Conquering Ancient Greece: How to Make Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Easier
So, you’re finding yourself a bit overwhelmed by the world of Ancient Greece in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? Don’t fret, you’re not alone! While the game offers a breathtaking open world and engaging story, its combat and progression systems can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. The simplest answer to how to make AC Odyssey easier is to adjust the difficulty setting. You can do this at any time from the Gameplay menu within the game’s Options. However, that’s just the starting point. Let’s delve into a comprehensive strategy for turning those Spartan struggles into glorious victories.
Understanding the Core Difficulty
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s difficulty isn’t just about enemy health and damage. It’s deeply intertwined with its RPG mechanics, including your level, gear, and abilities. A low-level character facing high-level enemies will always have a tough time, regardless of the chosen difficulty. The game intends for you to engage with side content to level up and acquire better equipment. Ignoring this aspect will make even the “Easy” difficulty feel challenging.
Strategy 1: Difficulty Setting Adjustment
Finding the Right Balance
As mentioned, the first step is to adjust the difficulty setting. Don’t be ashamed to lower it! The game is designed to be enjoyed at various levels, and there’s no penalty for playing on Easy if you’re primarily interested in the story and exploration. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that balances challenge and fun.
- Easy: This mode significantly reduces enemy health and damage, allowing you to focus on the narrative and exploration. It’s perfect for players who are new to action RPGs or just want a relaxed experience.
- Normal: The default difficulty setting provides a balanced challenge for most players. Enemies are reasonably tough, and you’ll need to utilize combat skills and gear effectively.
- Hard: Enemies are more resilient and deal increased damage. This is a good option for players who enjoy a greater challenge and are familiar with the combat mechanics.
- Nightmare: The most challenging difficulty setting, where enemies are extremely powerful and resource management is crucial. This mode is best suited for experienced players who want a hardcore experience.
Dynamic Difficulty
Remember, you can change the difficulty at any point in the game. If you encounter a particularly challenging boss fight or region, don’t hesitate to lower the difficulty temporarily. Once you’ve overcome the obstacle, you can always revert to your preferred setting.
Strategy 2: Leveling Up Effectively
Side Quests are Your Friends
Don’t rush through the main storyline! Side quests are essential for gaining experience points and leveling up. Prioritize quests that are close to your current level, and don’t be afraid to explore and discover new quests along the way.
Synchronization Points are Key
Activating Synchronization Points not only reveals the surrounding map but also provides a small experience boost. Make it a habit to synchronize with new locations as you explore.
Bounties and Contracts
Check the message boards in towns and cities for bounties and contracts. These are repeatable quests that offer rewards for hunting specific enemies or completing tasks. They are a great way to grind for experience and drachmae (the in-game currency).
Strategy 3: Gearing Up for Success
Loot, Loot, Loot
The world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is filled with loot chests. Explore thoroughly and open every chest you find. These chests often contain valuable gear that can significantly improve your character’s stats.
Crafting and Upgrading
Crafting new gear and upgrading existing equipment are crucial for keeping your character competitive. Collect resources by looting enemies, dismantling unwanted gear, and exploring the world. Visit blacksmiths to craft and upgrade your weapons and armor.
Matching Your Gear to Your Build
Pay attention to the stats and perks of your gear. Choose equipment that complements your preferred playstyle. For example, if you prefer a stealthy approach, focus on gear that enhances your Assassin damage and stealth abilities.
Strategy 4: Mastering Combat Skills
Understanding Enemy Weaknesses
Different enemy types have different weaknesses. Experiment with various weapons and abilities to discover the most effective ways to defeat them. For example, heavy weapons are effective against shielded enemies, while fire damage can be devastating against beasts.
Perfecting Dodging and Parrying
Dodging and parrying are essential combat skills. Mastering these techniques will allow you to avoid enemy attacks and create openings for counterattacks. Practice these skills regularly to improve your timing and reflexes.
Utilizing Abilities Wisely
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers a wide range of abilities that can significantly enhance your combat prowess. Experiment with different abilities and find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Don’t forget to upgrade your abilities as you level up.
Strategy 5: Ship Combat and Naval Warfare
Upgrading Your Ship, the Adrestia
Your ship, the Adrestia, is an essential tool for exploration and naval combat. Upgrade your ship regularly to improve its hull strength, ramming power, and arrow barrage.
Recruiting Lieutenants
Recruiting lieutenants for your ship can provide significant buffs and abilities during naval combat. Look for potential recruits in towns and cities, and complete their quests to earn their loyalty.
Bracing and Ramming
Master the art of bracing to reduce damage from enemy attacks and ramming to inflict massive damage on enemy ships. Timing is crucial for both of these techniques.
Strategy 6: Using Ikaros Effectively
Scouting Locations
Your eagle companion, Ikaros, is an invaluable tool for scouting locations and identifying enemies. Use Ikaros to plan your attacks and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Marking Enemies
Ikaros can also mark enemies, making them easier to track during combat. This is especially helpful in large and chaotic battles.
Strategy 7: Don’t Neglect Your Build
Assassin, Warrior, or Hunter?
Decide early on what play style you prefer. Do you like to sneak around and assassinate enemies? Do you prefer to charge in and fight head-on? Or do you favor ranged combat with a bow? Focus your ability points on the skills that enhance your chosen playstyle.
Respeccing is Free!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different builds. You can respec your ability points at any time for a small fee (drachmae). This allows you to adapt your character to different challenges and playstyles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I change the difficulty in AC Odyssey?
You can change the difficulty at any time by going to the Options menu, selecting the Gameplay tab, and adjusting the Game difficulty setting.
2. Why is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey so hard?
The difficulty stems from its RPG mechanics, which require you to level up, acquire better gear, and master combat skills. Simply playing the main storyline without engaging in side content will make the game feel much harder.
3. What is the best difficulty setting for AC Odyssey?
The best difficulty setting is a matter of personal preference. Normal is a good starting point for most players, but don’t hesitate to adjust it based on your skill level and enjoyment.
4. Does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey have an easy mode?
Yes, AC Odyssey has an Easy mode that significantly reduces enemy health and damage, making it easier to progress through the game.
5. Should I play as Alexios or Kassandra?
While the gameplay is the same regardless of your choice, many players prefer Kassandra due to her voice acting and canonical story. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
6. How important is leveling up in AC Odyssey?
Leveling up is crucial in AC Odyssey. Higher levels unlock new abilities and allow you to equip better gear, making you more effective in combat.
7. What should I do if I’m stuck on a difficult boss fight?
If you’re struggling with a boss fight, try lowering the difficulty, upgrading your gear, or respeccing your abilities to better counter the boss’s weaknesses.
8. How do I get better gear in AC Odyssey?
You can acquire better gear by looting chests, completing quests, crafting new equipment, and purchasing items from merchants.
9. What are the best abilities to use in AC Odyssey?
The best abilities depend on your playstyle. Some popular options include Second Wind (for healing), Spartan Kick (for crowd control), and Hero Strike (for dealing massive damage).
10. How do I upgrade my ship in AC Odyssey?
You can upgrade your ship at any port by speaking to the shipwright. Upgrading requires resources such as wood, metal, and drachmae.
11. What are lieutenants and how do I recruit them?
Lieutenants are NPCs that you can recruit to serve on your ship. They provide buffs and abilities during naval combat. You can recruit lieutenants by completing their quests or knocking them out and recruiting them.
12. How do I use Ikaros effectively?
Use Ikaros to scout locations, identify enemies, and mark targets. Ikaros can also distract enemies, giving you an opportunity to sneak past them.
13. Is it possible to respec my abilities in AC Odyssey?
Yes, you can respec your abilities at any time by visiting a blacksmith and paying a small fee (drachmae).
14. How long does it take to beat Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Finishing the main story of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes the player 42 hours on average. Under a completionist run, however, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is the leader at a whopping length of 132 hours!
15. Where can I learn more about game design and its impact on learning?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource for learning more about game design and its potential for educational purposes. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, articles, and community discussions.
Conclusion
Making Assassin’s Creed Odyssey easier is a multi-faceted approach. By adjusting the difficulty setting, leveling up effectively, gearing up for success, mastering combat skills, and utilizing all the tools at your disposal, you can transform your experience from a challenging struggle to an enjoyable adventure through Ancient Greece. Remember, there’s no shame in playing on Easy or Normal if that’s what allows you to have the most fun. Embrace the journey, explore the world, and become a legend in your own right!