Mastering Choice: The 5 Key Decisions That Define Your Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Journey

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, a sprawling Viking saga, throws you headfirst into a world brimming with choices. While many decisions offer immediate, superficial consequences, a select few resonate throughout the entire narrative, impacting Eivor’s relationships, the fate of the Raven Clan, and ultimately, the game’s ending. If you’re aiming for the most satisfying conclusion, understanding these pivotal choices is crucial. Here are the 5 key decisions in AC Valhalla that truly matter:

1. Taking or Leaving the Resources During the Prologue: This decision, made alongside Stybjorn, sets the stage for Eivor’s character. Leaving the resources demonstrates humility and loyalty, fostering a better relationship with Sigurd and contributing towards a positive ending.
2. Romancing Randvi: Tempting as it may be, pursuing a romantic relationship with Sigurd’s wife, Randvi, before they are separated is a major betrayal. Indulging in this affair incurs Sigurd’s disapproval and counts as one of the negative strikes against you.
3. The Fulke Mission Sequence: How you handle the events surrounding Fulke and Sigurd’s capture are crucial. Supporting Sigurd’s judgement and actions during this time is important, even if you disagree, as undermining him here contributes to a strained relationship. Specifically this refers to Sigurd’s insistence to go to the Well of Urdr despite Eivor’s warnings.
4. Giving Dag His Axe: In a moment of intense conflict, Dag challenges Eivor’s authority. When he dies, giving Dag his axe is a sign of respect and Viking tradition. Denying him this honor negatively affects your relationship with Sigurd and contributes to a negative ending.
5. Punching Sigurd: Throughout the game, Sigurd can be challenging and overbearing. However, physically assaulting him, especially more than once, demonstrates a lack of respect and undermines his leadership. Avoiding physical altercations with Sigurd is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship.

These five choices are the linchpins of your relationship with Sigurd, directly influencing whether he ultimately chooses to stand by Eivor at the game’s conclusion. A wise Viking navigates these decisions with careful consideration, ensuring a bond that withstands the trials of conquest and treachery.

Understanding the Impact: In-Depth Analysis of Key Decisions

Let’s delve deeper into why these five choices hold so much weight. They all revolve around respecting Sigurd’s authority and being loyal to him.

• The Resources Decision: The prologue decision might seem insignificant, but it establishes Eivor’s core values. Choosing to take the resources displays greed and selfishness, qualities that clash with the Viking code of honor and negatively affect Sigurd’s perception of Eivor.

• The Randvi Affair: This is arguably the most blatant decision. Romancing Randvi while she is still married to Sigurd is a direct violation of trust and loyalty, two pillars of Viking society and Sigurd’s personal code. It’s a slap in the face that he won’t easily forgive. Even if the romance feels organic, the consequences are significant.

• The Fulke Conundrum: The Fulke story arc tests Eivor’s faith in Sigurd’s judgment and his ability to lead. Supporting his decisions, even when they seem questionable, demonstrates loyalty and trust. Questioning his every move and undermining his authority erodes his confidence and strains the relationship.

• Dag’s Axe: Giving Dag his axe is a symbol of respect for a fallen warrior. It’s about honoring tradition and acknowledging his courage, even in disagreement. Denying him this rite is seen as a sign of disrespect, further fueling the animosity between Eivor and those loyal to Sigurd.

• The Sigurd Conflict: Respect for authority, especially within a Viking clan, is paramount. Repeatedly punching Sigurd signals disrespect, disregard for his leadership, and a willingness to resort to violence over diplomacy.

Navigating the Gray Areas: Avoiding the “Bad” Ending

It’s not about blind obedience. Eivor can disagree with Sigurd, offer counsel, and even challenge his decisions. The key lies in how you do it. Disrespect, betrayal, and undermining his authority are the pitfalls to avoid. Aim for respectful disagreement and prioritize the long-term health of the clan over short-term personal gratification.

Final Thoughts: Shaping Your Viking Destiny

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers a rich tapestry of choices, but these five decisions stand out as particularly impactful. By understanding the nuances of these moments, you can shape Eivor’s destiny and lead the Raven Clan to a brighter future. So, embrace the Viking spirit, make your choices wisely, and forge your own legend in the annals of Valhalla.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly constitutes a “good” or “bad” ending in AC Valhalla?

The “good” ending involves Sigurd remaining loyal to Eivor and standing by their side. The “bad” ending results in Sigurd distancing himself from Eivor, leaving them to lead the clan alone and feeling betrayed. A better description is most likely positive and negative endings, however the community has embraced the good/bad descriptors.

2. Can I still get the “good” ending if I mess up one of these key decisions?

Yes, you can. It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. You can make one mistake and still recover by making good choices in the other instances. However, consistently making poor decisions will lead to the “bad” ending.

3. Does it matter who I choose as Jarl of Snotinghamscire?

Choosing either Vili or Trygve has a minor impact. Selecting Vili means he won’t be a part of your raiding party, but he will appear later in the story. Choosing Trygve allows Vili to join your crew. This decision doesn’t directly impact the ending but influences gameplay and character interactions.

4. Does putting a specific design on Hemming Jarl’s shield affect the game?

No, the design you choose for Hemming Jarl’s shield is purely cosmetic and has no impact on the story or gameplay.

5. Is it possible to romance other characters without affecting my relationship with Sigurd?

Yes, Eivor can have romantic relationships with other characters without impacting the Sigurd relationship, as long as they avoid romancing Randvi while she is with Sigurd. The key is timing and discretion.

6. What happens if I choose the wrong traitor for Soma’s crew?

Choosing the wrong traitor in Soma’s quest line will affect her standing with you, and Birna will not join your clan immediately. However, you can still correct your mistake later. Galinn will eventually reveal his guilt and attempt to harm Birna or Lif. Choosing Galinn allows Birna to join your clan later.

7. How can I ensure I don’t betray Sigurd’s trust?

The key is consistency. Avoid taking actions that directly undermine his authority, disrespect him, or betray his trust, especially concerning Randvi. Open communication and respectful disagreement are essential.

8. If I accidentally punch Sigurd, can I redeem myself?

Yes, you can. The game considers the cumulative effect of your choices. Avoiding further confrontations and making positive decisions in other areas can compensate for a single mistake.

9. What are some other minor choices that can affect the game?

Other choices, such as sparing or killing certain characters (Rued, Leofrith), while important from a moral perspective, have limited impact on the overall narrative and ending compared to the five key decisions listed.

10. Does my choice of dialogue options matter beyond the five key decisions?

Yes, to a certain extent. While many dialogue options offer superficial consequences, consistently choosing respectful and supportive options can strengthen your relationships with other characters and create a more positive experience.

11. Can Eivor become a Jarl?

Yes, Eivor can become a Jarl. If you convince Sigurd to return to England with you, Sigurd will still name Eivor as Jarl. If you choose “I understand your anger” Sigurd will stay in Norway and Eivor becomes the Jarl of Ravensthorpe.

12. Who is the best romance option for Eivor?

This is a subjective question. Petra is often considered a strong option due to the natural progression of their relationship. Other solid romance options include Ciara and Tarben. Ultimately, the best romance is the one that resonates most with your personal preferences.

13. Does sleeping with Estrid affect Randvi?

No, sleeping with Estrid will not affect Eivor’s relationship with Randvi. Eivor’s flings escape Randvi’s attention.

14. What characters can you romance in AC Valhalla?

Eivor can romance Bil, Petra, Broder, Gunlodr, Stigr, Tarben, Tewdwr, and Vili, among others. Each romance has specific requirements, like completing a quest or building a structure.

15. Why does Basim hate Eivor?

Basim is the reincarnation of Loki and wants revenge on Eivor (who is the reincarnation of Odin) and other Isu from their past lives due to the treatment of his son. Basim’s hatred stems from Isu history rather than anything Eivor does in the 9th century.