4Game

Valheim's been a really fun game and a truly mesmerizing experience for me and my pals. I can see the idea behind having stamina- and health-focused foods as they can allow for specialization into different roles. However, I believe the biggest source of deciding roles would be through Forsaken Powers. As it is, when one player casts a power, everyone else around them gets the same effect. This doesn't really allow for specialization, and oftentimes in a co-op setting you might just have a few people go with Bonemass and maybe Eikthyr/Moder if exploration is needed.

As it is, the Powers are also quite imbalanced, since I don't see myself using Yagluth power anytime soon. Maybe the Powers can be readjusted to give the caster special (and more buffed) effects, while those around the caster get weaker effects. Furthermore, the buffed powers would help solo players too.

Eikthyr:

Current effect: Jump stamina usage: -60%, Run stamina usage: -60%

New effect (caster): Jump stamina usage: -80%, Run stamina usage: -80%

New effect (others): Jump stamina usage: -50%, Run stamina usage: -50%

The caster is geared towards a higher mobility scout role, able to scout further ahead of the main group and, if necessary, engage enemies or gather resources.

The Elder:

Current effect: Increases damage to trees by 60%

New effect (caster): Increases damage to trees by 70%, No stamina consumption for Hammer/Hoe/Cultivator

New effect (others): Increases damage to trees by 50%

The caster can be made a much more productive builder/woodcutter.

Bonemass:

Current effect: Resistance vs physical damage

New effect (caster): Resistance vs physical damage, Poison immunity, No stamina/health regen drop from Wet

New effect (others): Resistance vs physical damage

This one seems like a natural addition, and while it might not be too useful for when you get it, maybe it will see further use in future updates. Also, a much needed QoL enhancement for roaming swamps/anywhere where there's rain.

Moder:

Current effect: Forces tailwind when sailing

New effect (caster): Decreased bow stamina (-60%), Decreased swim stamina (-60%), Forces tailwind when sailing

New effect (others): Decreased bow stamina (-30%) , Decreased swim stamina (-30%)

Having some idea of who the captain of the ship is is pretty cool.

Yagluth:

Current effect: Resistance vs magic/lightning damage

New effect (caster): Immune to magic/lightning damage, No stamina/health regen drop from Cold

New effect (others): Resistance vs magic/lightning damage

This would make Yagluth's power be more worthwhile imo, and I can see someone rushing towards the shamans with this.

In the end, roles aren't permanent and that's a great thing about how Valheim is designed. However, it would be fun to have more distinct roles too, without sacrificing any of the flexibility that is already present.