The Best Laptop for Valheim in 2021

Daniel Westrop
Daniel Westrop
9 Min Read

If you’ve ever had fantasies of being an industrious, murderous Viking running about an open world, Valheim is likely what you want. As a unique survival game that makes you live your consequences, Valheim is an unusual mix of genres. But given that the game is still in early access, you need the best laptop for Valheim and everything it can throw at you.

In this article, we plan on digging into five different laptops that will be able to run this game. By selecting any of the items on this list, you will run Valheim and other similar quality games. Let’s dig into the details. 

Valheim’s System Requirements

All of the laptops on this list exceed or meet the requirements needed to play Valheim. Here are the minimum and recommended requirements of this game:

Minimum RequirementsRecommended Requirements 
Graphics CardGeForce GTX 950 or Radeon HD7970GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 580
Processor2.6GHz Quad-Core Ryzen 5 or i5 3 GHz
Memory8GB Ram16GB Ram
OS (Operating System)Windows 7 64 bit (or later)Windows 7 64 bit (or later)
Storage 1 GB of space (subject to change as game comes out of early access)1 GB of space (subject to change as game comes out of early access)
DirectXX11X11

All of the systems on this list use Windows 10 (or greater).

The Five Best Gaming Laptops for Playing Valheim in 2021

LaptopGraphicsCPURAMPrice
ASUS Tuf FX505GTGeForce GTX 1650Core i7-9750H8 GBhttps://www.amazon.com/ASUS-IPS-Type-i7-9750H-Processor-FX505GT-AB73/dp/B08KH2Q1FG?dchild=1&keywords=gaming+laptop&qid=1615476541&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=whatifgaming-20&linkId=71ec0f4c9310204a016859f2d6601eeb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Acer Nitro 5GeForce GTX 1650 TiCore i5-10300H8 GBhttps://www.amazon.com/Acer-i5-10300H-GeForce-Keyboard-AN515-55-59KS/dp/B08H2H89K1?dchild=1&keywords=gaming+laptop&qid=1615476480&sr=8-8&linkCode=ll1&tag=whatifgaming-20&linkId=04805cb3e4a7a17f7ab5a201037a300e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Asus Tuf 10300HGeForce GTX 1650 TiCore i5-10300H16 GBhttps://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quad-Core-i5-10300H-GeForce-Keyboard/dp/B08NBNLHRD?dchild=1&keywords=gaming+laptop&qid=1615476480&sr=8-9&linkCode=ll1&tag=whatifgaming-20&linkId=e950ffd6208a1f96a65ae2b248d10952&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
MSI GL65 LeopardGeForce RTX 2070Core i7-10750H16 GBhttps://www.amazon.com/MSI-Leopard-10SFK-062-i7-10750H-RTX2070/dp/B085B3GFRL?dchild=1&keywords=gaming+laptop&qid=1615476480&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=whatifgaming-20&linkId=404d6a93b57021f3149f6cb8f04eeae9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Acer Predator HeliosGeForce GTX 1660 TiCore i7-9750H16 GBhttps://www.amazon.com/Acer-Predator-i7-9750H-Response-PH315-52-710B/dp/B07YM938TP?dchild=1&keywords=Acer+Predator+Helios+300&qid=1615476776&s=electronics&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=1-6&linkCode=ll1&tag=whatifgaming-20&linkId=819a6d5e14e7a75e427276a6b026e37f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

1: ASUS Tuf FX505GT

ASUS Tuf FX505GT
769 Reviews
ASUS Tuf FX505GT

  • Intel Core i7-9750H Processor (4.5GHz of CPU speed)
  • GeForce GTX 1650 
  • 8 GB of RAM 
  • 512GB SSD

The ASUS Tuf line is a powerful gaming laptop that makes up for its low ram with its fantastic processor. The 4.5GHz speed more than makes up for the minor setback. The GTX 1650 also ensures that you are ready for any upgrades when Valheim comes out of early access. 

The computer offers expansion potential, which allows you to upgrade the ram to the 16 GB requirement. The 512GB SSD (solid-state drive) also provides a solid bit of space for storage. The laptop also has room for an extra SSD if you wish it. 

With Valheim not having intense graphical requirements, you don’t need to spend $2000 on a gaming PC to win. ASUS recognizes the need by ensuring this doesn’t even break the “three zero” threshold. Despite this, it still manages to be an intense machine with a 144Hz refresh rate for fantastic screen quality. 

Based on our findings, this is the best laptop for Valheim.

Pros
  • It has a reasonable cost for a laptop with these specs.
  • Its processor and graphics are above the requirements for Valheim, making it ready to hit gold.
  • It has expansion potential for an extra SSD and RAM stick.
  • It has a 144Hz refresh rate for quality screens.
Cons
  • It would be best if you bought an extra RAM stick to meet all of the recommended requirements.

2: Acer Nitro 5

Sale
Acer Nitro 5
1,702 Reviews
Acer Nitro 5

  • Intel Core i5-10300H
  • GTX 1650 Ti
  • 8 GB of DDR4 Ram
  • 256GB SSD

With a name like “Nitro,” you know that Acer means business. With a simplistic design and a red-backlit keyboard, Acer has managed to keep costs down. As a result, this is the most budget-friendly computer on this list. 

It won’t take you long to realize the i5 and 1650 are a few generations old as an entry-level system. Regardless, they do offer the same SSD slots for upgrades and RAM inclusions. However, you will find that this system is less adaptable due to its weaker processing power. 

The LED display also runs at 144Hz, and it still runs on the efficient Intel system, which allows you to tweak the bios. This laptop’s weight is also about 3 pounds, but you will find that your additional SDD takes away from this easy portability. But if you are looking for a budget gaming laptop that will efficiently run Valheim, look no further. 

Pros
  • This model is great for gamers on a budget.
  • It has the same 144Hz LED screen for a clean appearance.
  • It has expansion potential for a new SDD and RAM stick.
Cons
  • The weaker processor does not make up for the short ram.
  • It lacks the potential of being used on newer games.

3: Asus Tuf 10300H

 Asus Tuf 10300H
258 Reviews
 Asus Tuf 10300H

  • Core i5-10300H
  • GTX 1650Ti 
  • 1TB SSD
  • 16GB RAM

The Asus Tuf Core i5 laptop is the next available backup option. It manages to hit all of the recommended requirements, exceeding them handily.

So with it being the most convenient option on this list, what prevents it from being number one? The price tag. Compared to the other options on this list, the price tag is a bit higher. While some of this comes from the bigger SSD, the weaker processor and graphics card do not justify it. 

You won’t have any problem buying this one by itself out the gate with that in mind. No additional bells and whistles, no extra SSDs, and or Ram sticks are needed. It runs Valheim in its current state.  As a result, this is the most convenient and portable laptop available. 

Pros
  • It meets all of the recommended requirements without the need for upgrades.
  • It has ample space for you to fit many other games.
  • You don’t have to buy additional objects, making this more portable.
Cons
  • It is a bit more expensive due to the bigger hard drive.
  • Its processor and graphics card are a bit weaker by today’s standards.

4: MSI GL65 Leopard

Sale
MSI GL65 Leopard
3,335 Reviews
MSI GL65 Leopard

  • Core i7-10750H
  • RTX2070
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB of storage

If you check out their Amazon page, they call their computer the Leopard and mention the “dragon spirit.” While the first thought that might come to mind is dangerous and confusing, MSI makes high-performance laptops. As a result, expect to invest a bit more in this compared to others.

The laptop contains all of the recommended requirements. When it comes to the graphics card and processor, this computer is well beyond Valheim’s minimum allowances. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate, resulting in a solid FPS. You can monitor all of these stats from their “dragon center,” which allows you to tweak the system. 

The actual drawbacks of this come from it going too far for Valheim. Also, this laptop is a brick, weighing almost 10 pounds compared to others on this list weighing about half. That isn’t a huge deal, but the key to a good laptop is a thin and sleek model. This model may not be as elegant as the others, but the motor makes up for it.

Pros
  • It exceeds the recommended requirements of Valheim heavily.
  • The audio quality is excellent on this laptop.
  • It has an excellent system for quickly optimizing your games to the laptop.
Cons
  • The laptop is expensive if you are on a limited budget.
  • It weighs quite a bit compared to other computers on this list.
  • If your ultimate goal is to play Valheim, this laptop may be a bit much.

5: Acer Predator Helios

Sale
Acer Predator Helios
3,662 Reviews
Acer Predator Helios

  • Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GTX 1660Ti
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD

With another scary and dangerous-sounding laptop, we have the Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop. Acer has proven its ability to evolve with the times, as this contains all expectations. It has a backlit keyboard, and the requirements are more than enough for Valheim’s recommended conditions. 

As you might expect, this is on par with the MSI GL65 as far as cost goes. This one is a bit cheaper, which comes through with a sacrifice in the graphics card. For some people, this may not be a big deal, but the price difference between number four isn’t enough to sacrifice the card. 

The i7 Intel Core processor is a beast, and their “PredatorSense” application allows you to optimize games for use. It’s a bit lighter than the number four option, and it also holds the LED 144Hz refresh rate. Overall, a reliable investment if you are looking for a mid-level laptop.

Pros
  • It exceeds the minimum requirements of Valheim.
  • It is light and robust given the specs.
  • It has a game optimization program as part of it.
Cons
  • The graphics card is a bit weak with the higher price tag.
  • The BIOS settings are locked, making customization more complicated.

Final Thoughts

Valheim is a fantastic game that combines Vikings and survival in a unique package. While the requirements are high, you need to be sure that you have the best laptop for Valheim. Based on our findings, the best one is the ASUS Tuf FX505GT.

We hope that this guide helps you out in selecting the laptop of your choice. Any of these would be great for playing Valheim, but don’t forget about future potential and other games. Thanks for reading. 

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Daniel Westrop, Executive Editor for WhatifGaming. Dan has always been an avid gamer and tech lover, he enjoys exploring all areas of technology with a focus on gaming and hardware.
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