Summary

Overall, it’s a great time to be a fan of survival-crafting games, with plenty of good options out there, likeValheimandLord of the Rings: Return to Moria, and more on the way in the near future. Specifically, withNightingalereleasing in early access in 2024, gamers will soon have another great game to jump into after the huge success ofValheim.

Ahead ofNightingale’s early access release, not much has been shown off about the game so far, aside from the initialreveal at The Game Awardsin 2021. There have been multiple closed alpha tests forNightingalesince then, but the public information from these test periods is also very minimal. However, based on what little has been shown so far, gamers who are looking for more experiences similar toValheimshouldn’t pass on this gem of an indie game.

Nightingale characters stepping out of a portal

RELATED:How The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria’s Gameplay Compares to Valheim

How Nightingale’s Gameplay Compares to Valheim So Far

Nightingalewill soon joinValheimin an early access state of releasefor players to experience the game and help shape its development. Given how similar both games are in tone, atmosphere, and gameplay, fans ofValheimmay want to stay up to date onNightingale’s development in 2024 and beyond as the game draws nearer to a full release.

Both are survival-crafting games with stylized graphics that can be played solo or co-op. The core of these games is about braving the wilds, gathering resources, building bases, and gearing up to face tougher threats, although there are plenty of differences that amount to unique experiences between the games.

Valheim Tag Page Cover Art

Valheim’s Norse mythology influence is apparent throughout the characters, creatures, and overall setting. According toNightingale’s website,Nightingalecharts its path into Fae fantasy, inspired by flora, fauna, and other poetic elements of real-world nature.

Nightingaleadds a bit of style toValheim’s building mechanics. WhileValheim’s structure sturdiness system is commendable, the game generally lacks customization options. There are plenty of cosmetic furnishings and other decorative structures inValheim, but when it comes to fundamental objects like walls and foundations,Valheimgenerally takes more of a utilitarian approach.

However, inNightingale, players can choose between different styles that change the appearance of their creations, giving them more of a personalized feeling. The character customization also reflects this same pattern, where players have a lot more clothing options inNightingalecompared toValheim.

Nightingale’s Stylized Magic Combat

ValheIm’s magic weaponsare reserved for the late-game stages of progression, which can be a little frustrating for players who aren’t fond of the weapon selection in the early game. On the other hand,Nightingale’s magic weaponry seems to be much more beginner-friendly, while also blending more with the other forms of combat, letting players use multiple weapons and abilities together seamlessly.Nightingalealso notably includes firearms among the game’s selection of available weaponry.

Another way thatNightingale’s weaponry changes fromValheim’s is that players will apparently be working with the same universal crafting blueprints throughout the game, except players can craft weapons with various materials. With the rare resources that can be found later in the game, players can craft these familiar weapons again, except with improved performance and efficiency.

Nightingale’s Rogue-Lite Elements Explained

One major way thatNightingalediffers fromValheimis with its rogue-lite elements. Seemingly similar to the kind of diverse exploration thatNo Man’s Skypopularized, except players can shape the features ofNightingale’s realms, such as the difficulty, the environment, and the enemies. This feature ultimately means thatNightingaleoffers a somewhat endless experience, whileValheimgenerally leads up to a conclusive final boss event.

Nightingale’srogue-lite elementsare the product of a deck-building system, where players can apply cards to change each realm. It’s been revealed that players can craft these cards, although it’s likely that there will be other ways to obtain them through natural progression or discovery.