Do You Actually Go to Atlantis in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The short answer is no, not in the way you might think. While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features a significant storyline set in Atlantis, it’s crucial to understand that this depiction is rooted in the established lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe, which blends historical fiction with science fiction elements related to the Isu, a precursor civilization. You’re not exploring a historically accurate sunken city in the traditional sense. Instead, you are experiencing a highly advanced simulation created by the Isu. This simulation is designed to test and prepare the protagonist, Kassandra (or Alexios, depending on your chosen character), for their role in maintaining the balance between order and chaos. It’s a deep dive into Isu technology and their understanding of the world, rather than a literal journey to a mythical city.
Unpacking Atlantis: Simulation vs. Reality
The key to understanding Atlantis in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey lies in recognizing the game’s overarching narrative framework. The Animus, the device that allows characters in the modern day to relive the memories of their ancestors, is used by Layla Hassan to explore the genetic memories of Kassandra or Alexios. Within this framework, even the historical Greece depicted in the game is a reconstruction, a simulated reality.
The Atlantis segment, specifically the Fate of Atlantis DLC, takes this a step further. While the base game depicts real historical figures and locations, albeit with some liberties, the Atlantis DLC delves into the realm of the Isu, also known as Those Who Came Before. Atlantis, Elysium, and the Underworld (Hades) are all simulations constructed by the Isu as a way to store knowledge, train individuals, and potentially even preserve aspects of their civilization. Kassandra/Alexios isn’t physically transported to these realms; instead, they are experiencing highly realistic simulations.
This distinction is important because it aligns with the overall themes of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The series consistently explores the idea that myths and legends often have a basis in advanced technology and historical events that have been misinterpreted or embellished over time. Atlantis, in this context, is not a magical lost city but a technological marvel of the Isu civilization.
The Role of the Isu and Precursor Technology
The Isu play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the Atlantis DLC. They were a highly advanced civilization that predates humanity and possessed technology far beyond our current understanding. This technology often appears as mystical or magical to those who don’t understand it, leading to the creation of myths and legends.
In the context of Atlantis, the Isu created the simulations to serve several purposes:
- Testing and Training: Kassandra/Alexios is being tested and trained to wield the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, a powerful Isu artifact. The simulations push the protagonist to their limits, forcing them to make difficult choices and confront powerful enemies.
- Preserving Knowledge: The simulations act as a repository of Isu knowledge and technology. By exploring these realms, Kassandra/Alexios gains access to valuable information that can be used to further the goals of the Assassins (or Templars, depending on the individual’s allegiances).
- Creating Order and Chaos: The Isu are divided into factions that represent order and chaos. The Atlantis simulations explore the conflict between these factions and the potential consequences of each approach.
Choice and Consequence in Atlantis
A significant aspect of the Fate of Atlantis DLC is the emphasis on choice and consequence. Kassandra/Alexios is given the power to make decisions that shape the fate of Atlantis and its inhabitants. These decisions have both immediate and long-term effects, influencing the story and the protagonist’s relationship with the Isu.
This focus on player agency aligns with the themes of the base game, which also features a branching narrative with multiple endings. The Atlantis DLC expands on this concept, allowing players to explore the complexities of leadership and the ethical dilemmas associated with wielding immense power.
The Ending and Its Implications
The ending of the Fate of Atlantis DLC is open to interpretation. Depending on the choices made throughout the storyline, Kassandra/Alexios can choose to either embrace the role of an Isu overseer or reject it entirely. This decision has significant implications for the future of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Regardless of the specific ending, the Atlantis DLC ultimately serves to connect the historical events of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to the broader Isu storyline that runs throughout the franchise. It provides valuable insights into the motivations and goals of the Isu and their relationship with humanity. After dealing with Atlantis, your character obtains the Staff of Hermes, which is what allowed them/him to stay alive for so long. However, after finishing the Atlantis adventure, you can continue exploring the world and pursuing whatever goals you desire in your main timeline.
FAQs About Atlantis in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nature of Atlantis in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:
1. Is Atlantis real within the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Within the lore of Assassin’s Creed, Atlantis is less of a mythical city and more of a technologically advanced Isu civilization. The ‘Atlantis’ visited in Odyssey is mostly a simulation.
2. Is the Atlantis DLC essential to understanding the main story of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
While not strictly essential, the Fate of Atlantis DLC provides significant context to the Isu storyline and its connection to the main narrative. It enriches the understanding of the Staff of Hermes and the role of the protagonist.
3. Do I need to finish the main story before playing the Atlantis DLC?
It is highly recommended to complete the main story before starting the Fate of Atlantis DLC. The DLC’s narrative assumes that the player has a certain level of knowledge and experience with the game’s mechanics and lore.
4. Can I play the Atlantis DLC as either Alexios or Kassandra?
Yes, you can play the Fate of Atlantis DLC as either Alexios or Kassandra. The storyline remains the same regardless of your chosen character.
5. Does the Atlantis DLC affect the ending of the main game?
No, the Atlantis DLC does not directly affect the ending of the main game. However, the knowledge and experience gained in the DLC can inform your choices and perspectives in the main game’s narrative.
6. How do I access the Atlantis DLC?
The Fate of Atlantis DLC is available as part of the season pass or can be purchased separately. Once you have the DLC, you can access it by completing the “Between Two Worlds” questline after finishing the main story.
7. Are there any historical figures in the Atlantis DLC?
The Atlantis DLC focuses primarily on the Isu and their creations, rather than historical figures from ancient Greece. However, the storyline does draw inspiration from Greek mythology and incorporates elements of ancient Greek culture.
8. How long is the Atlantis DLC?
The Fate of Atlantis DLC is divided into three episodes, each offering several hours of gameplay. The entire DLC can take anywhere from 15 to 25 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies.
9. Is Atlantis the end of AC Odyssey?
The final act of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is here. With the Judgement of Atlantis DLC, your time in Ancient Greece is ending, so it’s more important than ever that you get the conclusion you want.
10. Can you go to Atlantis for free in AC Odyssey?
At one point, the first episode of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey expansion The Fate of Atlantis was free to anyone who owns the game.
11. Does Kassandra go to Atlantis?
After triumphing in Elysium and surviving Hades, Kassandra arrives in Atlantis as a hero of renown, even to the Isu – and it’s here the game’s choice-based gameplay finds a natural home with you finally able to act as an overseer of the realm.
12. Is Alexios in a simulation?
In Odyssey, the player has the choice to experience the memories of either Alexios or Kassandra as part of a simulation played by another in-game character, Layla Hassan.
13. What happens if you seal Atlantis?
After the Atlantiss stuff, your character walks away with that hermes staff. That staff is what allowed him/her to stay alive that whole time. But back in your characters timeline, you then leave Atlantis and can keep exploring the world and doing whatever you want.
14. Do the assassins exist in Odyssey?
Odyssey makes up for the lack of Assassin’s (rightfully so) but focusing on other parts of AC franchise that make it an AC game, such as Isu plot, Modern Day, POEs, ancient history, maybe even the Templar order and most importantly the interconnection of all these elements.
15. Is there a bad ending in AC Odyssey? How many endings does AC Odyssey have? Can you still play AC Odyssey after ending?
The worst ending in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey can be obtained by killing or failing to save Nikolaos, Stentor, Myrrine, and Deimos, which causes the protagonist to return home and eat dinner alone. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has three main storylines and nine different endings: good, neutral, and bad. Once you have completed the main story on any difficulty, you will be able to start over with New Game+, keeping previously gathered experience and weapons.
Conclusion: Atlantis as a Metaphor
Ultimately, the depiction of Atlantis in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey serves as a metaphor for the power of knowledge, the dangers of unchecked technology, and the enduring conflict between order and chaos. While you don’t literally explore a sunken city, the experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Isu and their lasting impact on human history. The game encourages players to think critically about the nature of reality, the legacy of the past, and the choices that shape our future. This also shows how games can offer unique ways to learn and engage with historical and mythological themes. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.