Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage Take Place After Valhalla? A Deep Dive
The answer is a resounding no. Assassin’s Creed Mirage does not take place after Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Mirage is a prequel to Valhalla, significantly preceding the events of Eivor’s Viking saga. It delves into the formative years of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a complex character who later plays a crucial role in Valhalla. Mirage is set approximately twenty years before the events of Valhalla, allowing players to witness Basim’s transformation from a street thief to a Master Assassin within the Hidden Ones organization. This temporal positioning is critical for understanding the narrative connections between the two games and appreciating the full scope of Basim’s arc.
Understanding the Timeline: Mirage Before Valhalla
The Assassin’s Creed franchise, renowned for its intricate storylines weaving historical events with a fictional narrative, can sometimes be confusing in terms of timeline. Mirage slots into this puzzle piece by showcasing Basim’s early life in 9th-century Baghdad, a city at the height of its cultural and economic power during the Abbasid Caliphate. Players experience Basim’s life as a street thief who gets entangled in a larger conspiracy, leading him to join the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. This occurs around 861 AD.
Valhalla, on the other hand, primarily takes place in the late 9th century (around 872-878 AD), during the Viking expansion into England. The game sees Basim, now an older and more experienced figure, interacting with Eivor, the Viking raider. The significant time jump between the two games highlights the transformation Basim undergoes, not just in terms of his skills but also his underlying motivations and the presence of the Isu entity, Loki, within him.
The purpose of making Mirage a prequel is to provide players with a deeper understanding of Basim’s background, motivations, and the events that ultimately lead him down a particular path within Valhalla’s narrative. It’s a significant piece of the lore, essential for fans who want to grasp the full picture of Basim’s complexity.
How Mirage Sets Up Valhalla
While a prequel, Mirage is designed to seamlessly feed into Valhalla. It elucidates the origins of Basim’s training, his initial affiliations with the Hidden Ones, and the deep-seated resentment he harbors. A major aspect revealed in Mirage is the integration of the Isu identity into Basim, something that’s only hinted at in Valhalla, where it’s revealed he’s a reincarnation of Loki. Mirage further explores the role of Nehal, a manifestation of Loki’s memories within Basim, which significantly impacts his actions and goals.
The events in Mirage, including Basim’s training, his personal traumas, and his rising prominence within the Hidden Ones, directly influence his mindset and actions in Valhalla. This makes Mirage crucial to understanding Basim’s role as a complex antagonist/mentor within Valhalla. Players witness the initial seeds of his ambition, his lust for revenge, and the emerging presence of Loki, setting the stage for the events that transpire later in the Viking saga.
Moreover, Mirage sheds light on the origins of the Hidden Ones, showcasing the organization’s development into what is more commonly known as the Assassin Brotherhood in later games. It explores their operational methods, their organizational structure, and their philosophical underpinnings, providing valuable context for the larger Assassin’s Creed narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Basim in Mirage the same as in Valhalla?
Yes, it’s the same Basim Ibn Ishaq in both games. However, Mirage showcases a younger and more idealistic Basim before the events of Valhalla, where he’s portrayed as a more jaded and vengeful character due to the influence of Loki’s memories.
2. Does Mirage show the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood?
Yes, Mirage demonstrates the formation of the Hidden Ones which is the precursor of the Assassins. It highlights their early practices and the principles that would later form the basis for the Assassin Brotherhood.
3. Will the Templars be in AC Mirage?
Yes, the Order of Ancients, the precursors to the Templars, will be present in Mirage. This game continues the timeless struggle between the Assassins and the Templars, a core element of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
4. Is AC Mirage a mainline entry in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Yes, it’s a standalone mainline entry in the series, distinct from side games or expansions. Mirage focuses on a more traditional, action-focused gameplay style reminiscent of earlier Assassin’s Creed games.
5. Where does AC Mirage fit into the Assassin’s Creed timeline?
Mirage is set approximately 900 years after Assassin’s Creed Origins and about 20 years before Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and roughly 300 years before the first Assassin’s Creed game.
6. Is Basim Altaïr’s father?
No, Basim is not Altaïr’s father. Altaïr’s father is Umar Ibn-La’Ahad. However, there’s a possibility that Basim could be a direct ancestor of Altaïr due to the shared resemblance.
7. Is Basim secretly Loki in AC Mirage?
Yes, Basim is ultimately revealed to be the reincarnation of Loki in Valhalla. Mirage shows the early influence of Loki within him, where Nehal is a manifestation of Loki’s memories.
8. Is Basim a villain in AC Valhalla?
Yes, Basim is arguably the main antagonist in Valhalla. He secretly acts as a mentor to Eivor while secretly plotting revenge against Eivor for killing his “son”.
9. Why does Basim hate Eivor?
Basim’s hatred for Eivor is rooted in his Isu past where he, as Loki, seeks vengeance on Odin (reincarnated as Eivor) and others for the imprisonment of his son Fenrir.
10. Why does Basim look different in Mirage compared to Valhalla?
The difference in appearance is due to the time gap between the games. Mirage shows a younger Basim, while in Valhalla he’s older and altered by his experiences and the influence of Loki.
11. What’s the setting of AC Mirage?
The game is set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate, immersing players in a historically rich and vibrant city.
12. Why did Loki possess Basim?
Loki’s consciousness entered Basim after the loss of Basim’s son in the past. Basim’s pain and grief made him susceptible to Loki’s influence.
13. Is female Eivor the canonical version in Valhalla?
Yes, female Eivor Varinsdottir is the canon version of the character.
14. Did Basim use Layla?
Yes, in the modern-day storyline of Valhalla, Basim manipulates Layla Hassan into setting him free from his confinement in the Isu device.
15. Who will the player control in Mirage?
The player will control Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief turned Assassin as he navigates 9th-century Baghdad.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Mirage serves as an essential prequel to Valhalla, filling in the gaps of Basim’s past and providing a deeper understanding of his character. Rather than taking place after, it lays the groundwork for the complex storyline present in Valhalla, making it an important game for series fans.