Valheim Guide

Valheim Player Base Statistics And Charts

CEO and founder, GTXGaming

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71,666
playing Valheim on Steam now as of
105,045
peak in the last 24 h (our Steam samples every 15 min) to
15 Oct 2026
Latest official update: Patch 1.0.20 Steam
2,383
Valheim servers running at GTX as of
£11.72/mo
per month for a Valheim server, 19 locations

We have collated some statistics on the game Valheim and its overall player base since its release on February 2nd, 2021. GTX has been hosting Valheim servers since the very first day, and we hope you find this data as interesting as we do. The charts are a snapshot of data collected in January 2024. Valheim 1.0 launched on 9 September 2026, and Steam Charts lists a peak of 307,757 concurrent players for September 2026.

Let's dive into these insights and see what they reveal about the game's journey and its players.

Valheim Peak Players Over Time

This chart illustrates Valheim's initial release in February 2021, attracting an impressive peak of 498,478 players. However, by April 2021, the count reduced to a still notable 159,037, followed by a further 49.4% drop to 80,466 players in May 2021. The game then stabilized around a player base of approximately 30,000 for three months. A significant increase occurred in September 2021 with the launch of the Hearth and Home update, boosting the player peak by roughly 269% to 109,793.

Following the Hearth and Home update, the game maintained an average monthly peak of roughly 39,900 players over 14 months, although this figure gradually decreased to 24,562 by October 2022. The release of the Mistlands update in December 2022 marked another notable surge, with peak players reaching 127,172.

It is also important to note that Valheim had sold 10 million copies by April 2022, and this should be taken into account when looking at players over time.

Valheim peak players per month since the launch.

Valheim Average Players Over Time

The "Average Players" chart for Valheim provides a steadier perspective on player engagement than the "Peak Players" chart. While peak players' data show high numbers influenced by updates or events, average players reflect ongoing, consistent participation. This means average player counts are less prone to spikes, offering a better understanding of the game's enduring appeal.

For example, while peak players may surge with updates like Hearth and Home or Mistlands, such increases are less dramatic in the average player's chart. This suggests that although big events draw more players, they don't always significantly boost long-term, regular play. Thus, the average player's chart reveals a more gradual trend, emphasizing the game's core player base and overall health beyond just its momentary high points.

Valheim Average Players Over Time Line Graph
Valheim Average Players Over Time Line Graph

Long-Term Player Engagement in Valheim

Valheim's consistent retention of tens of thousands of players each month showcases its strong long-term player engagement. This sustained interest can be attributed to:

  1. Dedicated Community: The game's engaging content and Viking-themed world foster a strong, active community.
  2. Compelling Gameplay: A blend of survival, crafting, and exploration keeps the gameplay experience fresh and appealing.
  3. Ongoing Updates: Regular updates, including major ones like Hearth and Home and Mistlands, rejuvenate interest and add new dimensions to the game.
  4. Player Investment: Building and crafting mechanics encourage long-term investment from players, enhancing their attachment to the game.
  5. Community Content: A wealth of player-generated content, such as guides and videos, helps sustain and grow the game's community.

Valheim Steam Sales

Since its launch in February 2021, Valheim's sales story has been one of rapid success and enduring appeal. The game quickly gained traction: Iron Gate announced 1 million copies sold on 10 February 2021, 3 million on 19 February and 5 million on 3 March. Six million followed on 19 March, and 6.8 million by 20 May 2021.

Following this initial surge, the sales pace settled, and Iron Gate announced 10 million copies sold in April 2022, indicating sustained interest and a strong fanbase, bolstered by continuous updates and content expansions. This trajectory highlights Valheim's significant market impact and its ability to captivate players over an extended period.

Valheim Critical Acclaim

Valheim has taken the gaming world by storm since its early access release on February 2, 2021. This Viking-inspired survival game has not only captured the hearts of players but has also garnered critical acclaim from gaming experts and enthusiasts alike. Let's take a look at some of the ratings and reviews from top gaming websites:

  • PC Gamer: Christopher Livingston from PC Gamer praised Valheim, mentioning that while the game is not yet complete, the parts available feel refined and satisfying. He expressed his anticipation for future growth in the game and highlighted the incredible value players get from a $20 game.
  • IGN: Leana Hafer from IGN rated Valheim a remarkable 9/10, describing it as a paragon of the survival crafting genre. She praised the excellent art and music, emphasizing how the game generates endless exciting stories with its simple ingredients.
  • Metro GameCentral: This review highlighted how Valheim's world offers players endless adventures even after spending 30 hours in the game. The uniqueness of each player's experience and the potential for cooperative play were commended.
  • Polygon: Kazuma Hashimoto appreciated Valheim's captivating world, blending early 2000s aesthetics with modern graphics. The game's beauty, even on lower-end machines, was recognized.
  • Ars Technica: Sam Machkovech found Valheim's potential to be outstanding, emphasizing the game's current wealth of content, stunning visuals, and the promise of even more adventure.
  • God is a Geek: Mick Fraser envisioned Valheim becoming the biggest survival game, given its current ethos and community spirit.

These reviews showcase the widespread acclaim Valheim has received, with critics acknowledging its potential for greatness and the enjoyment players have found in its early access state. With updates and additional content on the horizon, Valheim's journey is far from over, promising an even brighter future for this exceptional Viking adventure.
IGN Leana Hafer 9 / 10
GamingBolt Mike Alexander 9 / 10
The Digital Fix Dani Cross 8 / 10
MMOGames Marc Pavey 9 / 10
GameSpace Chris Bowman 9 / 10
DVS Gaming DVS Gaming 7 / 10

Click a column heading to sort.

Credit to Steam Charts for some of the data collected.

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