How to Access Valheim's Mistlands Beta in Patch 0.212.6

A foggy new biome has rolled into Valheim, packed with strange creatures, fresh crafting recipes, and enough lore to keep your Viking busy for weeks. Patch 0.212.6 puts the long awaited Mistlands on the public test branch, ready for anyone willing to opt in.

What patch 0.212.6 brings

The headline is the new Mistlands biome, but the patch also touches existing systems like fishing and polishes a stack of visual effects. Here is the short version of what landed.

New biome: Mistlands

• Fresh mechanics built around the misty terrain
• 9 new creatures plus a Mistlands boss
• More than 20 new crafting materials
• 2 new crafting stations, 3 station extensions, and 3 additional resource or crafting structures
• 15 new food recipes
• 3 new potions
• More than 25 new craftable weapons, armours and tools
• More than 35 new building and furniture pieces
• A new dungeon type
• New lore stones, dreams, and music tracks

Other additions

• A reworked fishing system
• 12 new emotes
• 9 hairstyles and 7 beard styles

Fixes and polish

• Console command tweaks
• Updated animations across multiple actions
• Improved visual effects
• A handful of smaller adjustments

Switching to the public test branch

The official rollout was shared in the developer's Twitter announcement. Opting in takes about a minute.

1. Right click Valheim in your Steam library.
2. Open Properties.
3. Pick the Betas tab.
4. Type `yesimadebackups` into the access code field to unlock the Mistlands branch.
5. Select the beta from the dropdown, then hit play.

One catch worth knowing: Mistlands only generates in regions of the map you have not visited yet. If you are loading an old save, expect a long sail before you see fog. Backing up your world before launching the beta is sensible, and yes, the access code is a not very subtle hint about that.

Running a Mistlands server with friends

Solo exploration is fine, but Mistlands really shines with a few companions. HolyHosting Valheim servers can run either the stable build or the public test branch, with mods available on request.

After ordering, open the control panel and switch the install to the public beta branch. The host will pull the new build automatically while you load up the client. Once the update finishes, connect from Valheim and start charting the fog.

Worth jumping in?

Valheim has a habit of reigniting interest with every major patch, and Mistlands has been near the top of the community wishlist since launch. If you want bragging rights for clearing the new boss before the beta tag drops, now is the moment to install the build and head into the mist.