Yes, You Can Be a Female in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla!
Absolutely! In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you have the option to play as a female Viking raider named Eivor. Unlike some previous entries in the series, where gender choice was limited or had significant story implications, Valhalla offers a more seamless and versatile experience. You are not locked into a single gender from the start; you can switch between male and female Eivor at almost any point in the game, giving you complete control over your character’s presentation. This freedom extends beyond just visual appearance; the game’s narrative is designed to accommodate both versions of Eivor, ensuring an equally rich and compelling experience, regardless of your chosen gender. This makes Valhalla a significant step in the series by providing an inclusive and enjoyable gameplay experience for all.
The Choice is Yours: How Gender Works in Valhalla
When you begin Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you’re presented with three options concerning Eivor’s gender: male, female, or “Let the Animus Decide.”
- Male Eivor: Choosing this locks you into playing the entire game, with certain exceptions, as a male character.
- Female Eivor: This locks you into playing the entire game, with certain exceptions, as a female character.
- Let the Animus Decide: This is where things get interesting. Selecting this option means that the Animus, a virtual reality device central to the Assassin’s Creed lore, will automatically switch Eivor’s gender throughout the game. Most of your journey will be as female Eivor, but during certain story arcs, namely the mythological Asgard and Jotunheim sections, you will temporarily play as a male version of Eivor, or actually Odin, who is a separate character called Havi.
Switching Your Gender Mid-Game
The beauty of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the ease with which you can switch between genders even after you’ve started playing. Here’s how:
- Open the pause menu.
- Select Animus.
- Choose Change Eivor’s Appearance.
- From this menu, you can instantly swap between male and female Eivor at will.
This flexibility allows you to experiment with both characters, allowing you to find which version of Eivor you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eivor and Gender in Valhalla
Here are some common questions that players often have regarding Eivor’s gender and its implications in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla:
1. Is There a Canon Gender for Eivor?
Yes, the canonical version of Eivor is female. While the game allows you to play as a male character, the underlying narrative and the “Let the Animus Decide” option prioritize the female Eivor as the primary protagonist. Male Eivor only appears during the Asgard and Jotunheim story arcs as he actually represents the character of Odin/Havi.
2. Does Choosing a Gender Affect the Story?
No, choosing a male or female Eivor has no major impact on the main story. Unlike in previous Assassin’s Creed games like Odyssey, where choosing one character made the other a villain, both versions of Eivor are treated as equals within Valhalla’s narrative. The story remains consistent regardless of the gender you choose.
3. Why Does the Animus Sometimes Change Eivor’s Gender?
The Animus’s gender switching is due to a mixture of storyline elements. Specifically, Eivor’s bloodline contains traces of Odin’s DNA. This causes the Animus to occasionally interpret Eivor as a male figure resembling Odin in the mythological sections of the game. This plot device adds depth to the character and the overall narrative.
4. What Happens if I Select “Let the Animus Decide”?
By choosing this option, you will mostly play as female Eivor. However, during the Asgard and Jotunheim arcs, you will briefly switch to male Eivor. This provides a more nuanced storytelling experience, intertwining the Isu, Norse Gods, and Viking histories.
5. Can I Romance Characters Regardless of My Gender?
Absolutely! Assassin’s Creed Valhalla features romance options with both male and female characters, and you can pursue these relationships regardless of your Eivor’s gender. This means you can romance a man as male or female Eivor and vice-versa without any limitations.
6. Is Eivor a God?
No, Eivor is not a god in the traditional sense. Within the Assassin’s Creed universe, she is a reincarnation of Odin. Odin is not a god as he is known in Norse mythology, but rather an Isu, or a member of an ancient advanced civilization. This adds a complex layer to the mythology and lore of the game.
7. Why is Eivor Called “Wolf-Kissed”?
Eivor’s title “Wolf-Kissed” comes from the scar on her face. This scar resulted from a childhood encounter where she was left to fend for herself after the death of her parents. She faced a wolf in an attempt to defend herself and was kissed by it resulting in the scar. This title became a part of her identity as a warrior.
8. Does Eivor Lose an Eye Like Odin?
While Eivor is connected to Odin, the game does not require her to lose an eye in the main story. The game shows an eye loss during the Asgard story line as it did when she was Havi, and in the main story during a specific event. This is mostly symbolic and a nod to Odin’s mythological representation, it is not a permanent change.
9. Why Is Eivor Shorter Than Other Protagonists?
Eivor’s height is consistent with the average height of Norse people during the game’s historical setting. In comparison with the large scale warriors present in the story she may seem relatively small. This realism is a deliberate choice to remain true to history.
10. How Can I Change Eivor’s Appearance Beyond Gender?
Aside from switching gender, you can customize Eivor’s appearance through equipment, hairstyles, tattoos, and more. These customizations allow you to further personalize your Eivor as you progress through the game.
11. Are There Any LGBT Characters in Valhalla?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla includes LGBTQ relationships and characters. Players can engage in same-sex romances, and the game treats these relationships just as it would any other. This is an aspect that has been highlighted as a positive in previous Assassin’s Creed entries and is continued in Valhalla.
12. Who is the Best Romance Option for Eivor?
While romance options are subjective, Petra is widely regarded as one of the best romantic partners in Valhalla. This is largely due to the lack of story consequences for romancing her, unlike other characters such as Randvi.
13. What Happens if I Betray Sigurd?
Your choices and actions influence the game’s ending. Betraying Sigurd through multiple negative choices will result in him leaving England at the end of the game. However, there is a final choice that can negate a previous negative choice.
14. Why Does Basim Hate Eivor?
Basim’s hatred of Eivor is rooted in his identity as a reincarnation of Loki. He seeks revenge on his fellow Isu members, including Odin/Havi and Eivor, for their past actions and the perceived betrayal of his son.
15. Can You Play as a Female in Other Assassin’s Creed Games?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Odyssey, and Valhalla all offer female playable characters. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate features Evie Frye as one of the dual protagonists. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows you to choose between playing as Kassandra or Alexios. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers players the choice between male or female Eivor and can be swapped freely during game play. However, unlike Valhalla, these games feature male and female characters that are essentially separate characters with their own individual characterization.
Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla provides an enriching and versatile gameplay experience, where the choice of playing as a female character is not just a novelty but a key part of the game’s design. The ability to switch between genders, the canonical nature of female Eivor, and the inclusive narrative make this a standout installment in the franchise. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Valhalla offers a compelling experience that embraces player choice and diversity.