Is it Okay to Play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Before Origins? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely, it is perfectly okay to play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey before Assassin’s Creed Origins. While there are loose narrative connections in the overarching Assassin’s Creed universe, Odyssey and Origins function largely as standalone experiences, particularly concerning their main storylines. Odyssey’s historical plot takes place around 431–422 BC, approximately four centuries before Origins, which is set in Ancient Egypt. Therefore, playing Odyssey first won’t spoil any major plot points or character arcs central to Origins. Consider playing Assassin’s Creed in any order to maximize your experience with these amazing games.
Why You Can Jump Into Odyssey First
The Assassin’s Creed franchise, while having a central lore, often presents stories set centuries apart. The “modern-day” storyline, featuring Layla Hassan, does provide a connective tissue between Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, but its impact on understanding each game’s core narrative is minimal. In short, you aren’t missing out on any important historical lore by playing in a different order.
Furthermore, Odyssey and Origins, along with Valhalla, represent a shift towards a more role-playing game (RPG)-focused design. This means each game prioritizes its individual narrative, character development, and world-building, making them enjoyable irrespective of prior knowledge.
Odyssey and Origins: Key Differences and Similarities
Understanding the subtle differences between Odyssey and Origins can help you make an informed decision about which to play first. While both games share similar gameplay mechanics, such as open-world exploration, combat, and stealth, they differ in specific areas:
- Setting: Odyssey is set in Ancient Greece, offering a vibrant and diverse world of islands, city-states, and mythological creatures. Origins, on the other hand, is set in Ancient Egypt, presenting a landscape of deserts, pyramids, and bustling cities along the Nile.
- Protagonist: In Odyssey, you choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, two Spartan siblings with unique abilities and storylines. Origins features Bayek, a Medjay protector seeking revenge for the death of his son.
- Story Focus: Odyssey explores themes of family, fate, and mythology, with a strong emphasis on choice and consequence. Origins focuses on revenge, justice, and the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood.
- RPG Elements: Odyssey features a more extensive dialogue system, allowing players to make choices that impact the story and character relationships. It also has a greater emphasis on character customization and skill progression.
- Map Size: Odyssey‘s map is significantly larger than Origins’, offering more to explore and discover.
Learning Through Play
Many players and developers are finding ways to utilize games for learning. Organizations, like the Games Learning Society, are committed to researching games and their connections to learning and education. For more insights into how games enhance learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey without playing Origins?
Yes, as the article states, you can absolutely play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey without playing Origins. The overarching story has some connecting threads, but the stories are designed to stand on their own.
2. Is Origins before or after Odyssey?
The events of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey take place approximately 400 years before Assassin’s Creed Origins. Odyssey is set in Ancient Greece (431–422 BC), while Origins is set in Ancient Egypt (49–47 BC).
3. Is it OK to start with Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to start with Assassin’s Creed Origins. It was a popular entry point for many players when it was released and is well-regarded as a solid game in the series.
4. Is it OK to play Assassin’s Creed not in order?
Yes, it’s OK to play Assassin’s Creed games out of order. While there are some overarching themes, each game has its own self-contained story. The modern-day story is the only thing that loosely connect the franchise.
5. Can you play as a girl in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, you can choose to play as either Kassandra (female) or Alexios (male). Kassandra is the canonical protagonist.
6. Is Bayek related to Kassandra?
According to some, Bayek, Alexios, and Kassandra are all loosely related due to the Isu DNA found in their bloodlines, but Layla isn’t related to them.
7. Should you play as Alexios or Kassandra?
If you care about the canonical story, Kassandra is the preferred choice as she is the canon protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
8. How long is Odyssey before Origins?
The historical plot of Odyssey is set approximately 400 years before the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins.
9. Which game is bigger, Origins or Odyssey?
Odyssey is bigger than Origins. Odyssey‘s map is roughly 130km squared, while Origins‘ map is around 80km squared.
10. Should I play Odyssey and Origins before Valhalla?
While not required, playing Odyssey and Origins before Valhalla can provide a better understanding of the modern-day storyline and the evolution of the gameplay mechanics. However, each game is designed to be enjoyed independently.
11. Are Origins and Odyssey the same game?
Origins and Odyssey share similar gameplay mechanics and open-world structure, but they have different settings, protagonists, and stories. Odyssey is often considered a “side-grade” rather than a direct sequel.
12. Can you play Assassin’s Creed Origins after the main story?
Yes, once you complete the main story of Assassin’s Creed Origins, you unlock New Game +, allowing you to replay the game with your existing character and progress.
13. Does Bayek appear in Odyssey?
Yes, Bayek makes a non-canonical appearance in Odyssey as a simulated lieutenant on the player’s ship, the Adrestia.
14. Is Alexios dying canon?
Yes, Alexios’ death is considered canon. The ending where Kassandra kills Alexios is the official version of events.
15. Which Assassin’s Creed is best?
The “best” Assassin’s Creed game is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, some of the most highly-rated games in the series include Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.