Can You Switch From Alexios to Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
No, unfortunately, you cannot switch between Alexios and Kassandra mid-game in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The choice you make at the beginning of the game is permanent for that playthrough. However, you can re-select your character when starting a New Game+. So, if you find yourself disliking your initial choice, you’re not stuck with it forever, but you will have to complete the game (or get far enough to warrant starting over) before you can change. Let’s dive deeper into this, and address other common questions players have regarding the two protagonists.
Understanding the Character Selection in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offered players a choice for the first time in the franchise: to play as either Alexios or Kassandra. This decision has implications for the story and gameplay, though perhaps not as many as one might initially think. While both characters share the same dialogue and core storyline, the roles they play within the narrative shift depending on your selection. This means that if you choose Alexios as your protagonist, Kassandra will become Deimos, the antagonist, and vice-versa.
This unique dynamic has led to numerous questions from players about the characters, their roles, and whether it’s possible to change your mind after starting the game.
The Permanence of Your Initial Choice
It’s crucial to understand that the character you choose at the start of your Assassin’s Creed Odyssey adventure is locked in for that particular save file. There is no in-game mechanic, no hidden quest, and no downloadable content that allows you to switch characters during a playthrough. Once you’ve committed to Alexios or Kassandra, you’re committed for the duration.
The only workaround is to start a new game, or utilize the New Game+ feature after completing the main story. This allows you to experience the game again with your leveled-up character and gear, while also providing the opportunity to choose the other protagonist.
Why the Character Choice Matters (and Doesn’t Matter)
While the core storyline and gameplay mechanics remain largely identical regardless of your character choice, some subtle differences impact the overall experience. For example, many players and critics alike have lauded Kassandra’s voice acting as superior to Alexios’s. This alone can significantly affect your immersion and engagement with the story.
Additionally, the game’s narrative is arguably stronger with Kassandra as the protagonist. Ubisoft has officially designated Kassandra as the canonical protagonist, meaning that she is considered the “true” character in the Assassin’s Creed universe. This is further supported by the novelization of the game, which features Kassandra as the lead. If adhering to the established lore is important to you, choosing Kassandra might be the preferred option.
New Game+ as a Solution
The New Game+ mode is a godsend for those who want to experience the game from a different perspective. After completing the main story, you can start a new game with your existing character, level, abilities, and gear. Crucially, New Game+ gives you the opportunity to select either Alexios or Kassandra, regardless of who you played as in your previous playthrough.
It’s important to note that starting a New Game+ will also automatically increase the game difficulty by one level, unless you completed the previous campaign on Nightmare difficulty. This adds an extra layer of challenge and replayability.
FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about character choice, gameplay differences, and other related aspects of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:
1. Is Kassandra the only canon character in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, Ubisoft has confirmed that Kassandra is the canon character for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The novelization of the game also features Kassandra as the main protagonist.
2. What happens to the other sibling if I choose Alexios or Kassandra?
The sibling you don’t choose to play as will become Deimos, the antagonist. So, if you choose Alexios, Kassandra becomes Deimos, and if you choose Kassandra, Alexios becomes Deimos.
3. Does choosing Alexios or Kassandra change the story?
The overall narrative remains the same, but the roles of Alexios and Kassandra are swapped. They both share the exact same script. This means that your choices will remain the same, but your perspective will shift.
4. Are there any gameplay differences between Alexios and Kassandra?
No, both characters have the same abilities, skillsets, and gameplay mechanics. There are no inherent stat or combat differences between them.
5. Is it better to play as Alexios or Kassandra?
This is subjective, but many players prefer Kassandra due to her voice acting and the fact that she is the canonical protagonist. However, some players prefer Alexios, so ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
6. Does character choice affect romance options?
No, the romance options are the same for both Alexios and Kassandra. You can romance the same characters regardless of your chosen protagonist.
7. Can I change my character’s appearance after starting the game?
You cannot directly change your character’s appearance beyond the armor and weapons you equip. There are no options to change facial features, hairstyles, or other physical characteristics.
8. Who is Deimos if I choose Alexios?
If you choose to play as Alexios, Kassandra becomes Deimos.
9. Who is Deimos if I choose Kassandra?
If you choose to play as Kassandra, Alexios becomes Deimos.
10. How many endings are there in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
There are nine different endings, determined by your choices throughout the game. These endings affect the fate of your character and their family.
11. Is it possible to save Deimos?
Yes, it is possible to save Deimos. By making specific choices during the game, especially during Chapter Nine, you can convince Deimos to abandon the Cult of Kosmos and reunite with your family.
12. Is Alexios a cultist?
When Alexios is chosen as the protagonist, he is not a cultist but Kassandra is known as Deimos, a Sage of the Cult of Kosmos.
13. Why do people prefer Kassandra over Alexios?
Many players prefer Kassandra due to her voice acting, which is often considered to be stronger than Alexios’s. Additionally, the fact that she is the canonical protagonist influences some players’ choice.
14. Can you have a baby in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, through the Legacy of the First Blade DLC, your character can enter into a relationship and have a child with a descendant of Darius. If playing as Alexios, you have a child with the daughter of the proto-Assassin Darius and with the son of Darius if playing as Kassandra.
15. Can you play as Kassandra in other Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, Kassandra makes a return in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of the free Assassin’s Creed Crossover Stories DLC expansion.
Conclusion: Embrace the Choice
While you can’t switch between Alexios and Kassandra mid-game, the option to choose is still a significant part of the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey experience. Whether you prioritize canonical accuracy, voice acting performance, or simply personal preference, the choice is yours. And remember, New Game+ is always there to offer a fresh perspective.
Furthermore, understanding the complexities of character choice in games can be greatly enhanced by exploring research and discussions within the game-based learning community. For more information on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.