Assassin's Creed® Valhalla by (Assassin's Creed Valhalla)

Released in November 2020, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the twelfth major installment in Ubisoft’s acclaimed Assassin’s Creed series. Building on the franchise’s tradition of blending historical fiction with open-world exploration, Valhalla takes players on an immersive journey into the Viking Age, blending the brutal life of Norse warriors with the intrigue of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game stands as a remarkable achievement, offering expansive gameplay, rich storytelling, and a vividly detailed world.

The Setting: 9th Century England and Beyond

The story of Valhalla unfolds during the late 9th century, a time of political upheaval and Viking expansion. Players assume the role of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider—who can be male, female, or both, depending on player preference. Eivor’s journey begins in Norway but quickly moves to England, where the Norse are carving out their place amidst fractured Saxon kingdoms.

The game masterfully recreates the landscapes of medieval England, from rolling hills and dense forests to bustling towns and imposing castles. Iconic locations like Winchester, London, and York are reimagined with historical authenticity, while the game also incorporates mythological elements, allowing players to explore realms from Norse mythology, such as Asgard and Jotunheim.

Story and Themes

The narrative of Valhalla is deeply personal and epic in scope. At its heart, it’s about Eivor’s quest to establish a new home for their clan in England while navigating the complexities of alliances, betrayal, and war. The game weaves together several threads:

1. Settlement Building: A central theme of the game is building and nurturing Ravensthorpe, Eivor’s Viking settlement. This hub evolves over time as players gather resources, forge alliances, and expand their influence.
2. Political Intrigue: Players must navigate alliances with various Saxon and Viking factions. These decisions often involve moral dilemmas, reflecting the messy realities of power and loyalty.
3. The Hidden Ones vs. the Order of the Ancients: Continuing the series’ overarching conflict between Assassins and Templars, Valhalla introduces the precursors to these factions. Eivor becomes entangled in their struggle, adding layers of mystery and historical intrigue.
4. Mythology and Destiny: Norse mythology plays a significant role, with Eivor experiencing visions and dreams tied to the gods and their own reincarnation as Odin. These mythological elements blend seamlessly with the historical setting, enriching the narrative.

Gameplay: A Viking’s Life for Me

Assassin's Creed Valhalla retains the core mechanics of the series while introducing new systems that enhance the Viking experience.

1. Raids and Conquest Battles: True to its theme, Valhalla lets players lead raids on monasteries and settlements to gather resources. These raids are exhilarating, with longships roaring into battle and Eivor’s crew aiding in the chaos. Conquest battles, a returning feature, allow players to participate in large-scale clashes, further immersing them in the Viking lifestyle.

2. Combat System: The game refines its combat, emphasizing the brutality of Viking warfare. Players can dual-wield weapons, execute devastating finishers, and employ a range of abilities unlocked through the skill tree. Stealth remains an option, with the return of the iconic hidden blade, but melee combat is front and center.

3. Exploration: The world of Valhalla is vast and rewarding to explore. Players uncover hidden treasures, ancient ruins, and world events—short, self-contained stories that add flavor to the world. The game encourages freeform exploration, with environmental puzzles and secrets scattered across the map.

4. Settlement Management: Building and upgrading Ravensthorpe adds a strategic layer to the gameplay. Players can construct structures like a blacksmith, barracks, and tattoo parlor, each offering unique benefits. The settlement also serves as a narrative hub, deepening the connection to Eivor’s community.

5. RPG Elements: Like its predecessors, Valhalla incorporates RPG mechanics. Players can customize Eivor’s gear, assign skill points, and make choices that influence the story. The game’s skill tree offers a wealth of options, allowing players to tailor Eivor to their preferred playstyle.

Visuals and Sound

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a visual masterpiece. The game’s detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and weather effects bring medieval England to life. From the frost-covered fjords of Norway to the rolling meadows of Mercia, every location feels alive and authentic.

The sound design and music further enhance immersion. The soundtrack, composed by Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik, blends traditional Norse instruments with epic orchestral arrangements. The voice acting is equally strong, with standout performances from Eivor’s actors (Cecilie Stenspil and Magnus Bruun).

Post-Launch Content and Expansions

Ubisoft has supported Valhalla with extensive post-launch content, including expansions like:

1. Wrath of the Druids: Eivor travels to Ireland to uncover a druidic cult and forge alliances.
2. The Siege of Paris: A retelling of the historic Viking siege of Paris, featuring political intrigue and new gameplay mechanics.
3. Dawn of Ragnarok: A mythological expansion diving deeper into Norse mythology, exploring Eivor’s connection to Odin.

These expansions add dozens of hours of gameplay and enrich the base game’s narrative.