Valheim vs Enshrouded vs Dragonwilds: Which Survival Game Wins?

So you've got three survival crafting giants all hitting 1.0 at the same time—which one do you actually play first? Valheim, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, and Enshrouded all just left early access, and the internet is flooded with the same question: "Should I get Valheim, Dragonwilds, or Enshrouded first?" We've sunk hundreds of hours into mining the same three types of rock, so we're here to help you sort it out.

Let's start with the basics. Valheim gives you a procedurally generated map, while Dragonwilds and Enshrouded both go handcrafted. Fast travel differs too: Valheim uses player-crafted portals with item limits, Dragonwilds portals require runes as currency, and Enshrouded unlocks fast travel points plus limited player-crafted bases. Thirst and starvation? Only Dragonwilds has it enabled by default—the other two let you adjust it. Inventory is slots and weight for Valheim and Dragonwilds, but slots only for Enshrouded. And death penalties? Valheim is the only one where you lose skill XP; all three leave a gravestone with your stuff to retrieve.

When it comes to building, Enshrouded is the clear winner for base-building sickos. It's like the ultimate Lego set with blocks in all shapes and sizes, tons of furniture, terraforming, NPC villagers, and even tools to add decay. Valheim takes second, and Dragonwilds third. But if you want the most traditional, punishing survival experience, Dragonwilds is your game—it's the only one where sleep is a requirement, not a suggestion, and hunger and thirst are on by default. Valheim is second, Enshrouded third.

Mining? Well, it sucks in all three, but Enshrouded is the least terrible. Dragonwilds is second worst with its stingy nodes, and Valheim's swampy biome ore hunting is the absolute worst. Deforestation, though? Valheim wins hands down—the trees hit back, and nothing beats getting crushed to death by an entire forest. Raids? Dragonwilds takes the crown because a dragon boss can show up at your house and carpet-bomb you with poison while you're trying to get cozy. Valheim is a close second—raids are a great way to get resources delivered to your front door.

Exploration goes to Valheim. The handcrafted worlds of Enshrouded and Dragonwilds are awesome, but there's a mysterious thrill to setting out into Valheim's procedural world each time, making coming home feel all the more satisfying. And if you care about cooking, Enshrouded wins with its Michelin-star-worthy mechanics—holding your own meaty kebabs over an open flame is a nice touch. Dragonwilds' multi-step process is fun to micromanage, and Valheim's system feels the most rewarding.

Other details: Valheim supports 1-10 players, Dragonwilds 1-6, and Enshrouded 1-16. Valheim is Steam Deck Playable, Dragonwilds Verified, and Enshrouded Verified. Crossplay is available for Valheim and Enshrouded (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch pending an update for Valheim), while Enshrouded has it planned for a future update. Prices: Valheim $30/£24, Dragonwilds $30/£25, Enshrouded $40/£35. None have official mod support.

So which one should you pick? If you want the most hardcore survival, go Dragonwilds. If you love building and cooking, Enshrouded is your jam. And if you crave exploration and tree-fighting, Valheim is the classic. What do you think—will you be picking one up first?