Stronger Axes, Weaker Bows - Valheim Patch Rebalances Weapons
We've learned about the weapon changes that the Hearth and Home update will bring to Valheim. Two-handed axes will be strengthened and bows will be slightly weakened.
Iron Gate Studio released new content dedicated to the Hearth and Home update for Valheim. It focuses on the changes to weapons and is the last in a series of videos dedicated to the patch's content. The developers are planning one more video before the update is released, but it's supposed to be something more custom. For now, the developers have not revealed what they have in mind.
Hearth and Home will introduce changes to weapon balance. The biggest change will affect two types of weapons. Fans of two-handed axes will be pleased to know that they will be buffed. Strikes with these skull-cleavers will be faster and easier to deal damage to groups of enemies. Furthermore, landed hits will fill up the stun indicator faster. Combined with the alternative knockback and general changes to the combat system, this will make two-handed axes much more useful. They will still require a tactical approach, but their effectiveness will reward the effort put into using them.
Changes await also bows, which in the name of balanced gameplay will be slightly nerfed, so that they no longer dominate the game. On the one hand drawing a bow will take more time, so we will no longer be able to shoot at lightning speed. On the other hand, keeping the string drawb will consume less stamina, making it easier to aim.
Hearth and Home will be released on September 16, this year. The update will focus on food preparation and construction, offering additional components to create more advanced structures and new ingredients for dishes. Players will be able to decorate homes with their treasures and protect them from thieves with steel bars. The combat system will also be rebuilt. The effectiveness of blocking will depend on the level of health, not stamina. Moreover, a stun indicator will be added to the interface and when it fills up, the enemy will be able to knock us down.
