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Does Picking Alexios or Kassandra Matter in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

In short, while the choice between Alexios and Kassandra is presented as a pivotal decision at the start of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the truth is that it matters far less than many players initially believe. Gameplay-wise, the two characters are virtually identical, boasting the same skill trees, combat abilities, and story progression. The core narrative remains consistent regardless of your selection. The primary impact lies in the character’s portrayal within the story: one becomes the protagonist, and the other assumes the role of Deimos, the game’s main antagonist (though this is canonical in favor of Alexios being the antagonist and Kassandra being the Eagle Bearer). Therefore, the weight of your decision rests more on your personal preference for a playable character and their respective voice acting rather than a game-altering divergence.

Deeper Dive: The Illusion of Choice

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey cleverly creates an illusion of profound choice. The game leads you to believe that selecting either Alexios or Kassandra will dramatically alter your journey through ancient Greece. However, this is not entirely the case. Let’s break down the key areas where this choice does – and doesn’t – matter:

Gameplay Mechanics: Absolutely no difference exists in terms of gameplay. Both characters handle identically. They have the same movesets, utilize the same weapons, and can acquire the same abilities. Whether you choose Alexios or Kassandra, you’ll still be parrying Spartan spears, leaping from Athenian rooftops, and assassinating targets with equal proficiency. The DPS levels and upgrade paths are also mirrored, ensuring a level playing field regardless of your selection.
Story Arc: The overarching story remains the same. You are a descendant of King Leonidas, cast out as a child and forced to survive as a mercenary. The Odyssey to uncover your family history, confront the Cult of Kosmos, and discover your destiny unfolds identically whether you’re playing as Alexios or Kassandra. Key events, such as encounters with historical figures like Socrates and Aspasia, also remain unchanged.
Dialogue and Romance Options: Surprisingly, the dialogue options available to you don’t shift depending on your chosen character. Both Alexios and Kassandra can select the same responses in conversations, allowing them to shape their relationships and make choices that influence the narrative’s direction (albeit within the predetermined framework). Furthermore, all romance options are available to both characters. Whether you prefer to woo a charming pirate or a stoic Spartan warrior, your romantic pursuits are not limited by your character selection.
Character Portrayal and Voice Acting: Here’s where the difference becomes most apparent and impactful. Many players find Kassandra’s voice acting to be superior to Alexios’, leading to a more engaging and believable protagonist. She is often perceived as more nuanced and emotionally resonant, while Alexios sometimes comes across as a less convincing and somewhat generic action hero. This perception has significantly contributed to Kassandra’s popularity as the preferred character.
Canon and Narrative Intent: While the developers initially left the choice open to players, the official canon has since established Kassandra as the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This is supported by the novelization of the game and narrative cues woven into later Assassin’s Creed entries. While both experiences are valid, understanding the narrative’s intended perspective can influence your decision.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q1: Is there any difference in combat between Alexios and Kassandra?

No, there is absolutely no difference. Both characters have the same combat abilities, weapon proficiencies, and upgrade paths.

Q2: Does the story change depending on who I pick?

The core story remains the same. The overarching narrative of family, revenge, and self-discovery is consistent.

Q3: Are the romance options different for Alexios and Kassandra?

No, all romance options are available to both characters regardless of gender.

Q4: Who is the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

Kassandra is the canon protagonist. This is supported by the novelization and later Assassin’s Creed entries.

Q5: Why do many players prefer Kassandra?

Many players prefer Kassandra due to her perceived superior voice acting and more nuanced character portrayal.

Q6: Does choosing one character affect the ending?

No, the potential endings are the same regardless of your choice of character. The ending you achieve depends on the choices you make throughout the game, particularly regarding your family. To achieve the “best” ending, you will need to make specific decisions in relation to your family.

Q7: Does it matter who I side with in conquests?

No, siding with either Sparta or Athens in conquest battles doesn’t affect the main story. The primary difference is the rewards you receive, with the defending side often offering slightly better gear.

Q8: Is Alexios a bad character?

While Alexios can be a perfectly enjoyable character to play, many find his voice acting and portrayal as Deimos less compelling than Kassandra’s. However, this is subjective, and some players prefer him.

Q9: How does the character choice affect the role of Deimos?

Whoever you don’t choose to play as the protagonist becomes Deimos, the brainwashed enforcer of the Cult of Kosmos.

Q10: Is one character stronger than the other?

Gameplay-wise, they are identical in strength and abilities. The perceived strength difference is primarily due to narrative portrayal and voice acting.

Q11: What happens to Deimos if I choose Alexios?

If you choose Alexios, Kassandra becomes Deimos.

Q12: Can I change my character choice after starting the game?

No, you cannot change your character choice after starting the game. You would need to start a new game to play as the other character.

Q13: Is Alexios or Kassandra considered a demigod?

Yes, both Alexios and Kassandra are descendants of Leonidas and possess Isu DNA, effectively making them demigods.

Q14: What if I can’t decide between Alexios and Kassandra?

If you’re truly torn, consider watching gameplay videos of both characters to see which voice acting and portrayal resonates with you more. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Q15: Does this choice have any relevance to the Assassin’s Creed lore?

Yes, the game links into the overarching Assassin’s Creed lore by revealing the characters’ connection to the Isu and their influence on the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood. Kassandra is considered a precursor to the Brotherhood.

Final Verdict: It’s About Personal Preference

While the choice between Alexios and Kassandra initially seems significant, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. The gameplay, story, and romance options remain largely unchanged. The biggest difference lies in the character’s portrayal, particularly the voice acting. Kassandra’s performance is widely praised, contributing to her status as the canon protagonist. However, if you prefer Alexios, you’re not missing out on any essential gameplay content. Choose the character that resonates with you more, and embark on your Odyssey through ancient Greece.

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Does picking Alexios or Kassandra matter?