Do My Choices Matter in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, your choices absolutely matter in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, significantly impacting the game’s ending, character relationships, and overall narrative experience. While some decisions have minor consequences, others can dramatically alter Sigurd’s loyalty and ultimately determine whether you achieve the “good” or “bad” ending. Understanding the weight of your choices is crucial for shaping Eivor’s journey and experiencing the desired conclusion to the saga.

Understanding Choice and Consequence in Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla distinguishes itself through its nuanced approach to player agency. Unlike some games where choices feel superficial, Valhalla integrates decision-making into the core narrative, affecting not only Eivor’s personal story but also the political landscape and the fate of the Raven Clan. The most impactful choices revolve around your relationship with Sigurd, Eivor’s adoptive brother, and how you navigate the challenges he faces. These decisions influence his perception of Eivor’s leadership and loyalty.

The game tracks these choices through a “Sigurd’s loyalty” system, where making decisions that align with his values strengthens your bond, while choices that undermine him weaken it. Accumulating too many negative choices leads to Sigurd’s departure from England, resulting in a less satisfying ending. This mechanic reinforces the Viking emphasis on honor and brotherhood.

While the main narrative choices significantly impact Sigurd’s loyalty and the ending, other choices throughout the game influence Eivor’s relationships and the world around them. Recruiting allies, managing resources, and resolving conflicts all contribute to the sense of agency and a dynamic world reacting to Eivor’s actions.

How Choices Influence the Ending

The primary determinant of the ending is the number of “good” choices you make in relation to Sigurd. These are the choices that respect his authority, value his opinions, and prioritize the well-being of the clan. Conversely, “bad” choices disregard his feelings, prioritize personal gain over the clan, and challenge his leadership.

To achieve the “good” ending, you need to make at least three “good” choices. These choices are tied to key moments in the story, and their consequences are not always immediately apparent. The game often presents moral dilemmas with no clear right or wrong answer, forcing players to consider the long-term implications of their actions.

One of the most talked-about choices involves romancing Randvi, Sigurd’s wife. While it is possible to romance Randvi and still achieve a good ending, it requires careful navigation. Romancing her without considering the consequences can easily lead to a negative strike against your relationship with Sigurd.

Beyond the Main Endings

While the main endings hinge on Sigurd’s loyalty, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers even more depth through its secret ending and the impact of choices on minor characters.

The secret ending is unlocked by completing all 10 Animus Anomaly puzzles. This ending delves into the larger Assassin’s Creed lore and provides a broader perspective on Eivor’s role within the grand narrative.

The consequences of your choices also extend to the characters you meet along the way. Recruiting new members to your settlement, settling disputes between factions, and making decisions that reflect the values of the Raven Clan all contribute to the overall sense of immersion and impact.

Choices around exploration and interaction are also a part of the game. The Games Learning Society and other educational entities, like GamesLearningSociety.org, understand the role of exploration and interaction in cognitive processing, so explore freely to learn the lore!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many endings does Assassin’s Creed Valhalla have?

There are essentially two main endings, determined by Sigurd’s loyalty. There is also a secret ending that can be unlocked by completing all Animus Anomaly puzzles, and some variations in the narrative depending on your alliance choices.

2. What are the major choices that affect Sigurd’s loyalty?

The five key choices affecting Sigurd include:

• Taking or leaving treasure after a raid. Leaving treasure strengthens your bond.
• Romancing Randvi. It’s best to postpone until after Sigurd and Randvi’s relationship is over.
• An important decision during the Fulke mission (unspecified in the source but important).
• The fight with Dag. Giving Dag his axe is considered a good choice.
• Siding with Sigurd during an argument in the longhouse.

3. Can I romance Randvi and still get the good ending?

Yes, you can romance Randvi and still achieve a good ending, but it requires careful consideration. The best strategy is to wait until after Sigurd and Randvi’s relationship has ended before pursuing a romance with her.

4. What happens if I betray Sigurd too many times?

If you make too many “bad” choices, Sigurd will leave England during the final mission, resulting in a less favorable ending.

5. Does choosing a male or female Eivor affect the story?

No, choosing a male or female Eivor is equally valid and has no major repercussions on the story beyond the character model. The Animus can even choose for you, switching between male and female Eivor in certain segments.

6. How old is Eivor during the main part of the game?

Eivor is approximately 25 years old in 872 CE when the main part of the game begins.

7. What happens if I let the Animus choose Eivor’s gender?

If you let the Animus choose, you’ll primarily play as female Eivor, switching to male Eivor during the Asgard and Jotunheim segments.

8. Does it matter who Eivor sleeps with?

Eivor can only explicitly date one character at a time, so getting with one of these characters is a real commitment. However, the romances are mostly passing diversions, with minimal impact on the main storyline, aside from Randvi.

9. Can I cheat on Randvi without consequences?

Eivor’s flings, such as sleeping with Estrid, do not affect Eivor’s relationship with Randvi.

10. Why does Basim hate Eivor?

Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and his hatred for Eivor stems from their past lives as Isu, where Loki sought revenge for the treatment of his son.

11. Should I punch Sigurd or Basim?

It is generally not recommended to punch either Sigurd or Basim. Punching both will lower your loyalty with Sigurd, which can negatively affect the ending.

12. What happens if I give Dag his axe?

Giving Dag his axe is considered a “good” choice and will positively impact your relationship with Sigurd.

13. Is romancing Petra a good idea?

Many players consider Petra to be one of the best romance options in the game, due to her well-developed story and the natural progression of their relationship.

14. Why is Eivor buried in Vinland?

Eivor is believed to be the first person to travel to Vinland (North America) and ended up passing away there.

15. What are the best ways to ensure a good ending in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

To ensure a good ending, prioritize making choices that respect Sigurd’s authority, value the Raven Clan, and demonstrate honor. Avoid choices that undermine Sigurd’s leadership, prioritize personal gain over the clan, or disrespect Viking traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choices in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla carry significant weight, shaping the narrative and determining the ending you experience. By understanding the consequences of your actions and carefully considering the impact on your relationships, especially with Sigurd, you can navigate Eivor’s journey toward a satisfying conclusion. Remember that the Games Learning Society, located at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, is a resource for understanding the impact that games like Assassin’s Creed can have on learning and choice-making.