Popular Survival Game Officially Leaving Early Access After Over 5 Years

Iron Gate Studio, the Swedish developer behind *Valheim*, officially confirmed the game will leave early access on September 9, 2026, transitioning to version 1.0. The announcement follows over five years in development since its February 2021 launch, during which the game became one of the most popular survival titles. The full release will expand to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, alongside existing PC and Xbox platforms, with crossplay enabled across all systems. The 1.0 update will introduce the Deep North biome, the last major addition to *Valheim*, after years of teasing. While Iron Gate Studio has not disclosed specific details, the update is expected to be substantial given its long development timeline. The developer also noted that the game’s price will increase upon reaching version 1.0, though the exact cost has not been revealed. The release aligns with Iron Gate Studio’s earlier statement that *Valheim* was entering final development stages. The game’s success—backed by regular updates and a strong player base—has solidified its place in the survival genre. With crossplay and new platforms, the 1.0 launch aims to further broaden its accessibility. *Valheim* has maintained a high player count since its early access debut, attributed to its consistent content updates and engaging gameplay loop. The upcoming 1.0 release is designed to cap off its development cycle while introducing the final biome, ensuring a complete experience for long-time players and newcomers alike.