Trollheim: Gnomes, a new PC survival crafting game drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore, has been revealed by a team composed of former Mojang developers. The studio aims to capture the sense of wonder and mystery found in tales of Sprýg Gnomes and other mythical creatures from their childhoods spent in Nordic woods.
A distinctive feature highlighted in an early look at the game is the optional nature of combat. Players will gather resources and craft increasingly complex structures, with the ability to build higher into the trees as they progress. This verticality offers a unique perspective, likened to living in a high-rise within a dark forest.
Opposition comes in the form of the Väsen, creatures significantly larger than the player's gnome character. However, these beings are not inherently hostile. The developers emphasize that players can avoid conflict by befriending the Väsen through offerings of food or other requested items. "If you want to hang out and make it cozy, that's up to you," said game director Jojje Dalunde. "You will always be able to achieve the same goals using a friendly approach as you would a hostile approach." Studio founder Bjorne Larson added, "We want combat to feel intentional. It's an opt-in. You will always know that you're stepping into something you might not be able to handle. You will be able to just enjoy your time with your friends and live the cozy experience of being this tiny Sprýg Gnome."
Complementing the potential for a cozy experience are co-op gameplay and procedural generation. The game supports up to eight players, and the 'Dark Forest' environment, described as a central element of Trollheim, will procedurally generate with each new game, ensuring a fresh and mysterious world to explore.
Survival in Trollheim: Gnomes requires players to contend with environmental threats such as cold, wetness, and hunger, even if combat is avoided. Crafting extends beyond shelter to include traversal tools like wingsuits. The game features a single meter for managing both health and stamina, and stealth mechanics were also observed in a recent demo.
Beyond the game itself, the developers are building an interconnected narrative spanning books, films, collectibles, and lifestyle products. The first transmedia component, a 288-page book titled Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir, is available now. Trollheim: Gnomes can be wishlisted on Steam.