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NetHack vs Valheim

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Heads up: NetHack and Valheim are in different categories and aren't listed as alternatives — this comparison may not be meaningful.
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NetHack
NetHackClassic ASCII roguelike adventure to retrieve the Amulet of Yendor
Valheim
ValheimA brutal co-op Viking survival game in a procedural world.
Overview
Description

NetHack is a single-player roguelike video game first released in 1987 with iconic ASCII graphics. It challenges players to explore randomly generated dungeons, battling monsters and solving puzzles. Choose from a variety of races and classes, manage a deep inventory system, and strive to retrieve the legendary Amulet of Yendor. Its turn‑based gameplay and permadeath create a demanding yet rewarding experience for fans of classic fantasy adventures.

Valheim is a co-op survival crafting game set in a procedurally generated Norse purgatory, blending base-building, exploration, and challenging boss fights with a striking low-poly art style.

Pricing
Free
Paid (One-time)

Around $19.99 (Early Access).

Category
Roguelike / Roguelite
Survival Crafting
Best for
Roguelike enthusiasts and retro gamers
Co-op survival and base-building fans
Specifications
Specifications
developer
NetHack Development Team
publisher
NetHack Development Team
age rating
ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player
platforms
PC, Xbox
deployment
Game
open source
No
api available
No
General
release date
1987-07-28
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free and open-source
  • Infinite replayability with procedural levels
  • Deep character customization
  • Rich item and monster interactions
  • Excellent co-op survival loop
  • Great atmosphere and art
  • Strong value
  • Rewarding progression
Cons
  • Steep learning curve for new players
  • ASCII graphics may deter modern gamers
  • Limited official documentation
  • Still in Early Access
  • Grindy resource gathering
  • Combat is simple
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
3
User rating
Not enough data
4.3 (4)

What reviewers say

NetHack Reviews

No reviews yet.

Valheim Reviews

4.3 (4)
Verified User

Fun with caveats

Picked up Valheim recently. Upside: excellent co-op survival loop. Downside: still in early access.

Verified User

So much fun

Been playing Valheim with friends. Great atmosphere and art. One gripe: combat is simple. Would recommend.

Verified User

Love it

Sunk way too many hours into Valheim. Strong value. No real complaints. Would recommend.

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More alternatives & similar tools

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Amulet of Yendor
Amulet of Yendor

A classic ASCII roguelike where you quest for the legendary amulet

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Larn
Larn

A classic 1986 ASCII roguelike adventure in a deadly dungeon.

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Hack
Hack

Delve deep, retrieve the Amulet of Yendor, and die gloriously.

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Rogue
Rogue

Classic dungeon crawl with procedural generation and permadeath

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