The survival crafting genre has seen a surge of activity with three major titles—Valheim, Enshrouded, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds—all launching their 1.0 versions within a tight one-month window. This leaves many players wondering which of these extensive experiences to dive into first. While each offers a unique take on base-building and survival, they share core mechanics and present distinct challenges.
Comparing Core Features
Valheim, Enshrouded, and Dragonwilds offer a range of features that cater to different player preferences. Valheim features procedurally generated maps, encouraging exploration with the thrill of the unknown, while Enshrouded and Dragonwilds present handcrafted worlds. Fast travel mechanics also differ significantly, with Valheim utilizing player-crafted portals, Dragonwilds employing similar portals that consume runes, and Enshrouded offering unlockable points alongside limited player-crafted bases.
Player needs like thirst and starvation are handled differently; Valheim omits these mechanics entirely, focusing instead on vital food buffs. Dragonwilds includes adjustable thirst and starvation with food buffs enabled by default, whereas Enshrouded has these mechanics disabled by default but adjustable. Inventory management varies, with Valheim and Dragonwilds using slots and weight, while Enshrouded relies solely on slots. Death penalties also differ: Valheim players lose skill XP and must retrieve their inventory from a gravestone, while both Dragonwilds and Enshrouded do not penalize players with XP loss, though inventory retrieval from gravestones is still a feature.
Crafting from storage is a convenience offered by Enshrouded and Dragonwilds, but not by Valheim. Structural integrity is a key consideration in Valheim and Dragonwilds, but absent in Enshrouded. Sleep mechanics provide a night skip in Valheim and Dragonwilds, while Enshrouded only speeds up nighttime. Comfort and rested buffs are implemented through furniture and decor in Valheim and Enshrouded, while Dragonwilds requires sleep for its rest meter and a bed for a separate cosiness buff. All three games feature dynamic weather, grid snapping, terraforming capabilities (except Dragonwilds), and dungeon content. Item durability is present across all three.
Player Progression and World Interaction
Progression systems also show variety. Valheim's skill and weapon proficiencies increase through usage. Dragonwilds offers a similar system where skills level up via use, with some proficiencies granting bonuses or abilities. Enshrouded focuses on combat and exploration-driven leveling, rewarding players with skill points for additional stats or abilities. Raids are a feature in Valheim and Dragonwilds, adding periodic challenges, while Enshrouded does not currently have this mechanic. Fishing and farming are available in all three titles.
Taming and ranching are present in Valheim and Enshrouded, but not Dragonwilds. Mounts are also featured in Valheim and Dragonwilds, absent in Enshrouded. Questing in Valheim is primarily driven by exploration with few optional sidequests, whereas Dragonwilds and Enshrouded offer main story quests that guide progression, supplemented by optional sidequests for bonuses.
Creative and Technical Aspects
For players who enjoy creative freedom, Enshrouded and Valheim offer creative modes, while Dragonwilds does not. Enshrouded stands out with a dedicated photo mode, though Valheim allows camera control via console commands and HUD hiding. All three games offer custom difficulty settings. Official mod support is currently lacking in all three titles.
Multiplayer support varies, with Valheim supporting 1-10 players, Dragonwilds 1-6, and Enshrouded up to 16. Steam Deck compatibility is 'Verified' for Valheim, 'Playable' for Dragonwilds, and 'Unsupported' for Enshrouded. Crossplay is available between PC and consoles for Valheim and Dragonwilds, with crossplay for Enshrouded planned for a future update.
Developer Picks
Despite the strong competition, some developers have clear favorites. One contributor favors Enshrouded for its exceptional base building and acrobatic combat, often surprising enemies from the sky with its glider. Valheim is cited as a classic that remains compelling year after year, especially for those who might not typically consider themselves survival game fans. Dragonwilds and Enshrouded are noted for their handcrafted worlds and engaging mechanics, but Valheim's procedural generation continues to offer a unique sense of adventure.
Final Considerations
Enshrouded excels in its building mechanics, offering a vast array of blocks, furniture, and terraforming tools, making it ideal for players who love intricate construction. Valheim is praised for its challenging combat, particularly its unique take on deforestation where trees can crush players, and its rewarding raid system. Dragonwilds is highlighted for its engaging raid mechanics, which deliver resources directly to player bases, and its multi-step cooking system that adds a satisfying layer to resource management. Valheim's procedural maps provide endless exploration, while Enshrouded and Dragonwilds offer curated, handcrafted experiences. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether a player prioritizes complex building, challenging combat, deep exploration, or a blend of all.