Northgard - Garm, Clan of the Hounds stands as a strategy and simulation expansion for PC that adds a distinct Viking clan to the established Northgard framework. This clan centers on military aggression and individual unit development rather than broad infrastructure or leadership roles. Players manage resources and territory while directing a smaller force of specialized warriors who grow stronger through direct conflict.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around converting civilian units into Brawlers at the Brawler Arena. Two workers or similar units must be committed to produce one Brawler, reflecting the clan's emphasis on quality over quantity. These Brawlers then hunt wild animals to unlock transformations into Berserkers, drawing on primal spirits for enhanced combat capabilities. Berserkers accumulate experience from fights, unlocking personalized abilities that improve synergy within groups.
Fallen Souls serve as a key resource gathered from defeated enemies. These souls allow players to strengthen existing Berserkers or bring fallen ones back for a final engagement. Without a Warchief or access to weapon forges, camp upgrades, or military paths, progression depends entirely on repeated combat encounters. The Kveldulf's Coat ability further supports this approach by enabling temporary animal-form transformations that grant stealth against wildlife and opportunities for surprise strikes upon reverting.
This system creates a tight focus on army composition and battlefield decisions. Smaller forces must engage frequently to level up, turning each Berserker into a more capable fighter with unique traits over time.
Game Modes
Northgard supports a range of play styles where the Clan of the Hounds integrates directly. Conquest mode allows extended campaigns with faction-specific objectives, including dedicated missions that test the clan's combat-oriented design. Skirmish and multiplayer matches provide shorter sessions focused on direct competition against other clans or AI opponents.
The absence of traditional military upgrades shifts emphasis toward early aggression and sustained fights in these formats. Players adapt strategies around unit conversion rates and soul collection to maintain momentum across different map sizes and opponent counts.
Clan Strengths and Limitations
The Clan of the Hounds excels in scenarios that reward concentrated military pressure. Berserkers develop into versatile threats capable of dismantling enemy leadership through targeted engagements. Their experience-based upgrades encourage careful unit preservation and tactical positioning rather than mass recruitment.
Limitations arise from the reduced workforce and lack of defensive or production buildings. Success requires efficient use of every Brawler and timely soul expenditure to offset numerical disadvantages. Community discussions highlight its appeal for aggressive styles while noting adjustments after balance changes that affected early power spikes.
- Strong performance in close-quarters combat and chief elimination.
- Reliance on hunting and fighting loops for advancement.
- Potential for high individual unit impact in prolonged battles.
Is It Worth Playing?
This expansion suits players who enjoy military-focused strategy within a simulation setting. The unique progression through combat experience and soul mechanics offers a fresh take compared to other clans. Release in 2024 brought ongoing balance updates, including nerfs that refined its aggressive edge without removing core appeal.
Those drawn to unit customization and high-stakes fights find the clan rewarding in both solo conquests and competitive matches. Its design trades broad options for depth in a single playstyle, making it a targeted addition for fans of Northgard's Viking-themed conflicts.
