Does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Take Place Before Valhalla?
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Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey definitively takes place before Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The timeline of the Assassin’s Creed series is quite complex, but this specific relationship is clear-cut. Odyssey is set in ancient Greece, between 431 and 422 BCE, during the Peloponnesian War. In contrast, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set centuries later, between 872 and 878 AD, during the Viking expansion into the British Isles. This means a substantial time difference of over a thousand years separates the two games. Understanding this chronological distinction is crucial for grasping the larger narrative and lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Understanding the Timeline: A Historical Perspective
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is known for its intricate blend of historical settings and fictional narratives. Each game is carefully placed within a specific time period, and understanding this chronology is key to appreciating the overall story. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a prequel to many of the other titles, taking place before the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Despite the absence of these organizations, Odyssey features powerful Isu artifacts, including the Spear of Leonidas, which have significant implications for the lore of the series.
In contrast, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set after the establishment of these factions. It follows the Viking raids into England and depicts a time period where the conflict between the Hidden Ones (forerunners to the Assassins) and the Order of the Ancients (forerunners to the Templars) is already underway. This substantial chronological gap between the two titles highlights the evolution of the series’ lore and the different historical contexts explored by the games.
Character Connections and Crossovers
Although separated by centuries, the games do intersect through unique crossover events. One notable instance is the Assassin’s Creed Crossover Stories, which directly connects Valhalla and Odyssey. This event features Kassandra, the canon protagonist of Odyssey, appearing in Valhalla during a quest line on the Isle of Skye. During the quest, Eivor, the main character of Valhalla, encounters Kassandra, who is searching for an Isu artifact. This interaction acknowledges the vastly different time periods they inhabit, as Kassandra is effectively over a thousand years old due to the power of the Isu artifact.
Another intriguing connection exists through the character Randvi in Valhalla. Her visual resemblance to Kassandra leads Eivor to mistakenly call out to her, resulting in the unexpected reveal of Kassandra. This emphasizes how the past is still relevant and connected to the present in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the relationship between Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and further contextualize their place in the series:
1. Where does Assassin’s Creed Origins fit in the timeline relative to Odyssey and Valhalla?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is set after Odyssey but before Valhalla. It takes place in ancient Egypt around 49-47 BC, after Odyssey but hundreds of years before Valhalla. Origins establishes the Hidden Ones, the forerunners to the Assassin Brotherhood.
2. Is the map size of Odyssey bigger than Valhalla?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has a larger map than Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Odyssey’s Greece is the largest map in the franchise to date, whereas Valhalla’s combined maps of England and Norway are second largest.
3. Who is the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Kassandra is considered the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, chosen by the writers for the official novel and the story of the game. Though players can choose between Kassandra and Alexios, the narrative is generally considered to flow more naturally with Kassandra.
4. Why does Kassandra appear in Valhalla?
Kassandra appears in the Assassin’s Creed Crossover Stories as part of a quest line where she is hunting for an Isu artifact on the Isle of Skye. This crossover event bridges the gap between the two games despite their historical differences.
5. How old is Kassandra in Valhalla?
Given that Valhalla takes place near the end of the 9th century AD and Kassandra was born in the 5th century BC, she would be roughly 1,300 years old in Valhalla. This extended lifespan is attributed to the power of the Isu artifact.
6. Who is the first Assassin?
While Darius was an early adopter of the Hidden Ones’ beliefs, Bayek of Siwa is considered the first true Assassin, as he and his wife Aya founded the Hidden Ones and formalized their creed in Origins.
7. Is there a crossover between AC Odyssey and Valhalla?
Yes, the Assassin’s Creed Crossover Stories provide a direct crossover between the games. The Valhalla quest introduces the Isle of Skye, where Eivor interacts with Kassandra.
8. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage set before Valhalla?
Yes, while the modern-day framing story in Assassin’s Creed Mirage succeeds Valhalla’s, its historical timeframe precedes that of Valhalla. Mirage is set in 9th century Baghdad.
9. Are there Assassins in Odyssey?
No, there are no Assassins in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The game takes place centuries before the formation of the Hidden Ones, and they do not yet exist.
10. Which Assassin’s Creed game is considered the best?
While opinions vary, Assassin’s Creed II is often cited as the best game in the series by critics and fans alike.
11. Who is the strongest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
There is no definitive consensus, but Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad, and Kassandra are often considered among the most powerful Assassins in the series.
12. Why do many people prefer Kassandra over Alexios?
Many find that Kassandra’s character fits the heroic role better, with her expressions and demeanor being better suited for someone who is saving the Greek world from a powerful cult.
13. Is romancing Randvi in Valhalla a bad idea?
Romancing Randvi is not necessarily a bad idea, but it can potentially impact the ending of the game. It’s avoidable if you’re careful, but it can cause narrative issues if done at the wrong time. You can safely romance her after she and Sigurd break up.
14. What happens if you betray Sigurd in Valhalla?
Repeated negative choices in interactions with Sigurd can lead to him leaving England at the end of the game. However, one final choice in the end can mitigate a bad decision.
15. Which is the longest Assassin’s Creed game?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has the longest main story among the Assassin’s Creed titles, requiring a significant number of hours to complete. However, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey often takes more time to fully complete when considering all side missions and activities.
Conclusion
In summary, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is indeed set before Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, by a substantial margin of over a thousand years. This chronological distinction is essential for understanding the narrative context and the evolution of the franchise’s lore. The occasional crossovers and character interactions, like Kassandra’s appearance in Valhalla, serve to create a cohesive universe, highlighting that the past and present of the Assassin’s Creed world are inextricably linked. By understanding this timeline, players can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Assassin’s Creed saga.