Valheim Ashlands Survival Guide: How to Conquer the War-Torn Biome

The Ashlands is an unforgiving, war-torn biome in Valheim that challenges even the most battle-hardened Vikings. This guide will walk you through how to safely make landfall, establish a stronghold, defeat enemies efficiently, and thrive using a tamed Asin Army. We will also cover how to craft and optimize the Ashlands armor set, allowing you to speed past dangers with ease.

Preparing for the Journey to the Ashlands

Best Gear & Magic Loadout

Magic reigns supreme in the Ashlands. Here’s what you’ll need:

Armor: Equip the Eitr Weave Robes for spellcasting.
Weapons:
- Dead Razor – Summons skeletons for distraction.
- Staff of Protection – Shields you and allies.
- Staff of Embers & Staff of Frost – For ranged and close combat.
Essential Accessories:
- Feather Cape – Essential for navigating the harsh terrain.
- Blood Shield – Increases survivability.
- Best Food Choices:
  - Two magic-based foods (Stuffed Mushrooms, Seagrass Porridge, or Yrail Porridge).
  - One high HP food (Roasted Chicken).
  - Meads: Fire Resistance, Lingering Stamina, Eitr & HP Restoration.

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Gaming Headset
Gaming Mice
Mechanical Keyboards
Game Controllers
Gaming Chair

Building the Right Ship: The Jakar

The Jakar is the only ship that can withstand the burning waters of the Ashlands.

How to Craft the Jakar:

100 Iron Nails
50 Fine Wood
25 Vederstill Wood
Ceramic Plates (crafted using Black Marble at an Artisan Table upgraded with an Artisan Press)

Essential Supplies for Establishing a Base

8-10 stacks of Stone (for terrain modification and fortress building).
4-5 stacks of Wood (for emergency shelters & crafting stations).
12-20 Iron Bars (for crafting Shield Generators to protect against firestorms).
15 Copper Bars (for multiple Shield Generators).
1 Black Core + 1 Surtling Core (for Shield Generator power source).
2-3 Portals – Label one at home base as Ashlands for easy travel.
Bones – Fuel for Shield Generators.

Sailing to the Ashlands: Avoiding Dangers

Sail slow and carefully navigate around towering spires.
Defeating Bone Maw (Ashlands Serpent):
- Stay near a spire and build a crafting table.
- Use Staff of Frost or a bow while periodically repairing your boat.
Vultures (Flying Enemies):
- Use Staff of Frost to eliminate them before they damage your boat.
Boiling Waters:
- Do not fall in! The farther south you go, the more damage the water inflicts.

Setting Up a Safe Base in the Ashlands

Step 1: Establish a Backup Base (Just-in-Case Base)

Look for ruins near the shore and modify them into a safehouse.
Place a Portal inside and reinforce with wooden flooring to delay firestorm damage.
If no ruins are nearby, use spires for elevation.

Step 2: Scouting a Secure Landing Site

Observe spawn rates before committing to a location.
Avoid beaches with infinite enemy respawns.
Choose a beach with low enemy density after clearing it.

Step 3: Securing a Stone Plateau Base

Use a Hoe to raise a stone platform and dig into it slightly for extra protection.
Set up a Shield Generator to protect against firestorms.
Key Enemies to Watch For:
- Fire Blobs: Trigger their explosion away from the base.
- Vultures & Fallen Valkyries: Can reach you; stay vigilant.
- Charred Archers: Prioritize eliminating them.
- Morgun (Massive Skeletons): Avoid them until better prepared.

Taming an Asin Army for Long-Term Survival

Step 1: Building the Asin Trap

Dig two deep holes outside your base (3x player height deep).
Craft an Abyssal Harpoon to drag Asin into the trap.

Step 2: Capturing & Breeding Asins

Locate a One-Star Asin (twice the HP of regular ones).
Lead it into the trap using line-of-sight tactics.
Repeat the process for a second Asin.
Feed them Smoke Puffs, Vine Berries, or Fiddleheads.
Wait 30 minutes for taming confirmation.
Breed them for eggs (keep a workbench nearby to prevent despawning).

Step 3: Raising an Asin Army

Build an Asin Incubation Pen:
- Use a fire source to keep eggs warm.
- Hatch Asin calves after 30 minutes.
- Let them grow into adults (50 more minutes).
Goal: Farm 40-80 Asin eggs for a large-scale attack force.

Crafting & Optimizing Ashlands Armor

Asin Armor Set & Speed Exploit

Asin Armor Set: Crafted from Asin Hide + Lox Hides + Linen at a Black Forge.
Set Bonus:
- Reduces stamina usage for running/jumping/attacking.
- Adds +10% Pierce Damage.
Asin Cloak (Optional): Crafted at Galdr Table with Morgun Sinew.
- Grants Windwalk ability (increases speed with wind direction).
- During storms, speed buff increases further, acting as “speed hacks.”
Pair With:
- Fenris Set + Stamina Foods + Eikthyr Buff = Extreme mobility.

Final Tips: Conquering the Ashlands

Expand Your Foothold – Build multiple Asin Popper Farms to maintain control.
Rotate Asin Herds – Your Asin Army will naturally dwindle, so keep breeding more.
Prepare for the Next Challenge – Secure an Ashlands Fortress for the ultimate stronghold (guide coming soon!).

By following this guide, you will not only survive the Ashlands—you will dominate it. Stay vigilant, take it slow, and may your Asin Army lead you to victory!