TLDR: Create different difficulties and customization options to allow players to tailor their world/server to how they want to play.
I've seen a lot of discussions on xyz feature should/shouldn't be part of the game. While I have enjoyed my ~130 hours playing the "vanilla" game, I also recognize that it'd be nice to tailor things a bit. I wouldn't mind having a core world that I typically play on and another one that is more to mess around with and maybe not be so serious. As a way to appease both camps, I think a difficulty and customization system should be implemented to create a more tailored experience. It's important to note that if the below were to be implemented, it'd require clients to adopt the server settings. Below are some thoughts on what I think that could look like:
Odin (hardcore)
- Same as Jarl only death is permanent
Jarl (hard)
Portals are disabled.
Enemies have 25% more health and deal 50% more damage.
Enemy spawn chance increased by 50% at night.
All structures take damage over time. Will be destroyed if not repaired.
Repairing inventory items have an associated material cost.
Corpses that aren't retrieved within a certain time disappear (whatever the corps run buff duration is).
Karl (normal)
- (The features currently implemented in the game).
Thrall (easy)
You can teleport anything.
Enemies deal 25% less damage.
Food buffs have the same duration but don't decay over time.
Structures don't take damage (weather or enemy).
Creative (basically debug/god/ghost/no stam mode)
- Terrain shaping tool!!!!!
Custom
- What it sounds like. You can toggle on/off whatever feature you want
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/valheim/comments/m5v4sh/valheim_difficulties/