I recently picked up Conan after refunding it years ago when it was in EA. Never played ark though.

Valheim is a great time sink. I recommend going through the first time completely ignorant on how to advance. There's no in-game research tree to show you what you need. Instead you have to explore and find it.

Starry eyed as you find each new resource for the first time wondering what it might unlock.

Characters do not have stats or levels other than skill levels. Getting stronger comes via which bosses you've killed, what gear you've equipped, and what quality of food you have consumed.

In Valheim I never felt like I had to run out and cut down 1000 trees all at once to make a functional base. I didn't need some of the extravagant castles others have built.

When I did have to do some grinding it never felt like grinding to me. More like a task I needed or wanted to get done. Get some spare wood. Exploring. Oh yeah I need more arrows. I think I'll go hunting tomorrow.

I like the building system more in Valheim too. Each piece has multiple snapping points and you can clip objects into one another making something completely new.

As for gameplay, Valheim is an action game I would compare more to Breath of the Wild than 7 Days to Die.

Timed parries to get the advantage in combat and knowing when to dodge instead of blocking comes with experience. There's no flashy indicators on what to do in combat as seen in other games. The world is huge. You're gonna wish you had that glider.

I think I rambled on enough on why I fell in love with Valheim.

If ya do get it I hope you take my advice and remember going in that ignorance is bliss. When you discover everything for yourself the game is just that much better.