Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok a Standalone Game? Unpacking the Expansion
No, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok is not a standalone game. It is an expansion pack for the base game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Think of it like a massive, self-contained story chapter that requires the original game to run. You can’t just pop Dawn of Ragnarok into your console or PC and expect it to work without Valhalla already installed and ready to go. The relationship between them is symbiotic; Dawn of Ragnarok enriches and expands upon the Valhalla experience, but it’s fundamentally dependent on it.
Think of it this way: Valhalla is the canvas, and Dawn of Ragnarok is a vibrant, detailed painting added to it. This distinction is crucial because it impacts how you access and play the expansion, as well as what content you can expect. While Dawn of Ragnarok offers a significant amount of new content – a new map, new abilities, new enemies, and a lengthy storyline – it’s all grafted onto the existing framework of Valhalla. Let’s delve deeper into what that means and answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this ambitious expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dawn of Ragnarok
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to give you a comprehensive overview of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok.
1. Do I need to own Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to play Dawn of Ragnarok?
Yes, generally, you need to own the base game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to play Dawn of Ragnarok. However, there’s a caveat. If you’ve never played Valhalla, you can still access the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC right away and you will be limited to Svartalfheim exclusively. From the main menu, select New Game, then choose the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC. You’ll be given a pre-upgraded character who you can use only for the DLC.
2. Is Dawn of Ragnarok included in the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Season Pass?
No, Dawn of Ragnarok is not included in the original Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Season Pass. The Season Pass covers the first two major DLCs, Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris. To experience Dawn of Ragnarok, you’ll need to purchase it separately.
3. What is Dawn of Ragnarok about?
Dawn of Ragnarok plunges Eivor into the role of Odin, also known as Havi, as they journey into the mythical dwarven realm of Svartalfheim. The story revolves around Odin’s desperate quest to rescue his son, Baldr, who has been captured by the fire giant Surtr. Expect a heavy dose of Norse mythology, fantastical creatures, and powerful new abilities as you traverse this vibrant and dangerous world.
4. How do I access Dawn of Ragnarok in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
To unlock the Dawn of Ragnarok content after downloading it, you’ll need to have established Valka’s hut in Ravensthorpe. This is a key milestone in the main Valhalla storyline. Once Valka’s hut is built, a new quest called “Restless Dreams” will become available, serving as a prelude to the Dawn of Ragnarok storyline and transporting you to Svartalfheim.
5. Can I play as Eivor in Dawn of Ragnarok?
While you’re essentially embodying Odin/Havi in Dawn of Ragnarok, the game cleverly weaves this into the narrative through Eivor’s dreams and visions. You play as Eivor in a dream-like state, experiencing the events as Odin. You can choose to play as either male or female Eivor, influencing the Havi you play as in the expansion.
6. How long is Dawn of Ragnarok?
Dawn of Ragnarok offers a substantial amount of gameplay. Focusing solely on the main story will take roughly 10-21 hours. Completionists aiming to explore every nook and cranny and complete all side quests can expect to spend significantly longer, potentially 30 hours or more.
7. Is Dawn of Ragnarok bigger than previous Assassin’s Creed expansions?
Yes, Dawn of Ragnarok is considered one of the most ambitious and largest expansions in the history of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It is comparable to the size of Assassin’s Creed Origins story.
8. What new features does Dawn of Ragnarok introduce?
Dawn of Ragnarok introduces several new gameplay mechanics, including the Hugr-Rip, a powerful artifact that allows Odin to steal abilities from fallen enemies. These abilities range from teleportation and shapeshifting to elemental powers like fire and ice. The expansion also features new enemy types, divine weapons and armor, and a vast new open world to explore.
9. Does my progress in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla carry over to Dawn of Ragnarok?
Yes, your character’s progression in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, including your level, skills, and gear, will carry over to Dawn of Ragnarok. However, it’s recommended to have a power level of at least 340 to effectively tackle the challenges the expansion presents. If you start a New Game, you’ll be given a pre-upgraded character to use only for the DLC.
10. What happens after I finish Dawn of Ragnarok?
After completing the main storyline of Dawn of Ragnarok, you’ll be able to return to Ravensthorpe in England and continue your Valhalla adventure with all the XP, skill points, and items you’ve acquired in Svartalfheim. There’s also a post-credit cutscene that hints at future storylines.
11. Is Dawn of Ragnarok considered canon within the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Despite its departure from historical accuracy and embrace of Norse mythology, Dawn of Ragnarok is considered canon within the Assassin’s Creed universe. It explores the Isu connections and the blurred lines between myth and reality that are core to the franchise’s lore.
12. Can I return to Svartalfheim after completing Dawn of Ragnarok?
Yes, you can freely travel back and forth between England and Svartalfheim after completing the main story in Dawn of Ragnarok. This allows you to continue exploring the world, completing side quests, and collecting any remaining items. To return to the lands of Svartalfheim, you will occasionally get back to Ravensthorpe to rest and for the main quest.
13. What are the PC requirements for running Dawn of Ragnarok?
The PC requirements for Dawn of Ragnarok are generally similar to those of the base game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. However, given the expansion’s increased graphical fidelity and larger scale, it’s recommended to have a slightly more powerful system for optimal performance. Be sure to check the official Ubisoft website for the specific minimum and recommended PC specifications.
14. Is Dawn of Ragnarok worth buying?
Whether Dawn of Ragnarok is worth buying depends on your enjoyment of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and your interest in Norse mythology. If you loved the base game and are eager for more content with a fantastical twist, then Dawn of Ragnarok offers a compelling and lengthy experience.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of games on society?
For anyone interested in the broader academic conversation around game design, learning, and the impact of games on society, the Games Learning Society is an invaluable resource. Check out their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their conferences, publications, and community. The Games Learning Society offers insights and research at the intersection of games and education.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok is a substantial and engaging expansion pack that builds upon the foundations of the base game. While it’s not a standalone title, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for players who are invested in the world of Valhalla and eager to explore the mythology of the Norse gods.