The Deep North is the final biome in Valheim, added with the game's full release. This is where the main progression comes to an end, but before you can reach the final boss, you'll need to master an entirely new crafting chain, explore two types of dungeons, obtain Bloodgold, craft Intricate Keys, and stop several Jotun Invasions.
You can prepare some of the required equipment before you ever set foot in the biome. In this guide, we've put together the complete Deep North progression route, along with links to separate guides covering the main mechanics in Valheim 1.0.
How to Reach the Deep North and What to Bring
The Deep North is located at the northernmost edge of the world. Unlike the Ashlands, you don't need a special ship to reach it, but it's better to aim for larger islands closer to the central part of the map. The outermost landmasses have much less room for settlements, towers, and dungeons.Before setting sail, prepare Ashlands-tier gear, Cold resistance, Portal materials, and plenty of free inventory space. It's also worth visiting Haldor again. After defeating Moder and The Queen, two upgrades become available in his stock that add extra rows to your inventory.For a detailed route and preparation checklist, see our guide How to Reach the Deep North in Valheim and What to Bring.Image unavailable
How to Get the Grappling Hook
The Grappling Hook lets you attach to walls, cliffs, and other surfaces, then quickly pull yourself upward. It is especially useful in the Deep North when exploring tall structures and Mörkhalla.However, you need to find the Hook component back in the Mistlands. Picking up your first Hook unlocks the Grappling Hook recipe.For more details, see Grappling Hook in Valheim: Where to Find the Hook and How to Craft It.Image unavailable
How to Get the Snow Shovel
Much of the Deep North is covered in deep snow that prevents construction. Following the latest updates, you can no longer clear it with regular attacks, so it's a good idea to craft a Snow Shovel before your first serious expedition. Unlocking the recipe requires Embers, which appear around the Eternal Pyre. The tool itself is crafted at the Black Forge using late-game materials.For the full recipe and instructions on clearing deep snow, see Snow Shovel in Valheim: How to Get It and Clear Deep Snow.
How to Tame and Ride a Moose
Moose roam the surface of the Deep North and are initially hostile toward the player. However, you can tame them with Lingonberries, breed them, and use them as mounts. To ride one, you'll need a Moose Saddle. Its recipe requires materials from the new biome, including Bloodgold, Seal Pelt, and Timberwood.For more details, see How to Tame a Moose in Valheim: What to Feed It and How to Craft a Moose Saddle.Image unavailable
How to Get Bloodgold
Bloodgold is one of the key materials in the Deep North. Among other things, you'll need it to create casts for new weapons, armor, and Intricate Keys.First, you'll need to find and defeat a Gammeltroll. After dying, the giant turns into petrified remains that must be broken apart with Ember Charges. The resulting Petrified Tissue can then be processed into Bloodgold. We cover the entire process in Gammeltroll in Valheim: How to Defeat It and Get Bloodgold.Image unavailable
Winding Tunnels
Winding Tunnels are the first key dungeon type in the Deep North. Their entrances can be found in Abandoned Villages, so thoroughly explore larger ruins. This is where you'll obtain Frostcores and Moulds for the new equipment. Elakings can also drop Mould: Intricate Key, which is essential for continuing through the region. For more details, see Winding Tunnels in Valheim: How to Clear Them and Find Mould: Intricate Key.Image unavailable
How to Build the Frigid Kiln and Frost Foundry
Once you obtain Frostcores, the next part of the production chain becomes available. The Frigid Kiln turns regular Ice into Liquid Frost, while the Frost Foundry is used to process casts created from Moulds. You'll need this system almost immediately. It is used to make the Intricate Key and later most of the Deep North's Nord equipment. We cover all recipes and how the system works in Frigid Kiln and Frost Foundry in Valheim: How to Make Liquid Frost and Use Moulds.Image unavailable
How to Get an Intricate Key
To make an Intricate Key, you first need Mould: Intricate Key, which can drop from Elakings in the Winding Tunnels. Next, combine the Mould with five Bloodgold at a Level 4 Black Forge. This creates Cast: Intricate Key. Process the Cast in the Frost Foundry to obtain the finished key used to open Mörkhalla. We cover the full crafting chain in Intricate Key in Valheim: Where to Find the Mould and How to Open Mörkhalla.
How to Open and Clear Mörkhalla
Mörkhalla is a massive multi-level dungeon found beneath the tall structures of the Deep North. You'll need an Intricate Key to open the gate, and the key is consumed when used. Inside, you'll encounter Krigen, Hexen, and other new enemies, along with equipment Moulds, valuable materials, and rare loot. Your main objective for story progression is to reach the lower levels and destroy the Malicious Ice. For more details, see Mörkhalla in Valheim: How to Open and Clear the Dungeon.Image unavailable
How to Get Malicious Blood
Destroying the Malicious Ice starts a Jotun Invasion. The event appears in one of the older biomes, so its location can be quite far from the Deep North.Travel to the marked area, defeat the enemies, and destroy the ice at the center of the invasion. Completing one event rewards you with one Malicious Blood. You need three to unlock the final boss, so you'll have to complete the Mörkhalla and Jotun Invasion cycle three times.For more details, see How to Get Malicious Blood in Valheim and Unlock Kall Fimbulbringer.
Where to Find Kall Fimbulbringer
The path to the final boss runs through the Aesir Passage. You can reveal its location by using a Vegvisir while exploring Mörkhalla. Once you have three Malicious Blood, bring them to the Strange Bowl near the Aesir Passage. Offering all three opens access to the final area and Kall Fimbulbringer.Image unavailable
Forge of Potential
The Forge of Potential is not located in the Deep North, but in the Mountains. It works somewhat like the traders: several possible spawn locations exist in the world, but once you discover the first one, that becomes the active Forge for your world. Using special Idols, you can upgrade weapons and armor beyond their normal maximum quality. This is an endgame system, so it's worth exploring alongside your Deep North progression.Image unavailableFor more details, see Forge of Potential in Valheim: Where to Find It and How to Upgrade Gear.
