Is Varin’s Axe Worth Upgrading in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? A Deep Dive

The question of whether Varin’s Axe, Eivor’s starting weapon in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, is worth upgrading is a common one, especially on Reddit. The short answer is: yes, absolutely. While it might seem counterintuitive to invest precious resources into an initial weapon when the game promises a plethora of shinier, newer options, Varin’s Axe, when fully upgraded to Mythical status, can hold its own throughout a significant portion of the game, and even into the endgame depending on your playstyle. Its potential lies in its balanced stats, its early availability, and the sentimental value it carries within the game’s narrative. Let’s delve deeper into why upgrading Varin’s Axe is a viable strategy for many players.

Why Upgrade Varin’s Axe? The Undeniable Benefits

• Early Power Spike: Upgrading Varin’s Axe early provides a substantial power spike at a time when resources are relatively scarce. This can significantly ease progression through the initial regions and combat encounters. Having a reliable weapon from the get-go allows you to focus on exploring the world and completing quests without constantly worrying about finding a better replacement.
• Resource Management: Instead of constantly searching for and testing out new weapons, which can consume a lot of time and resources on initial upgrades, investing in Varin’s Axe from the start allows you to concentrate your upgrade materials. This efficiency means you can reach Mythical status on your weapon faster than you might on others found later in the game.
• Balanced Stats: Varin’s Axe boasts a relatively balanced stat distribution. It doesn’t excel in any single category but provides a good mix of attack power, speed, and stun. This versatility makes it suitable for various combat styles and enemy types.
• Rune Slots: Upgrading Varin’s Axe unlocks multiple rune slots, allowing you to customize the weapon to further enhance its strengths or compensate for any perceived weaknesses. Rune effects can significantly impact the weapon’s performance, offering bonuses to damage, critical hit chance, or even elemental effects.
• Sentimental Value: As the weapon of Eivor’s father, Varin’s Axe carries narrative weight. For players who appreciate role-playing and immersion, using Varin’s Axe throughout the game can add an extra layer of connection to their character and the story.
• Viable Endgame Option: Even though newer, more specialized weapons emerge as you progress, a fully upgraded Varin’s Axe remains a viable option for endgame content. With the right rune setup and playstyle, it can still deliver respectable damage and contribute effectively to combat. It is more than capable of taking on the challenges thrown at you.

Addressing the Concerns: Alternatives and Limitations

While Varin’s Axe is a solid choice, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations and consider alternative weapons.

• Specialized Weapons: Weapons like Gae Bolg (from the Wrath of Druids DLC) or Mjolnir offer unique perks and potentially higher damage output. For players seeking maximum power, these specialized options might eventually surpass Varin’s Axe.
• Playstyle Preference: Some players prefer weapons with different attack patterns or secondary effects. For instance, those who favor rapid attacks might prefer daggers or short swords, while those who prioritize crowd control might opt for heavy weapons like Dane Axes. The best weapon is ultimately the one that complements your individual playstyle.
• Resource Investment Trade-Off: While focusing on Varin’s Axe can be efficient, it also means potentially delaying upgrades for other weapons you might find later that better suit your evolving playstyle. Weighing the benefits of immediate power versus long-term flexibility is crucial.

Making the Decision: Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade Varin’s Axe depends on your individual preferences, playstyle, and goals. Consider the following factors:

• Your Current Power Level: If you are already significantly past the early stages of the game and have access to a wide array of weapons, investing in Varin’s Axe might not be the most efficient use of resources.
• Your Preferred Combat Style: Does Varin’s Axe’s balanced stat distribution align with your preferred combat style? If not, consider investing in weapons that better complement your strengths.
• Your Resource Availability: Do you have sufficient resources to upgrade Varin’s Axe to Mythical status without hindering your ability to upgrade other essential gear, such as armor?
• Your Immersion Preferences: Does the narrative significance of Varin’s Axe appeal to you? If so, the added sense of immersion might outweigh any marginal performance differences compared to other weapons.

In conclusion, upgrading Varin’s Axe is a perfectly valid and often beneficial strategy in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Its early power spike, resource efficiency, balanced stats, and narrative significance make it a reliable and enjoyable weapon to use throughout a large portion of the game. However, it’s crucial to consider your individual preferences, playstyle, and long-term goals when making the decision. Explore other weapons, experiment with different combat styles, and ultimately choose the weapon that best empowers you to conquer the challenges of Valhalla.

Resources for Further Learning

For those interested in learning more about gaming and its impact, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society fosters learning and research in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Varin’s Axe good in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Yes, Varin’s Axe is a solid weapon, particularly in the early to mid-game. When fully upgraded, it remains viable even in later stages, offering a good balance of attack power, speed, and stun.

2. Can Varin’s Axe be upgraded to Mythical?

Yes, Varin’s Axe can be upgraded to Mythical quality, the highest base quality tier, using the blacksmith in your settlement and the appropriate resources. After reaching the mythical level, you can achieve even higher stats via Divine Gear.

3. Is Housecarl’s Axe better than Varin’s Axe?

The Housecarl’s Axe and Varin’s Axe are quite similar in terms of stats and performance. The difference is largely negligible, and both are good choices for early to mid-game.

4. What is the best early game weapon in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Varin’s Axe is considered one of the best early-game weapons due to its accessibility and upgradability. Other options include the Housecarl’s Axe and any weapon that complements your initial combat style.

5. What is the most powerful weapon in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

The Gae Bolg, a spear obtained in the Wrath of Druids DLC, is often considered one of the most powerful weapons due to its unique perk that creates an electric explosion after a certain number of hits. Mjolnir is another option.

6. Where can I find upgrade materials for Varin’s Axe?

Upgrade materials such as leather, iron ore, titanium, and ingots can be found by exploring the world, completing quests, raiding monasteries, and purchasing them from merchants.

7. What runes should I use on Varin’s Axe?

The best runes depend on your playstyle. Damage runes increase raw damage output, critical hit chance runes boost the frequency of critical hits, and stun runes improve the weapon’s ability to stagger enemies.

8. Is it worth upgrading armor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Yes, upgrading armor is highly recommended in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Upgrading armor improves its defensive stats and unlocks rune slots, providing significant benefits to survivability.

9. What are the different weapon types in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla features a variety of weapon types, including axes, swords, daggers, spears, hammers, flails, and great swords. Each weapon type has unique attack patterns, stats, and strengths.

10. Can I dual-wield Varin’s Axe?

Yes, Varin’s Axe can be dual-wielded with another one-handed weapon. Experimenting with different weapon combinations can create powerful and versatile combat strategies. A spear and an axe are a great combination.

11. How do I unlock more weapon skills in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Weapon skills are unlocked by investing skill points in the skill tree. The skill tree is vast and offers numerous combat-related perks and abilities.

12. Is there a way to reset my skill points in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Yes, you can reset your skill points in the skill tree at any time. This allows you to redistribute your skill points and experiment with different builds.

13. What is the best way to farm resources in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Raiding monasteries is one of the most efficient ways to farm resources in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Additionally, exploring the world and completing quests can yield valuable materials.

14. How does gear rarity affect weapon performance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Gear rarity (Superior, Flawless, Mythical, Divine) directly impacts weapon performance. Higher rarity weapons have better base stats and more upgrade slots, allowing for greater customization and power.

15. Can I use Varin’s Axe throughout the entire game?

Yes, you can use Varin’s Axe throughout the entire game if you choose to. While specialized weapons might offer advantages in certain situations, a fully upgraded Varin’s Axe remains a viable and enjoyable option, especially for players who appreciate its narrative significance.