5 Hardcore games like Valheim that you should try

On paper it is what Valheim is — punishing difficulty, a sandbox world and multiplayer gameplay — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds exploration and discovery. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings dark, oppressive atmosphere and horror setting.

The genre is the same as Valheim’s, and with it punishing difficulty, open world exploration and melee combat. Both also lean on fantasy world and co-op play. The distance is in progression and world — its own ground is procedural generation and 3D presentation.

The genre is the same as Valheim’s, and with it punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on exploration and discovery. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is ranged combat and a sci-fi setting.

Genre puts it alongside Valheim, and so does punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is visuals and game mode: a casual, approachable feel and 2D presentation.

Shelved next to Valheim for good reason: punishing difficulty, melee combat and single-player focus. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is a casual, approachable feel and ranged combat.