, the developers shared a 2021 roadmap for the game which detailed major updates planned for the remainder of the year. There were four major updates listed on the roadmap, but that schedule has been disrupted as the developers have taken down their original plans. Future updates are now up in the air for Valheim, but Hearth and Home, at least, has a new confirmed release window.
Developer Iron Gate recently put out a statement explaining the delays and Valheim's goals for the rest of 2021. Hearth and Home will now be released in Q3 of 2021, putting the game's first major update sometime within the next few months. The developer's announcements were not all bad news, as details about the update were also given for the first time. Players can look forward to new building pieces such as dark roofs and window hatches. There will also be new food items and extensions to the cooking table, and a new food system was announced that will change the way health and stamina are impacted.
Valheim New Release Window And New Announcements
The new release window may come with mixed feelings from fans. While the delays themselves are certainly disappointing, Iron Gate seems determined to make the game as stable as possible for now, ensuring that future updates meet a certain standard of quality. It was mentioned that as Valheim has exploded in popularity, new challenges have presented themselves, making the game's popularity a double-edged sword for the small development team. As of now, there is no roadmap for upcoming additions, but the team seems to have a plan in mind for future updates.
It will be interesting to see how Valheim handles the introduction of its first major update when Hearth and Home eventually does come. There may be some bigger changes to the way the game is played if things like Valheim's existing food system are shaken up. It seems like there will be plenty of new content for fans to enjoy, which even the most impatient Viking can take to heart as they wait out the update. If nothing else, at least the third quarter of 2021 is just around the corner.
Source: Iron Gate