Is it Possible to Not Betray Sigurd in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! It is indeed possible to navigate the complex storyline of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla without incurring Sigurd’s wrath and securing the “good” ending. While the game presents numerous choices that can strain your relationship, understanding which actions to avoid and which to embrace is key to maintaining his loyalty and achieving a positive outcome. This guide will break down the critical decisions, explain their impact, and provide a roadmap to ensure Eivor and Sigurd remain on good terms.
Navigating the Choices: A Path to Loyalty
The core of preserving your bond with Sigurd revolves around making decisions that respect his authority, honor, and perspective. Throughout the game, you’ll face several pivotal moments that test your allegiance. Avoiding certain actions will earn you “loyalty points” with Sigurd, directly influencing the game’s conclusion. These choices largely dictate Sigurd’s opinion of you and whether he will choose to remain in England with you at the end of the main storyline.
The Five Key Strikes Against Sigurd
The game essentially tracks five major decisions. Making too many “wrong” choices results in a negative ending where Sigurd feels betrayed and distances himself from Eivor. Here’s a breakdown of the choices and how to navigate them successfully:
- The Treasure of Styrbjorn: When you come across the treasure intended as tribute for King Styrbjorn, Sigurd will advocate for leaving it untouched. Always choose the “We leave the resources for Styrbjorn” option. Giving in to greed and taking the treasure will count as a betrayal and diminish Sigurd’s trust.
- The Romance with Randvi: This is a particularly sensitive area. Randvi is Sigurd’s wife, and engaging in a romantic relationship with her before she and Sigurd have separated is a guaranteed way to sour your relationship. To avoid this betrayal, wait until Randvi explicitly expresses that she and Sigurd are no longer together before pursuing a romance.
- The Fulke Mission and Sigurd’s Judgement: During a mission related to Fulke, where Sigurd makes a judgement or decision, it’s beneficial to side with him. Support his choices, even if you personally disagree. A specific instance of this could happen upon Sigurd’s return during an argument in the longhouse when two NPC’s have an argument in the longhouse – Side with Sigurd for a good ending. Supporting him shows respect for his leadership and reinforces your loyalty.
- The Fight with Dag: This is a highly emotional moment. When Dag challenges Eivor, it is crucial to give Dag his Axe at his request. This act of respect in death, even for a rival, is seen as honorable and prevents a negative mark against you with Sigurd. Denying him his axe results in Sigurd viewing Eivor as dishonorable.
- Punching Basim and/or Sigurd: Never punch Sigurd. While the option to strike him or Basim may arise during moments of tension, exercising restraint is essential. Physical altercations, especially with Sigurd, significantly damage your relationship and contribute to a negative ending. Choosing to not punch both Basim and Sigurd will maintain your loyalty.
Beyond the Big Five: Maintaining a Positive Relationship
While the five choices listed above are the most critical, consistently showing respect and support for Sigurd throughout the game will reinforce your bond. Here are some general guidelines:
- Acknowledge his Leadership: Respect Sigurd’s position as leader, even when you have differing opinions. Avoid undermining his authority in front of others.
- Listen to his Perspective: Take the time to hear Sigurd’s point of view. Even if you disagree, demonstrating that you value his input strengthens your relationship.
- Show Empathy: Sigurd goes through significant trauma and hardship during the game. Show empathy and understanding for his struggles, and offer support when he needs it.
- Make decisions that are beneficial for the clan: While it is still possible to get a good ending with a strike, be sure to always consider what is best for the clan.
The Consequences of Betrayal
Failing to heed these guidelines and accumulating several negative choices has significant consequences. If Eivor has made four or five decisions that Sigurd views negatively, Sigurd will leave Eivor upon return and choose to stay in Norway at the end of the game, regardless of Eivor’s desire for him to return to England. This results in a bittersweet or even outright bad ending, where the brothers-in-arms are estranged.
Achieving the Good Ending
By prioritizing Sigurd’s well-being and respecting his leadership, players can ensure he remains in England and acknowledges Eivor’s loyalty and friendship. This culminates in a positive ending where the Raven Clan thrives, and Eivor and Sigurd maintain a strong bond. To get the most out of gaming and to develop key skills consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does romancing Randvi automatically guarantee a bad ending?
No, not necessarily. You can romance Randvi and still achieve the good ending, but only if you do so after she and Sigurd have separated. Pursuing a relationship with her beforehand will negatively impact your loyalty with Sigurd.
2. What happens if I accidentally punch Sigurd?
Punching Sigurd will lower his loyalty to you and affect the ending. If you accidentally strike him, try to mitigate the damage by making positive choices in other critical moments. Load a previous save if you absolutely want to play it safe.
3. Is it better to choose Petra over Randvi for a romance option?
This depends on personal preference. However, some players find Petra’s romance arc to be more naturally integrated into the story and less likely to negatively impact your relationship with Sigurd.
4. Why does Basim hate Eivor so much?
Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and Eivor is the reincarnation of Odin (Havi). In their Isu past, Loki felt wronged by Odin and sought revenge. This ancient conflict is replayed in the lives of Basim and Eivor.
5. Does Sigurd ever find out if I sleep with Randvi?
Yes, he does. If you romance Randvi before their separation, Sigurd will discover the infidelity, leading to a significant rift between you and him.
6. What is the significance of Fulke in Sigurd’s story?
Fulke tortures Sigurd in an attempt to awaken his Isu memories. The torture and mutilation that Sigurd endures at Fulke’s hands leaves him emotionally and physically scarred, and it deeply impacts his judgment.
7. Should I always agree with Sigurd’s decisions, even if I disagree?
While blindly agreeing with everything Sigurd says isn’t necessary, supporting him during critical moments and acknowledging his authority is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship.
8. Can I change my decisions after making a “wrong” choice?
Unfortunately, there is no way to change a choice once it is made, unless you load a previous save. It is crucial to know ahead of time how each choice will impact your relationship with Sigurd.
9. Why is Eivor called Havi?
Eivor is the reincarnation of Havi, also known as Odin, a powerful figure from Norse mythology and a member of the Isu race. This connection is revealed throughout the game as Eivor experiences visions and memories from their past life.
10. What are the benefits of getting the “good” ending?
The “good” ending results in Sigurd remaining in England, acknowledging Eivor’s leadership, and maintaining a strong bond between the two. This creates a more satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion to the game.
11. How old is Eivor during the main events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Eivor is approximately 25 years old when the main story of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla begins in 872 CE.
12. What did Basim do to Sigurd to make him suffer?
Basim manipulated Sigurd by appealing to his ego and fostering his delusions of grandeur. He also orchestrated events that led to Sigurd’s capture and torture by Fulke, contributing to his mental and emotional breakdown.
13. Why did Sigurd cut off his arm?
Sigurd didn’t cut off his arm; Fulke did as part of her twisted experiment to unlock his Isu memories. She believed that by recreating the conditions of Odin’s sacrifice (losing his eye), she could awaken the god within Sigurd.
14. Is Basim truly evil, or is he just misunderstood?
While Basim’s motivations stem from past grievances and a desire for revenge, his actions throughout the game are undeniably antagonistic. He is considered a villain due to his betrayal, manipulation, and violence.
15. What other romance options are available besides Randvi and Petra?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers numerous romance options, including one-night stands and more extended relationships. Some other notable characters you can romance include Bil, Broder, Gunlodr, Stigr, Tarben, Tewdwr, and Vili.