Sons of Valhalla combines side-scrolling action with real-time strategy, offering a unique experience in Viking warfare. As you embark on your journey, you must build and manage a base, train troops, and engage in intense battles. This guide provides insights into early-game survival, troop management, and combat tactics to help you progress efficiently.

Starting the Journey: Story and Setup

The game begins with a heartfelt letter from the protagonist to his brother, setting the stage for a revenge-driven quest. After the protagonist’s village is raided and his wife is taken captive by Valgard, he sets sail for England. However, a devastating storm leaves only two survivors, and the mission to rebuild and seek vengeance begins.

Initial Survival: Managing Resources

After the shipwreck, the first objective is to establish a foothold in enemy territory. This requires managing three primary resources:

• Wood – Used for constructing buildings and training troops.
• Food (Fish) – Essential for healing and sustaining your units.
• Gold and Silver – Used for upgrades and acquiring new equipment.

Your first priority should be constructing a Fishing Hut to generate food over time. Next, setting up a Barracks allows you to train warriors who will accompany you in battle.

Combat Mechanics and Strategies

Sons of Valhalla incorporates action-based combat with strategic unit management. You control your hero while also commanding troops in real-time.

Basic Combat Controls:

• Melee Attacks: Click the left mouse button for regular attacks; hold for a charged attack.
• Blocking: Use the right mouse button to shield yourself from incoming damage.
• Dodging: Press Left Shift to evade enemy strikes.
• Ranged Attacks: Assign a bow to the ‘F’ key to pick off enemies at a distance.

Mastering these mechanics is crucial, as improper timing can leave you vulnerable.

Troop Commands:

• Follow Me: Have your troops move with you to engage enemies.
• Hold Position: Keep them stationed at a defensive position.
• Shield Wall: A crucial formation for mitigating ranged attacks.

Base Management: Expanding and Upgrading

To sustain an army, you must expand your base. The following buildings play key roles:

• Mead Hall: The central hub for upgrades, troop healing, and food production.
• Barracks: Trains melee troops like swordsmen and shield bearers.
• Archery Range: Unlocks ranged units for additional attack support.
• Blacksmith: Enhances weapon damage, armor, and unit durability.

As the game progresses, balancing economic and military structures is vital to survival.

Unit Training and Skill Development

By collecting runes, you can enhance either yourself or your units.

• Healing Units in the Fortress: Keeps your troops alive longer.
• Status Effect Skills: Inflict bleeding damage on enemies to weaken them over time.
• Economy Boosts: Increase wood or food production efficiency.

The skill system provides flexibility in playstyle—whether you prefer strengthening your hero for direct combat or improving your troops for prolonged battles.

Capturing and Defending Territory

Taking Control of Strategic Points

Conquering outposts grants control over key resources and battlefield positioning. To do this efficiently:

1. Engage Enemies Strategically: Stay behind your troops and let them absorb damage while you provide support with ranged attacks.
2. Use the Environment: Take advantage of terrain and defensive structures.
3. Maintain a Steady Supply Line: Keep troops trained and resources flowing.

Defensive Tactics

As you expand, enemies will attempt to reclaim lost ground. A few defensive measures include:

• Repairing Fortifications: Keep gates and walls in top condition.
• Strategic Unit Placement: Leave some defenders behind at key locations.
• Utilizing Shield Formations: Mitigates damage from enemy archers.

Advanced Combat and Boss Fights

Facing the Goddess Hel

After falling in battle, the protagonist encounters Hel, ruler of the underworld. She offers a chance at resurrection, but only if you defeat her in combat. Her attacks are telegraphed but can be deadly if mistimed.

Tips for Winning:

• Watch for Attack Patterns: Dodge twice before retaliating.
• Focus on Movement: Don’t just react—anticipate her attacks.
• Monitor Health Closely: There’s no clear indicator for damage, so keep an eye on visual cues.

Late Game Strategy and Conquest

As you approach the final stronghold, the challenge intensifies. Siege weapons become necessary to breach fortified defenses. Constructing a Siege Workshop enables the creation of battering rams and catapults, essential for taking down walls and enemy towers.

Final Assault on Valgard

When facing Valgard, the man responsible for your suffering, expect a tough duel. He utilizes:

• Spinning AoE Attacks: Evade and attack from behind.
• Throwable Barrels: Block or dodge to avoid significant damage.
• High Defense: Fire arrows and bleed effects are effective counters.

Winning the Battle

By this stage, upgrading melee resistance and training a steady stream of reinforcements will be key. Even if you fall in combat, returning stronger each time will eventually lead to victory.

Conclusion: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Sons of Valhalla offers a compelling mix of RTS and action combat, with deep resource management mechanics. The Viking setting, combined with its base-building strategy, makes for an engaging experience. However, some aspects, such as troop AI responsiveness and damage feedback cues, could use refinement.

Suggestions for Improvement:

1. Troop AI Adjustments: Sometimes, troops fail to follow commands consistently.
2. Improved Hit Feedback: More visual/audio indicators when taking damage.
3. Stronger Defensive Structures: More upgrade options for gates and walls.

With its foundation already strong, Sons of Valhalla has the potential to be a standout game in the RTS genre. Players who enjoy strategic conquest with immersive combat will find plenty to love. As development progresses, refining its mechanics will only make it stronger.

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That’s our guide to Sons of Valhalla! If you’re eager to test your Viking prowess, be sure to keep an eye out for updates and improvements. Until then, prepare your warriors, sharpen your blades, and may Odin guide you to victory!