Vikings – this major update has been a long time coming. We’ve taken your feedback seriously and reworked or completely redesigned many core systems. Our goal was simple: to make the game more exciting, fluid, and varied. We know that big changes can be risky, but we hope you’ll enjoy this new version as much as we do. It truly is Sons of Valhalla: Reforged.
However, note that the classic mode remains fully available.
If you prefer to play through the classic storyline campaign rather than this new reworked mode, that's completely fine, and you can load up the classic mode at any time. Our goal is to add new options for players to try, but not to remove anything you love! We'll include visual instructions on how to access it down below.
So, what can you expect?
With this patch, Sons of Valhalla enters a brand-new phase. The campaign has been completely rebuilt: instead of lengthy battles, you’ll now engage in compact, intense raids. Every point on the map demands fresh tactical decisions, while a looming storm forces you to keep pushing southward.
Unit management has also been overhauled. You can now recruit troops at any time via the new menu, directly on the world map, or even in the middle of a fight. That means no more running back and forth. You’ll also meet new merchants where you can spend your hard-earned gold on equipment, mercenaries, and upgrades.
The old rune system has been replaced with a flexible new item system, and Odin rewards your progress for every runestone you collect – even if you fail. All of this lays the foundation for the future. Sons of Valhalla has evolved, and this is only the beginning.
Steam Reviews: Your Feedback Means the World to Us.
If you spend some time with the update, a Steam review helps us understand what the hours and late nights actually added up to. We’ve been deep in this build for a long while, pulling systems apart and putting them back together, and it’s hard to get any real sense of the result until we hear from you. We read everything that comes in, and it genuinely helps us see the update from the other side of the screen. Let us know what worked for you, what didn’t, and what surprised you.
Campaign – Raids
Attacks on locations are now shorter and more intense.
Successful raids let you plunder silver and gold, which you can spend on new units and upgrades.
We’ve added a time-based mechanic: a storm is approaching and constantly pushing you forward. Once it reaches your current position, all locations on the same vertical axis will be locked, forcing you to keep moving south.
This new level structure gives us more freedom in designing maps and gives you more engaging gameplay.
Unit Management
You can now recruit units at any time via the new management system – anywhere and anytime!
On the world map, troops become available instantly. During missions, you can call in reinforcements via supply ships.
Once they arrive, they’ll join your squad and fight alongside you. Gone are the days of backtracking to train or upgrade units.
Upgrades and items you acquire during a run can also be equipped or bought directly in this menu. (More on items below.)
World Map
The world map remains a core gameplay element. Here, you chart your path! Choose to engage certain locations or skip them if you’re not ready for the challenge.
Map points are procedurally generated for each run. Game modes and merchant appearances are randomized. In short: it’s dynamic!
New to the world map is the storm. Stay in one place too long, or move too slowly, and it will catch up, cutting off key raids you need for progress.
Each time you attack, know this: your enemy is ready. Expect retaliation. Bring enough units to the battlefield to survive.
Units you recruit here will be instantly available during missions.
On the right side of the map, you’ll now see a list of game modes for each raid/mission, explanations for merchant icons, and the option to adjust difficulty for bigger rewards in gold and silver.
Death & Rebirth
Death is still your constant companion in Sons of Valhalla. Not every raid will be a success – and now, death is permanent.
The old rune system is gone, but runestones remain. Odin now allows you to trade them for perks that benefit your next attempt.
So yes, you can fail. But every run brings you closer to rescuing Raya.
Items & Perks
So, how do you get abilities now that runes are gone?
Don’t worry, Capitalism™ has reached Viking-era England!
Abilities, supplies, and mercenaries can now be purchased in one of four new shop types, each randomly placed on the map at the start of a run:
General Store
Buy bags to increase your carry capacity and storage. Also find upgrades for arrows and other projectiles.
Armory
One of the most important shops! Here you’ll find items that grant abilities.
Items can be equipped by your hero or any unit. Effects may be direct (for the unit) or indirect (e.g., benefiting Thorald himself).
Mercenary Broker
This guy handles contracts for mercenary units. Sign one, and you’ll be able to recruit specialized warriors.
Shipyard
Need a bigger ship to carry more men? The shipyard’s got you covered.
The Road Ahead
With this patch, we’ve addressed many of the most common criticisms and laid a strong foundation for future content. So what’s next?
Defensive Structures
Since unit buildings have moved to the new management menu, the fortress feels a bit empty. We’re planning more buildings focused on defense.
Fortress towers will also get more love – expect stone and tar traps, ballistae, and more siege-resistant tech.
New Mission Modes
To increase variety, more mission types are on the way.
Special Quests
In addition to new modes, quests will be introduced. Missions where you help others and earn generous rewards.
We hope you’re as excited about this new direction for Sons of Valhalla as we are. Your feedback is more important than ever – so let us know what you think of these changes, and what you’d love to see in the future!
How to Switch to the Classic Version of Sons of Valhalla
If you'd like to try the classic version of Sons of Valhalla, featuring the original campaign, follow these instructions.
Launch the game and click “Switch to classic version” on the main menu. A prompt will appear explaining that Steam needs to download the classic build. Click “Yes.” The game will close.
Steam will automatically switch your selected version to “classic” and begin downloading the classic files.
When the download finishes, press Play in Steam.
The game will now open as Sons of Valhalla Classic, with a title screen that shows “Classic” and an option to switch back to the new version.
Join the Sons of Valhalla Community
💬 Discord – Talk with us, share feedback, and discuss the update with other players.
📝 Reddit – Strategy talk, ideas, and community discussions.
📚 Official Wiki – Mechanics, systems, and detailed info, all in one place.
🐦 Twitter – News, updates, and development notes.
