Should I Play Hidden Ones or Curse of Pharaohs First? The Ultimate AC Origins DLC Guide
So, you’ve conquered Ancient Egypt as Bayek in Assassin’s Creed Origins, and now you’re staring down the barrel of two fantastic DLC expansions: The Hidden Ones and The Curse of the Pharaohs. Which do you tackle first? The definitive answer is: Play The Hidden Ones first, then The Curse of the Pharaohs. This order offers a smoother difficulty curve and a more natural narrative progression.
The Hidden Ones picks up four years after the main game and takes you to the Sinai Peninsula, where you’ll confront Roman oppression and further develop the Hidden Ones brotherhood. This expansion is designed for players around level 40-45. The Curse of the Pharaohs, on the other hand, sends you to Thebes to investigate a supernatural curse plaguing the region. Its enemies are significantly tougher, making it better suited for characters around level 45-55. Playing The Hidden Ones first will help you reach the recommended level for The Curse of the Pharaohs and prevent you from getting overwhelmed early on.
Why The Hidden Ones Before Curse of the Pharaohs Makes Sense
The ordering extends beyond mere difficulty scaling. The storyline in The Hidden Ones continues Bayekâs journey in establishing the ideals of the Assassin brotherhood. It provides crucial context for Bayek’s character development and sets the stage for his future actions. Jumping straight into The Curse of the Pharaohs might feel jarring without that bridging narrative.
Level Scaling and Progression
The core reason to play The Hidden Ones before The Curse of the Pharaohs lies in the game’s leveling system. The recommended levels reflect the challenge each expansion presents:
- Main Game Completion: Aim for Level 40.
- The Hidden Ones: Levels you up from 40 to 45.
- The Curse of the Pharaohs: Levels you up from 45 to 55.
Starting The Curse of the Pharaohs at level 40 will put you at a distinct disadvantage against the powerful enemies, particularly in the afterlife realms. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it significantly increases the difficulty and might lead to a less enjoyable experience. The Hidden Ones acts as a perfect stepping stone, allowing you to hone your skills and gear up for the supernatural challenges ahead.
Narrative Flow and Character Development
While each DLC offers a distinct story, The Hidden Ones is a direct sequel to the main game. It explores the ramifications of Bayek and Aya’s actions and their commitment to the Hidden Ones’ cause. Witnessing their struggle against Roman rule and their dedication to protecting the oppressed provides essential context for their later motivations.
The Curse of the Pharaohs, while self-contained in its primary plot, benefits from the established foundation of Bayek’s character and his commitment to justice. The emotional impact of the story is amplified when you’ve witnessed his growth and dedication in The Hidden Ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AC Origins DLC
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Assassin’s Creed Origins DLCs, designed to provide you with comprehensive information to enhance your gaming experience.
1. Is it OK to play AC Origins first?
Yes! Assassin’s Creed Origins is designed as a standalone experience, and it’s perfectly fine to start your Assassin’s Creed journey with this title. Its story is self-contained, and you don’t need prior knowledge of the series to enjoy it. In fact, some consider it the ideal starting point due to its origin story of the Brotherhood.
2. When should I play The Curse of the Pharaohs?
You can technically start The Curse of the Pharaohs after completing the “May Amun Walk Beside You” quest in the main game. However, it’s highly recommended that you reach at least level 45 before venturing into Thebes. This ensures you’re adequately equipped to handle the tougher enemies and challenges.
3. When should I play The Hidden Ones?
Similar to The Curse of the Pharaohs, you can technically start The Hidden Ones before finishing the main game. However, a level close to 40 is recommended for the best experience. Ensure the DLC is installed, as it doesn’t automatically load.
4. Is The Hidden Ones DLC worth it?
Absolutely! The Hidden Ones offers a significant amount of new content, including a new region, missions, weapons, and outfits. It expands on Bayek’s story and provides valuable insights into the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood. If you enjoyed the base game, you’ll definitely appreciate The Hidden Ones.
5. What does The Hidden Ones DLC add?
The Hidden Ones adds the Sinai region to the map, introducing new missions focused on a conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Roman Empire. You’ll also get access to new outfits, weapons (including four new Legendary ones), and mounts.
6. Is Curse of the Pharaohs worth it?
Yes, without a doubt! The Curse of the Pharaohs is widely considered one of the best Assassin’s Creed DLCs ever made. It features a compelling story, challenging combat, and a stunning recreation of ancient Thebes and its surrounding afterlife realms. It’s a must-play for any Assassin’s Creed Origins fan.
7. How many hours is Curse of the Pharaohs?
Completing the main story of The Curse of the Pharaohs takes around 8 hours. However, if you aim for 100% completion, including side quests and exploration, you can expect to spend around 16 hours in the expansion. If you’re only focused on the achievements, then it will take around 10-12 hours.
8. How long does The Hidden Ones take?
Focusing solely on the main story of The Hidden Ones will take you approximately 4 hours. For completionists seeking to explore every nook and cranny, expect to spend around 8 hours in this expansion.
9. How many years does The Hidden Ones DLC take place?
The Hidden Ones DLC is set four years after the events of the main game, taking place in the Sinai region of Egypt.
10. Which DLC to play first in AC Origins?
As established, play The Hidden Ones first. This will allow you to reach the recommended level of 45 before entering the realm of the Curse of the Pharaohs.
11. Is Bayek the first assassin?
While Darius from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was the first to use a hidden blade, Bayek and Aya are considered the founders of the Hidden Ones and established its creed.
12. Does it matter if you play the Assassin’s Creed games in order?
While there are overarching storylines that connect some games, each Assassin’s Creed title is largely a standalone experience. You can play them in any order without feeling completely lost. However, playing in release order is recommended for understanding the broader narrative and the evolution of the Assassin Brotherhood.
13. What is the longest Assassin’s Creed game?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has the longest main story, clocking in at around 60.5 hours for most players. For completionists, it can take around 148 hours to fully explore and complete the game.
14. Can you still play AC Odyssey after ending?
Yes! After completing the main story in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, you can start a New Game+ while keeping your experience and weapons. This allows you to continue exploring the world and completing side content with your fully leveled character.
15. Is AC Origins Hidden Ones DLC worth it?
Yes, absolutely! The Hidden Ones offers a wealth of content to explore. If you enjoyed what was on offer in the base game, the short answer to whether you should play is a clear yes.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the order in which you play The Hidden Ones and The Curse of the Pharaohs in Assassin’s Creed Origins can significantly impact your experience. Starting with The Hidden Ones provides a smoother difficulty curve, enhances the narrative flow, and allows you to fully appreciate Bayek’s journey. So, gear up, Hidden One, and prepare to delve deeper into the mysteries of Ancient Egypt!
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