Is It OK to Start with Assassin’s Creed Origins? A Comprehensive Guide
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Absolutely! Starting your Assassin’s Creed journey with Assassin’s Creed Origins is not only okay, but it’s arguably one of the best entry points into this sprawling franchise. Origins represents a significant shift in the series’ gameplay mechanics and narrative style, making it a welcoming experience for newcomers without sacrificing the core elements that define Assassin’s Creed. Its self-contained story, engaging protagonist, and refined open-world design provide a strong foundation for understanding and appreciating the rest of the series, regardless of whether you choose to explore the earlier or later installments.
Why Origins Makes a Great Starting Point
A Fresh Start for the Series
Origins marked a turning point for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, moving away from its more linear, stealth-focused roots and embracing a more open-world RPG approach. This shift included significant changes to the combat system, skill trees, and loot mechanics, making it feel like a fresh experience even for long-time fans. For new players, this means you won’t be burdened by older, potentially clunkier mechanics and design choices. You are starting with a more modern gaming experience.
A Standalone Story
While the Assassin’s Creed games are connected by an overarching narrative involving the modern-day conflict between Assassins and Templars, the historical storylines are largely self-contained. Origins tells the story of Bayek of Siwa and his wife Aya, and the founding of the Hidden Ones (the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood). This narrative is compelling on its own, providing a complete and satisfying experience without requiring prior knowledge of the franchise’s lore. Any connections to previous games are subtle nods that enhance the experience but are by no means necessary for understanding the plot.
Accessible Gameplay
The updated gameplay mechanics in Origins are designed to be more accessible and intuitive for new players. The combat system is more dynamic and engaging, the skill tree allows for customized character builds, and the open world is filled with interesting activities and quests to keep you entertained. Furthermore, Origins features a well-designed tutorial system that gradually introduces you to the game’s various mechanics and features, ensuring you’re never overwhelmed by the complexity of the game.
Stunning Visuals and World Design
Origins is set in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, a rich and visually stunning setting that is meticulously recreated in the game. The vibrant colors, detailed environments, and impressive architecture create a truly immersive experience that will captivate you from the moment you start playing. Exploring the vast deserts, lush oases, and bustling cities of Egypt is a joy in itself, and the game’s photo mode allows you to capture and share your favorite moments.
What to Know Before Diving In
The Core Concepts
While Origins is a great starting point, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the core concepts of the Assassin’s Creed franchise:
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The Assassins and Templars: These are two opposing factions that have been locked in a secret war for centuries. The Assassins believe in free will and strive to protect humanity from oppression, while the Templars believe in order and control and seek to impose their vision on the world.
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The Animus: This is a device that allows modern-day characters to relive the memories of their ancestors, who were often involved in the Assassin-Templar conflict.
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The Creed: This is the set of principles that guide the Assassins’ actions, including “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
Gameplay Tips for Beginners
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Utilize Senu, Your Eagle Companion: Senu is an eagle that serves as your aerial scout, allowing you to survey the environment, locate enemies, and discover points of interest.
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Focus on Stealth: While combat is an option, stealth is often the preferred approach in Assassin’s Creed games. Use cover, distractions, and assassinations to eliminate enemies without raising alarms.
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Upgrade Your Gear: Collect resources and craft new weapons and armor to improve your combat effectiveness.
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Complete Side Quests: Side quests provide valuable experience points, resources, and lore, and they often offer unique and engaging stories.
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Explore the World: Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore the vast open world of Ancient Egypt. You’ll discover hidden treasures, ancient ruins, and breathtaking vistas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it necessary to play the Assassin’s Creed games in order?
No, it’s not strictly necessary. While there is an overarching narrative, the historical storylines are largely self-contained, and you can enjoy most of the games without prior knowledge of the franchise. However, playing the games in order can enhance your appreciation for the overall story and character development.
2. Does Assassin’s Creed Origins have a strong connection to the other games?
Origins serves as a prequel to the entire franchise, exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood. While it does connect to the overarching narrative, it’s largely self-contained and can be enjoyed without playing the previous games. There are references that long-time fans will appreciate, but they are not essential to understanding the story.
3. What are the key differences between Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which takes place after the events of Origins in Ancient Greece, expands upon the RPG elements introduced in Origins. It features a larger world, more character customization options, and dialogue choices that impact the story. Combat is similar, but Odyssey introduces new abilities and a more robust naval combat system.
4. Is Assassin’s Creed Origins a difficult game for beginners?
No, Origins is designed to be accessible for new players. The gameplay mechanics are intuitive, the tutorial system is comprehensive, and the difficulty can be adjusted to suit your skill level. With some practice and patience, anyone can enjoy this game.
5. How long does it take to beat Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The main story of Assassin’s Creed Origins takes around 30 hours to complete. If you want to complete all the side quests and explore the entire world, you can easily spend 80+ hours in the game.
6. Is Assassin’s Creed Origins worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! Assassin’s Creed Origins remains a visually stunning, immersive, and engaging game. Its captivating story, compelling characters, and refined gameplay mechanics make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and long-time fans of the franchise.
7. What are some essential skills to unlock early in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Some essential skills to unlock early include:
- Hunter Bow Mastery: Increases damage with hunter bows.
- Assassination Expertise: Improves assassination damage.
- Regeneration: Allows you to regenerate health during combat.
- Sleep Darts: Allows you to put enemies to sleep from a distance.
8. Which is better to play first, Origins or Odyssey?
For a new player, Origins is generally recommended. It introduces the new RPG mechanics of the recent installments in a more digestible way and has a slightly tighter narrative. Playing Origins first makes Odyssey’s more complex systems and larger world feel less overwhelming.
9. What is the recommended PC specification for playing Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The minimum and recommended PC specifications for Assassin’s Creed Origins are:
- Minimum: Intel Core i5-2400s @ 2.5 GHz or AMD FX-6350 @ 3.9 GHz, 6GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD R9 270 (2GB VRAM)
- Recommended: Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.5 GHz or AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0 GHz, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD R9 290X (4GB VRAM)
10. What are the different editions of Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The different editions of Assassin’s Creed Origins include:
- Standard Edition: Includes the base game.
- Deluxe Edition: Includes the base game and the Deluxe Pack, which contains various in-game items and weapons.
- Gold Edition: Includes the base game, the Deluxe Pack, and the Season Pass, which grants access to all DLC expansions.
11. Are there any notable DLC expansions for Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, there are two major DLC expansions for Assassin’s Creed Origins:
- The Hidden Ones: Takes place several years after the main story and sees Bayek and Aya fighting against the Roman occupation in the Sinai Peninsula.
- The Curse of the Pharaohs: Explores Egyptian mythology and takes Bayek to a supernatural realm filled with mythical creatures and pharaohs.
12. What is the significance of the setting of Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The setting of Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period is significant because it allows players to witness the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood. The game explores the historical events and cultural influences that led to the formation of this iconic organization.
13. Does Assassin’s Creed Origins have a multiplayer mode?
No, Assassin’s Creed Origins is a single-player game and does not feature a multiplayer mode.
14. Are there any educational aspects to Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Origins features a “Discovery Tour” mode, which allows players to explore Ancient Egypt without combat or story elements. This mode provides educational insights into the history, culture, and daily life of ancient Egyptians. This aligns with the principles championed by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the potential of games in educational settings. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
15. What should I play after Assassin’s Creed Origins?
After completing Assassin’s Creed Origins, you can continue the modern RPG style of Assassin’s Creed with Odyssey and then Valhalla. Alternatively, if you enjoy the core Assassin’s Creed gameplay, you can explore earlier titles.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Origins is an excellent starting point for the franchise. Its engaging story, accessible gameplay, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for both newcomers and veteran fans. So, dive in and experience the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood!