Northgard is a strategy simulation game set in a harsh Viking world where players lead one of several clans to expand territory, manage resources, and overcome environmental challenges. The Svardilfari, Clan of the Horse expansion introduces a faction centered on craftsmanship and resource extraction, led by the siblings Brok and Eitria.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around balancing economy, exploration, and defense on procedurally generated maps. Players construct buildings, gather food and wood, and expand influence while contending with winter storms and hostile wildlife. The Clan of the Horse emphasizes mining and forging through its unique warchiefs. Brok and Eitria serve as the primary military leaders and can be recruited directly from Völund's Forge rather than standard military camps. These warchiefs handle mining stone and iron deposits without requiring dedicated mine structures, and they also perform forging tasks for tools, weapons, and relics.
Völund's Forge replaces the standard forge and receives upgrades that boost forging speed. Civilian buildings gain faster construction and repair rates, while fame progression unlocks additional tool improvements and the option to place a second relic. The clan's own relic enhances warchief durability along with mining and forging efficiency. Upgraded civilian structures improve population happiness, and watch towers support a third upgrade tier for stronger defenses. The lore tree further refines these systems by accelerating mining and forging, generating lore during resource work, or amplifying production near relics.
Game Modes
Northgard supports several competitive formats that test different aspects of clan management. Duel mode pits two players against each other in a direct contest of strategy and adaptation. Team modes allow coordinated play in 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 matches where alliances share resources and coordinate attacks. Free-for-all options accommodate larger groups, including six- or eight-player lobbies and 2v2v2v2 configurations that encourage shifting alliances and opportunistic strikes.
Singleplayer campaigns and conquest scenarios provide structured progression against AI opponents, while additional modes such as Ragnarök introduce devastated maps filled with dangerous creatures for heightened survival tension. Each format rewards different approaches to the Horse clan's strengths in sustained production and versatile leadership.
Clan Mechanics and Strategy
The Horse clan trades conventional mining infrastructure for mobile warchief specialists who double as fighters and craftsmen. This setup accelerates early resource access and allows flexible responses to threats. Upgrades to Völund's Forge compound production advantages, while the ability to build a second relic opens paths for specialized bonuses across multiple sites. Players often prioritize fame milestones to unlock tool enhancements that further streamline building and resource loops.
Defense integrates with the clan's production focus through reinforced watch towers and happier populations that sustain larger workforces. The absence of standard miners and smiths means all ore processing flows through the warchiefs, creating a tight loop between expansion, extraction, and equipment upgrades.
Is It Worth Playing?
Northgard maintains active development with regular patches and balance updates that keep multiplayer queues populated across its various formats. The Clan of the Horse adds a distinct production-oriented playstyle that rewards careful planning and efficient use of hero units. Players who enjoy resource-driven strategy with asymmetric faction abilities will find the clan's mechanics rewarding in both solo campaigns and competitive matches.
Those seeking straightforward military rushes may prefer other clans, but the Horse clan's emphasis on craftsmanship and dual-purpose leaders provides a solid alternative for longer games focused on infrastructure and incremental advantages. Ongoing support through Definitive Edition content ensures the experience remains current for new and returning players alike.
