Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök a Standalone DLC?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, Dawn of Ragnarök is not a standalone DLC. You absolutely need the base game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, to play it. While it offers a massive, self-contained experience, it functions as an expansion pack and not as a separate, independent game. You cannot simply purchase and play Dawn of Ragnarök without owning Assassin’s Creed Valhalla first. Think of it as a significant addition, like a grand new chapter, rather than a brand-new book in the series. This is a crucial point often misunderstood, so let’s delve into the specifics.
Understanding Dawn of Ragnarök’s Place in the Valhalla Universe
More Than Just Extra Content
Dawn of Ragnarök isn’t just a few extra missions tacked onto the end of Valhalla. It’s the most ambitious expansion pack for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, introducing a whole new realm, Svartalfheim, and allowing you to embody Odin himself on a quest to save his son Baldr. It’s a massive undertaking, with a dedicated storyline, new mechanics, and a plethora of things to discover. This scale often leads to the question of whether it could be played independently, but its design is deeply integrated with Valhalla.
Integration with the Base Game
The DLC’s story, while largely self-contained, is heavily tied to the narrative established in Valhalla, particularly the parts concerning Norse mythology and Eivor’s connection to Odin. Though the story of Ragnarok is centered on Odin, it is considered to be a canon follow-up to Valhalla’s plot, reinforcing Eivor’s connection to Odin as a reincarnation of the Isu. This continuity is important for the overarching narrative of the Assassin’s Creed series and makes the expansion best enjoyed when connected to the core game experience.
Starting the Journey
Although you need Valhalla, you have the choice to jump straight into Dawn of Ragnarök from the main menu. This option provides you with an automatically boosted character to the recommended Power Level, letting you experience the expansion without grinding through the main campaign first. However, this boost only applies to the DLC and anything gained with it does not transfer back to the base game. Any XP, skill points, and items you earn in Dawn of Ragnarök are carried over when you return to England. However, any temporary boosts or items provided specifically for the DLC will only remain available in Svartalfheim. To access the DLC through the main game, you’ll need to have established Valka’s hut in Ravensthorpe, which then unlocks the Restless Dreams quest and the portal to Svartalfheim.
The Story’s Placement
Dawn of Ragnarök is also set before the end of the Asgard arc in the main game. Therefore, even if you have already completed the Asgard arc, the DLC’s content is not affected. It’s crafted to fit seamlessly within the overall timeline, enhancing the overarching narrative and further establishing the relationship between Eivor and Odin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dawn of Ragnarök
Here are 15 common questions to further clarify your understanding of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök:
1. Do I Need to Complete Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to Play Dawn of Ragnarök?
No, you do not need to complete the base game to play Dawn of Ragnarök. You can jump into the expansion directly from the main menu with a boosted character, or access it through Ravensthorpe once you have established Valka’s hut.
2. What is the Recommended Power Level for Dawn of Ragnarök?
The DLC recommends a power level appropriate for late-game content, meaning that, while you can start with a boosted character, the expansion provides a challenge befitting seasoned Valhalla players.
3. Is Dawn of Ragnarök a Separate Game on My Console?
No, Dawn of Ragnarök is not a separate game. It’s an expansion or DLC that is installed alongside the base game. It’s accessible through the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla game, not as a standalone application.
4. What Content Does Dawn of Ragnarök Add?
Dawn of Ragnarök adds a new realm, Svartalfheim, with a completely new map of 41 km², roughly one-third the size of the England map. It features a new storyline revolving around Odin, new enemies, the Hugr-Rip power acquisition system, and a wealth of new gear.
5. Is the Story in Dawn of Ragnarök Canon?
Yes, Dawn of Ragnarök is canon and builds upon the story elements established in Valhalla, particularly the link between Eivor and Odin. Unlike past non-canon expansions, this DLC is deeply integrated into the Assassin’s Creed lore.
6. Is Dawn of Ragnarök Bigger than Previous Assassin’s Creed DLCs?
Yes, Dawn of Ragnarök is by far the largest DLC expansion in the history of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Its size dwarfs previous expansions, including those for Assassin’s Creed Origins.
7. How Long Does It Take to Complete Dawn of Ragnarök?
The average playthrough for the main story is around 10 hours, but a 100% completion can take up to 21 hours. The developers estimate around 35 hours worth of content, making it comparable in length to many full games.
8. What is the Hugr-Rip System?
The Hugr-Rip system is a new mechanic introduced in Dawn of Ragnarök. It allows players to absorb powers from defeated enemies to use against others, adding a new layer of combat strategy and exploration.
9. What Carries Over from Dawn of Ragnarök to the Main Game?
All XP, skill points, and items you earn while playing Dawn of Ragnarök are carried over when you return to England. However, any temporary boosts given to your character at the start of the DLC are unique to Svartalfheim.
10. Is Dawn of Ragnarök the First Part of Odin’s Story?
No, Dawn of Ragnarök is not the beginning of Odin’s story. It continues the saga from Valhalla, focusing on Odin’s journey to save his son Baldr. The Forgotten Saga further continues this storyline.
11. Is the Story in Dawn of Ragnarök Based on Norse Mythology?
Yes, Dawn of Ragnarök delves heavily into Norse mythology, exploring the stories of Odin, Loki, and other gods and monsters. It offers a more fantastical experience compared to the historical elements of the main game.
12. Can I Play Dawn of Ragnarök Before Completing Asgard in the Main Game?
Yes, you can play Dawn of Ragnarök before, during, or after completing the Asgard arc in the main game. The DLC is designed to integrate seamlessly with the timeline, regardless of your progress in Asgard.
13. Why Can’t I Access Dawn of Ragnarök?
To access Dawn of Ragnarök, you must first own the base game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and also have purchased the Dawn of Ragnarök expansion as a separate purchase. Ensure it’s downloaded and installed.
14. What is the Difference Between the Ragnarok Edition and the Complete Edition?
The Ragnarok Edition includes the base game and the Dawn of Ragnarök expansion, while the Complete Edition includes all post-launch content, including all three expansions (Wrath of the Druids, The Siege of Paris, and Dawn of Ragnarök) and other additional content.
15. Is Dawn of Ragnarök Worth the Money?
Whether the DLC is worth the investment depends on your personal preference, but Dawn of Ragnarök is generally considered to be a worthwhile addition for fans of Valhalla, especially those who enjoy the mythological aspects of the game and want a large, new experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök is not a standalone DLC. It’s a robust and ambitious expansion pack that enhances the Valhalla experience with a substantial amount of content and a deep dive into Norse mythology. You need the base game to play it, and its design and narrative are interwoven with Valhalla’s core experience. However, it does offer the option to jump directly into the action with a boosted character, making it accessible for players who may not have finished the main campaign. Understanding its place as an expansion rather than a standalone title is crucial before making a purchase. Hopefully, these FAQs and explanations will provide all the answers you need. Happy gaming!