The game has been available on Steam Early Access for fifteen months and will soon be released.

Aska is a brilliant open-world survival game set in the Viking Age, which explains its similarities to Valheim. Players must build and expand an efficient settlement to protect themselves and their tribe from ancient horrors roaming this harsh land. The building and management systems will likely appeal to fans of the SimCity series. The game is being developed by Sand Sailor Studio and published by Thunderful.

In Aska, players build and maintain a thriving Viking tribe where they and their villagers work, craft, hunt, and fight together. Command intelligent NPC villagers and lead them through the challenges of survival in a dangerous, unforgiving world. Play solo or with up to three friends and forge your own legend. Design and build every part of your village — from houses and workshops to altars and fortifications. Each building has a specific purpose, contributing to the functioning and defense of the community. Build your village and live in it. Work, build, and fight alongside your tribe while managing the villagers’ daily routines. Villagers need food, water, and rest, each with unique needs and strengths determined by their skills. Watch as their personal stories unfold while they strengthen your settlement’s growth and resilience. You’re not just constructing a base — you’re nurturing a living community.

Assign roles and train your villagers in different disciplines, whether combat or their chosen professions. Skilled blacksmiths will provide your tribe with tools and weapons, while experienced hunters can explore further afield to gather more resources, sustaining the tribe more efficiently. Strategic planning enhances your tribe’s effectiveness and readiness for outside threats. A wise leader prepares for battle even in times of peace. In this mystical land, players must endure the challenges of the Blood Moon and be ready for winter’s arrival to prevent the tribe from freezing. Discover the dark powers scattered across the world and construct mighty runestones to strengthen both tribe and settlement.

The game has been in Early Access on Steam since June 20, 2024, and is expected to leave Early Access by the end of 2025. Unless delayed, version 1.0 should launch within the next three months.

Source: Gamingbible, Steam