Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Why It Claims the Throne as the Best in the Series
Valhalla, released in 2020, transcends the typical Assassin’s Creed formula, offering an immersive Viking saga that masterfully blends historical fiction with compelling RPG elements. It elevates the player experience through a sprawling open world, a deeply engaging narrative, and a robust character progression system, making it the pinnacle of the franchise for both newcomers and veterans alike. Its gripping storyline, combined with the ability to shape Eivor’s destiny and lead their clan, firmly secures Valhalla’s position as the best Assassin’s Creed game to date.
A Viking Saga Forged in History and Myth
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla departs from its predecessors by anchoring the player in the fascinating world of 9th-century England. Players assume the role of Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan from Norway to the shores of England, seeking to establish a new home amidst the fragmented Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This setting is not merely a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing world rich with historical detail and mythical undertones.
The Narrative Depth of Valhalla
The narrative in Valhalla is a masterclass in storytelling. Unlike previous titles that often felt disjointed, Valhalla’s storyline weaves together the main quest with intricate side narratives, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. The game expertly explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle between tradition and change. The political landscape of Anglo-Saxon England is intricately portrayed, with players forging alliances and making choices that have significant consequences for the future of their clan.
Eivor: A Protagonist Unlike Any Other
Eivor stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in the Assassin’s Creed series. Players have the freedom to choose Eivor’s gender, a decision that doesn’t impact the core storyline but allows for a personalized experience. Whether male or female, Eivor is a complex and multifaceted character, driven by a desire to protect their clan and secure their legacy. Eivor’s moral ambiguities and the difficult choices they face make them a relatable and compelling figure.
Gameplay Innovations and Enhanced Immersion
Valhalla introduces several gameplay innovations that significantly enhance the overall player experience.
Streamlined RPG Mechanics
The RPG elements in Valhalla are more refined than in previous installments. The sprawling skill tree allows players to customize Eivor’s abilities to suit their playstyle, whether they prefer a stealthy approach, a brutal melee combat style, or a combination of both. The game also features a gear-based progression system, allowing players to upgrade and customize their weapons and armor, further enhancing their combat effectiveness.
Settlement Building: A Home to Call Your Own
One of the most unique and engaging features of Valhalla is the settlement building mechanic. Players can construct and upgrade various buildings in their settlement, Ravensthorpe, which in turn provides benefits to the clan and unlocks new gameplay opportunities. The settlement acts as a hub, a place where players can interact with their clan members, embark on new quests, and build a thriving community.
A Vast and Varied Open World
Valhalla boasts a massive open world that encompasses not only England but also parts of Norway. The diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling hills and dense forests to snow-capped mountains and fortified cities, are a joy to explore. The world is teeming with activities, from raiding monasteries and hunting wild animals to participating in drinking games and solving ancient mysteries.
A Masterful Blend of History and Mythology
Valhalla deftly blends historical fact with Norse mythology, creating a world that feels both grounded and fantastical.
The Isu Connection
The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its exploration of the Isu, an ancient and advanced civilization that predates humanity. Valhalla delves deeper into this lore than previous installments, revealing more about the Isu’s influence on Norse mythology and the origins of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The Isu mysteries add an intriguing layer to the game’s narrative and encourage players to explore the world in search of hidden clues.
The Mystical Elements of Norse Culture
Valhalla seamlessly integrates elements of Norse mythology into the gameplay. Players can experience visions of the gods, explore mythical realms, and encounter creatures from Norse legends. These mystical elements enhance the game’s atmosphere and provide a unique twist on the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula.
Why Valhalla Stands Above the Rest
While other Assassin’s Creed games have their strengths, Valhalla excels in several key areas that set it apart:
- A deeply engaging narrative that explores complex themes and features a compelling protagonist.
- A vast and varied open world that is a joy to explore and filled with activities.
- Refined RPG mechanics that allow for a personalized and rewarding gameplay experience.
- A unique settlement building mechanic that adds a new dimension to the Assassin’s Creed formula.
- A masterful blend of history and mythology that creates a world that feels both grounded and fantastical.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
1. Is AC Valhalla a good starting point for the series?
Yes, while it builds upon established lore, Valhalla offers a relatively self-contained narrative that’s accessible to newcomers. The revamped gameplay mechanics also make it a good entry point for those unfamiliar with the Assassin’s Creed series.
2. Is Eivor a canon character, or can you choose genders?
Eivor is a canon character. You can choose to play as male or female Eivor. The game’s narrative accommodates both choices, with explanations provided within the story.
3. How does Valhalla compare to Odyssey and Origins?
Valhalla builds upon the RPG elements introduced in Odyssey and Origins, but with a greater emphasis on story and character development. Its settlement-building mechanic sets it apart from its predecessors. Odyssey has a larger map, but Valhalla’s world feels more dense and detailed.
4. How long does it take to beat Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
The main story of Valhalla takes around 60 hours to complete. Completing all the side content and exploring the entire world can easily extend the playtime to over 100 hours.
5. Is Valhalla historically accurate?
While Valhalla is set in a historical period, it takes liberties with the details to create a compelling narrative. It blends historical fact with Norse mythology and fictional elements.
6. Can Eivor use the Hidden Blade effectively?
The game addresses this. Eivor isn’t initially proficient, but learns to wield the Hidden Blade more effectively throughout the story.
7. What are the best skills to unlock in Valhalla?
The best skills depend on your playstyle. Some popular choices include those that enhance stealth, melee combat, and ranged attacks. Raven skills are popular, as are Bear for warriors and Wolf for ranged.
8. How does the settlement building work in Valhalla?
You can construct and upgrade various buildings in your settlement, Ravensthorpe. These buildings provide benefits such as new quests, resources, and character upgrades.
9. Are there any hidden secrets in Valhalla?
Yes, Valhalla is full of hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Players can discover ancient artifacts, mythical creatures, and references to other Assassin’s Creed games.
10. Can you play as a Viking in Valhalla?
Absolutely. The game allows you to fully embrace the Viking lifestyle, from raiding monasteries to participating in drinking games and engaging in brutal combat.
11. Is there multiplayer in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
No, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is primarily a single-player experience.
12. What is the best armor in Valhalla?
The “best” armor depends on your play style. Some popular sets include Thor’s armor (obtained through a lengthy quest), the Hidden Ones’ set for stealth players, and the Mentor’s set for overall balanced stats.
13. How do I get Thor’s Hammer (Mjolnir) in Valhalla?
To wield Mjolnir, you must first obtain Thor’s full armor set by completing specific world events and defeating Daughters of Lerion. After collecting the armor, you can find Mjolnir in Norway and claim it.
14. What is the significance of the Isu in Valhalla?
The Isu are an ancient, advanced civilization whose technology and genetic influence play a significant role in the Assassin’s Creed universe. Valhalla explores their connection to Norse mythology and the origins of the Assassin-Templar conflict.
15. Does the Games Learning Society have any resources related to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
While there may not be content specifically on Valhalla, the Games Learning Society explores the educational potential of video games in general. You can find insightful research and discussions on game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org. It’s worth exploring the site: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to see how games, including Assassin’s Creed, can be used for learning.
Conclusion: Valhalla’s Reign
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a triumph. By successfully combining a historical Viking setting with deep RPG elements, a compelling storyline, and a vast open world, Ubisoft has created the best Assassin’s Creed game to date. While individual preferences may vary, Valhalla’s immersive experience, engaging gameplay, and narrative depth make it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its focus on creating an emotionally impactful experience for the player, and on shaping Eivor’s narrative, sets it head and shoulders above its competitors.