How Long Does a Torch Last in Valheim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The lifespan of a torch in Valheim isn’t a simple answer, as it depends heavily on the type of torch you’re using and the fuel it’s consuming. There are several lighting options available, each with its unique burn time characteristics. The basic handheld torch isn’t meant for long-term use, but various standing torches and light sources can provide illumination for significant periods, some even lasting for over a week. Let’s break down the burning durations of different torches and fuels in the Viking survival game Valheim.
The Basics: Handheld Torches
Torch Durability and Burn Time
The standard handheld torch in Valheim has a limited lifespan. It’s primarily designed for brief excursions, not as a long-lasting light source. The torch passively loses durability when equipped, and will stay lit for a maximum of 10 minutes, corresponding roughly to a night cycle in the game (9 minutes). After this time, the torch will extinguish, and since it cannot be repaired, it will simply vanish. This makes the handheld torch a necessity early in the game but unsuitable for extended lighting needs. It is also not a viable source of heat and cannot be placed on item stands.
Standing Torches and Fuel Types
Standing Wood Torch
The Standing Wood Torch is a basic structure you can build with wood and resin. It’s more durable than the handheld torch and can be refueled.
- Fuel Capacity: It can hold up to 4 Resin at once.
- Burn Time with 1/4 Fuel: With 1 Resin (1/4 capacity), a Standing Wood Torch will burn for 2 hours and 46 minutes.
- Maximum Burn Time: When fully loaded with 4 resin, the Standing Wood Torch will burn for 11 hours and 06 minutes.
This makes it a useful early-game base lighting option, but later on, you will want more durable and fuel-efficient choices.
Standing Iron Torches and the Sconce
The Standing Iron Torch, including the Standing green-burning iron torch and the Standing blue-burning iron torch, along with the Sconce, all share the same fuel efficiency. These are later-game lighting options that are much more efficient.
- Fuel Source: These require Greydwarf Eye or similar fuel for the colored variant.
- Maximum Burn Time: At full capacity, a Standing Iron Torch will burn for 33 hours and 20 minutes, making them highly efficient for long-term use.
These variants offer color variations to your lighting, with the blue torch requiring Greydwarf eyes, while the green torch is usually fueled by other items of the swamp biome.
Standing Torches with Sparkpowder
The Standing Torch can also use Sparkpowder as fuel, providing an alternative, long-lasting light source.
- Burn Time with Sparkpowder: When loaded with one sparkpowder it will burn for 13 minutes.
- Sparkpowder Capacity: The torch can hold up to 800 Sparkpowder.
- Maximum Burn Time: This means that a standing torch with a full load of sparkpowder will burn for over a week (around 173 hours).
Bonfires and Campfires
While not technically torches, Bonfires and Campfires also serve as light and heat sources. They don’t use the same ‘durability’ mechanism, but it is good to understand the lifespan of these when placed within your base.
Bonfire
- Fuel Source: The Bonfire uses Wood as fuel.
- Burn Time with 1/10 Fuel: A Bonfire with 1/10 wood fuel will last for 1 hour and 23 minutes.
- Maximum Burn Time: At full capacity, a Bonfire will burn for 13 hours and 53 minutes.
Campfire
- Fuel Source: The Campfire also uses Wood as fuel.
- Burn Time: It requires fueling with wood immediately after placement to burn. It continuously needs wood to burn without a full capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Handheld torches are temporary and last for a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Standing Wood Torches burn for up to 11 hours when fully fueled with resin.
- Standing Iron Torches and Sconces provide a reliable 33 hours and 20 minutes of continuous light.
- Sparkpowder can keep a standing torch lit for over a week with a full load.
- Bonfires can burn up to 13 hours and 53 minutes, while Campfires require continuous fueling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I Refuel a Standing Torch in Valheim?
To refuel a Standing Torch, approach it and press the “E” key to interact. If the torch has fuel, you’ll see the fuel amount, and if it’s low, you can add more of the appropriate resource by placing it in your active inventory slot.
2. Can I repair a torch in Valheim?
No, you cannot repair a torch in Valheim. When a torch’s durability reaches zero, it will disappear. This applies to handheld torches. Standing torches must be refueled, but their structure will remain indefinitely.
3. Do Torches Keep You Warm in Valheim?
Despite what the torch descriptions may suggest, neither handheld nor standing torches provide warmth in Valheim. To stay warm, you’ll need to use a campfire, bonfire, or wear frost-resistant armor.
4. What is the Best Type of Torch for Long-Term Use in Valheim?
The Standing Iron Torches (including the green and blue variants) and Sconces are the best choices for long-term use due to their impressive 33 hours and 20 minutes of burn time when fully fueled. Using sparkpowder in a standing torch gives you the longest burn time overall.
5. How Long Does a Single Sparkpowder Burn in a Torch?
A single piece of Sparkpowder will keep a Standing Torch burning for around 13 minutes.
6. How Long Does 100 Sparkpowder Burn in a Torch?
100 Sparkpowder will keep a Standing Torch burning for around 22 hours.
7. How many Sparkpowder can a Standing Torch hold?
A Standing Torch can hold up to 800 Sparkpowder. This allows it to burn for well over a week without refueling.
8. How do I Obtain Sparkpowder?
Sparkpowder is obtained by refining certain materials in a refinery. This makes it a mid-to-late game fuel source.
9. What is the Standing Blue-Burning Iron Torch and how do I get it?
The Standing blue-burning iron torch is a decorative light source that requires Greydwarf eye as fuel. You unlock the ability to craft it after you have built a forge.
10. What is the point of the Hot Tub in Valheim?
The Hot Tub is a decorative item that increases the Comfort level by 2 when fueled with wood. It also produces smoke while lit. It doesn’t act as a torch but also doesn’t provide warmth.
11. Do Bonfires Go Out in Valheim?
Yes, Bonfires will go out if they are not fueled with wood. They require regular refueling to remain lit.
12. How Far Does the Light From a Campfire Reach?
The fire effect from a Campfire extends for approximately 8 meters. It’s also useful for drying off a wet character.
13. Why do my torches go out?
Handheld Torches go out because they lose durability when they are equipped. Standing Torches require regular refueling and will not “go out” provided they are correctly refueled.
14. Can I place torches inside my house?
Yes, via Sconces you can place light sources indoors. The recipe for these is found after you progress into the Black Forest and begin mining copper.
15. What is the mysterious “ghost” figure in Valheim?
The figure you may occasionally see is Odin, a mysterious black cloaked figure with a single glowing blue eye. He’s not directly involved in the gameplay, but rather a mysterious figure observing the player.
By understanding the different types of torches and their respective fuel consumption, you can effectively manage your lighting needs in Valheim and avoid getting lost in the dark. Choose your torch wisely, and keep your Viking illuminated!