New 'Valheim'-Like Survival Game Enters Early Access Soon

A new survival-crafting game in the same vein as 2020's indie smash hit "Valheim" is set to enter its early access phase on Steam next week, and it has plenty of exciting gameplay ideas to offer.

"Frozen Flame" made a splash in the gaming scene in the last Steam Next Fest, where developer Dreamside Interactive released a public demo version of the game containing only a few bits of content that they have planned for the final release.

It has many of the mechanics one would expect from a game of its genre. Gather resources, craft equipment, build bases and fight enemies across an open world. However, "Frozen Flame" aims to provide a different flavor of this tried-and-true experience.

The game is "tailored for those who love to explore," according to its description on Steam. "Frozen Flame" is set in a fantasy RPG world with monsters, magic and dragons, and the areas players get to explore are dotted with points of interest, boss fights, monster camps and more. Additionally, every playthrough features a different world layout.

Combat in the game is relatively fast-paced. There's a stagger system similar to its Viking survival counterpart, and there's the usual array of melee weapons like swords, axes and two-handers alongside bows and magical staves.

According to the devs, a fleshed-out character progression system is also in place, though the specifics on this haven't been revealed yet. However, there are mentions of ancient beings whose knowledge can be used to obtain unique powers.

The building system in "Frozen Flame" is similar to "Valheim's" as well. Fortresses can be built around a player-claimed area by placing individual building pieces that can either be free-placed or snapped to each other. Houses also serve as safe havens when freezing winds engulf the realm.

Graphics-wise, the look of the game is similar to that of "Dauntless" or "Fenyx Rising." The stylized aesthetic lends itself well to the fantasy setting, which features a variety of creatures as well as gorgeous views of magical lands.

"Frozen Flame" will enter early access this Nov. 17, where it will stay for up to 12 months. Only a part of the world will be available for exploration, but this will include four biomes.