Should You Finish Valhalla Before Wrath of the Druids? The Definitive Guide

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The question plagues many a Viking traversing the digital landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Should you conquer England before setting sail for the Emerald Isle in Wrath of the Druids? The short answer, from a seasoned adventurer who’s seen it all, is yes, ideally you should complete the main story of Valhalla before diving into Wrath of the Druids. While the DLC is designed to be accessible early on, finishing the main game first provides a richer, more narratively satisfying experience. Here’s why.

The Case for Completing Valhalla First

• Narrative Closure: Valhalla’s main story is a sprawling saga of conquest, alliance-building, and personal discovery for Eivor. Rushing off to Ireland interrupts this narrative arc, potentially diluting the emotional impact of the core storyline. Completing the main game allows you to fully absorb Eivor’s journey in England before embarking on a new adventure.
• Understanding Eivor’s Character: By the end of Valhalla, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of Eivor’s motivations, relationships, and overall character arc. This context is crucial for appreciating their interactions and decisions within Wrath of the Druids, where they essentially play the role of a “kingmaker” or mediator among Gaelic factions.
• Enhanced Appreciation of World-Building: Valhalla meticulously establishes the Norse-Saxon conflict and the socio-political landscape of 9th-century England. Wrath of the Druids, while set in Ireland, benefits from this established world-building. Understanding the context of Eivor’s Viking clan in England enriches your appreciation of their interactions with the Gaelic kingdoms.
• Avoiding Narrative Disconnect: Jumping between storylines can create a sense of disconnect, especially if you haven’t resolved key plot points in the main game. Finishing Valhalla first allows you to maintain a cohesive narrative flow and prevents potential confusion or loss of momentum.
• Leveling and Skill Progression: While Wrath of the Druids has a recommended power level of 55, completing the main game will likely leave you significantly higher. This allows you to approach the DLC with a more powerful and versatile Eivor, enhancing your enjoyment of the combat and exploration.

Why Some Players Choose to Start Early

Despite the benefits of finishing Valhalla first, some players opt to begin Wrath of the Druids early for various reasons:

• Fresh Scenery and Gameplay: After dozens of hours in England, the landscapes of Ireland offer a welcome change of scenery and gameplay mechanics. The lush greenery, ancient ruins, and unique druidic lore provide a refreshing contrast to the English countryside.
• Early Access to New Gear and Abilities: Wrath of the Druids introduces new weapons, armor, and abilities that can be beneficial throughout the rest of the game. Acquiring these items early on can provide a significant advantage in combat and exploration.
• Avoiding Burnout: For players feeling burnt out by the sheer size of Valhalla’s main game, Wrath of the Druids offers a shorter, more focused experience. This can provide a much-needed break and revitalize their interest in the game.
• Flexibility and Choice: Ultimately, the decision to start Wrath of the Druids early comes down to personal preference. The game allows you to freely explore Ireland and complete quests at your own pace, regardless of your progress in the main story.

Making the Right Choice for You

Consider your own gaming style and preferences. If you prioritize narrative cohesion and emotional impact, finishing Valhalla first is the way to go. If you’re seeking a change of pace and early access to new content, starting Wrath of the Druids early might be more appealing. There’s no right or wrong answer, only the path that maximizes your enjoyment of the game. You can always “poke around” as the original article said, without ruining too much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wrath of the Druids

1. What is the minimum power level recommended for Wrath of the Druids?

   The recommended power level for all regions in Ireland is 55. However, the expansion will adjust automatically to player power to propose the most balanced experience possible.

2. Do I need to finish the main story of Valhalla to access Wrath of the Druids?

   No, you don’t need to finish the main story. You only need to reach England and complete at least one region in the main game.

3. How do I start the Wrath of the Druids DLC?

   Speak to Azar at the docks in Ravensthorpe. Azar will appear after you’ve reached England and completed at least one region.

4. How long does it take to complete Wrath of the Druids?

   When focusing on the main objectives, it takes about 8.5 hours. For 100% completion, expect to spend around 18 hours.

5. Does Wrath of the Druids have multiple endings?

   Yes, the DLC features 2 different endings depending on the choice you make during a crucial cutscene after defeating a key boss.

6. What new content does Wrath of the Druids add to the game?

   The DLC adds a new region (Ireland), a new storyline involving druidic cults and Gaelic kings, new weapons, armor, abilities, cosmetic items, and legendary creatures. You also gain influence among Gaelic kings.

7. Is Eivor canonically female?

   Yes, the canon version of Eivor is the female version. The male version was only playable during the Asgard and Jotunheim story arcs.

8. Can I travel back and forth between England and Ireland after starting Wrath of the Druids?

   Yes, after traveling to Ireland through the questline, you can use the Atlas on the world map to travel freely between England and Ireland.

9. Is Wrath of the Druids a standalone expansion?

   No, Wrath of the Druids is not standalone. It requires the base game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, to play. It can be purchased separately or as part of the Season Pass.

10. What year is Wrath of the Druids set in?

    Wrath of the Druids is set in 9th-century Ireland, contemporaneous with the events of the main game in England.

11. How many main missions are there in Wrath of the Druids?

    There are approximately 20 main quests in Wrath of the Druids.

12. Does Wrath of the Druids spoil the main story of Valhalla?

    While it won’t explicitly spoil plot twists, completing the main game first allows for a better understanding of Eivor’s character and motivations, which enhances the DLC experience.

13. Is Eivor a god in AC Valhalla?

    No, Eivor is not a god in the traditional sense. She is a reincarnation of Odin, who is an Isu (a precursor race in the Assassin’s Creed universe) rather than a Norse deity.

14. Is Wrath of the Druids longer than Siege of Paris?

    No, Wrath of the Druids is generally shorter than Siege of Paris. Wrath of the Druids takes around 15 hours to complete, while Siege of Paris can take 10-15 hours more.

15. Why does Basim hate Eivor?

    Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and harbors resentment towards Odin and other Isu figures from his past life. Eivor’s is a reincarnation of Odin, so his hatred stems from these ancient conflicts.

By considering these factors and frequently asked questions, you can make an informed decision about when to embark on your Irish adventure in Wrath of the Druids. Whether you choose to conquer England first or set sail for the Emerald Isle early, may Odin be with you! To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.