Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Does It Follow Valhalla’s Story? A Deep Dive into the Timeline

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is renowned for its intricate narratives weaving through different historical periods. This can lead to some confusion about the chronological order of the games. So, to address the burning question directly: Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set before Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While its modern-day framing story succeeds Valhalla’s, the core narrative featuring Basim Ibn Ishaq takes place earlier in the timeline. Let’s unpack this further!

Understanding the Chronological Context

Assassin’s Creed Mirage casts you as Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief in 9th-century Baghdad who joins the Hidden Ones – precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood. This game serves as an origin story for Basim, detailing his transformation from a petty criminal into a skilled assassin.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, on the other hand, follows Eivor Varinsdottir, a Viking raider who leads their clan to England in the 9th century as well. Crucially, we meet Basim in Valhalla as an established member of the Hidden Ones, already possessing considerable knowledge and skills. The events of Mirage, therefore, lay the groundwork for his character and motivations as seen in Valhalla. The narratives are interconnected, with Mirage providing crucial backstory that enriches the context of Basim’s actions in Valhalla.

The intricacies of the Assassin’s Creed timeline also involve a modern-day narrative. This storyline usually follows a character accessing the memories of historical figures through the Animus technology. The modern-day sequences in Mirage pick up after the events of Valhalla’s modern-day storyline, continuing that particular plot thread. This layering of narratives contributes to the franchise’s overall complexity.

Connections and Implications

The fact that Mirage is a prequel to Valhalla has significant implications for the overall Assassin’s Creed narrative:

• Character Development: Mirage provides essential insight into Basim’s character arc. We witness his transformation from a street thief into a dedicated assassin. The game explores the trauma and experiences that ultimately shape him into the complex character we encounter in Valhalla. This allows players to understand his motivations and see his actions in a different light.
• Historical Context: Mirage delves into the origins of the Hidden Ones, illustrating their practices and ideologies in 9th-century Baghdad. This sheds light on how they evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood, as seen in later games, including the original Assassin’s Creed. It returns to Alamut, an iconic location from the first game.
• The Isu Saga: The overarching story of Assassin’s Creed revolves around the Isu, an ancient and advanced civilization that predates humanity. Basim’s story is deeply intertwined with the Isu lore. Mirage elaborates on his connection to Loki, one of the Isu, setting the stage for the events in Valhalla where this connection is fully revealed.
• Templar Origins: The conflict between the Hidden Ones (Assassins) and the Order of the Ancients (Templars) is a central theme of the franchise. Mirage demonstrates the early stages of this conflict, showcasing the opposing ideologies and power struggles that have shaped history.

In essence, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is more than just a standalone game; it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that connects several entries in the series, enriching the Assassin’s Creed universe and adding depth to beloved characters.

FAQs: Diving Deeper into Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is AC Mirage a good starting point for the Assassin’s Creed series?

   Yes, Mirage could be a great entry point. It returns to the franchise’s stealth-focused roots, offering a more streamlined experience compared to the open-world RPG elements of recent titles. However, understanding the overarching Isu storyline might require some prior knowledge.

2. Does Mirage require playing other Assassin’s Creed games to understand the story?

   While Mirage can be enjoyed independently, playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla enhances the experience. It adds context to Basim’s character and his motivations. The game also makes references to past games, which will be appreciated by long-time fans.

3. Will characters from Valhalla appear in Mirage?

   While some characters might be mentioned or alluded to, the main focus is on Basim’s origin story. It’s unlikely that major characters from Valhalla will have significant roles.

4. How does Mirage connect to the first Assassin’s Creed game?

   Mirage is set approximately 300 years before the events of the original Assassin’s Creed. It explores the origins of the Hidden Ones, which later evolve into the Assassin Brotherhood, the group that Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad belongs to.

5. Is Ezio Auditore da Firenze in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   No, Ezio Auditore is not present in Mirage. The game takes place centuries before Ezio’s birth. However, Ezio’s iconic robes from Assassin’s Creed Revelations are available as an unlockable outfit.

6. Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage focus on RPG elements like Valhalla?

   No, Mirage is a return to the series’ stealth action-adventure roots. It focuses on stealth, parkour, and assassinations, with fewer RPG elements compared to Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins.

7. What is the historical setting of Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   The game is set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate, depicting the city at its cultural and intellectual peak.

8. Who is the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   The protagonist is Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young street thief who joins the Hidden Ones and becomes a master Assassin.

9. Is Basim a reincarnation of Loki?

   Yes, this is a major plot point revealed in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Mirage explores the early stages of this connection, showing glimpses of Basim’s Isu memories and his link to Loki.

10. Will there be modern-day story elements in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    Yes, Mirage features a modern-day storyline that picks up after the events of Valhalla, continuing the overarching narrative of the Assassin’s Creed series.

11. Are the Templars present in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    Yes, the Order of the Ancients, the predecessors to the Templars, are present in Mirage. The game showcases the early stages of the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order.

12. Is there character customization in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    While the exact level of customization is less than in Valhalla, there will be options to customize Basim’s outfit and weapons, providing certain gameplay advantages.

13. How long is the main story of Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    The main story of Assassin’s Creed Mirage is shorter than Valhalla, aiming for a more focused and compact experience. It is expected to take around 20-30 hours to complete.

14. Will Assassin’s Creed Mirage have DLC or expansions?

    While there is always a possibility of DLC, no DLC expansions are currently available for Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

15. What is the significance of Nehal in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    Nehal is Basim’s childhood friend and plays a pivotal role in his story. She represents the suppressed memories of Loki within him, acting as a guide and trigger for his Isu identity.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to evolve, with each installment adding layers to its intricate narrative. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming, including titles like Assassin’s Creed, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. As you traverse Baghdad as Basim Ibn Ishaq, remember that you are not just playing a game, but also experiencing a crucial part of the grand Assassin’s Creed saga.