What Happens If You Punch Basim and Sigurd in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Punching Basim and Sigurd in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla carries a direct consequence: it lowers Sigurd’s loyalty towards Eivor, impacting the game’s ending. Specifically, these actions contribute to the accumulating negative choices that can lead to Sigurd leaving England at the end of the game, resulting in the “bad ending.” While a single punch won’t doom you, consistently making decisions that undermine Sigurd’s authority and leadership will lead to this undesirable outcome. Maintaining a positive relationship with Sigurd is crucial for securing the optimal narrative conclusion.

Understanding Sigurd’s Loyalty and the Ending

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla features multiple endings, largely determined by Eivor’s choices throughout the game. These choices, often seemingly minor, influence Sigurd’s perception of Eivor’s leadership and respect for him. A key factor is Sigurd’s loyalty score, which is affected by five specific decisions made during the main storyline. These are often referred to as Sigurd’s strikes. Punching either Basim or Sigurd counts as one of these strikes.

Accumulating three or more “strikes” against Sigurd results in him leaving England and remaining in Norway with his father at the end of the game. This is considered the less desirable ending. The game subtly tracks these choices, and although there is a final chance to mitigate some damage during a crucial end-game conversation, it’s best to be mindful of your decisions throughout the entire playthrough.

Why Punching Matters

The act of physically assaulting Sigurd demonstrates a clear lack of respect for his authority and position as Eivor’s adopted brother and leader. Similarly, punching Basim in Sigurd’s presence can be interpreted as disrespect towards Sigurd, especially considering Basim’s initial role as an ally and mentor figure to Sigurd. These actions signal a pattern of undermining Sigurd’s leadership, which the game recognizes and penalizes.

It is crucial to understand that the game’s ending relies more on respecting Sigurd’s position, than about agreeing with him.

The Five Strikes: Detailed Breakdown

To achieve the best ending in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, it’s essential to understand and avoid the actions that negatively impact Sigurd’s loyalty. Here’s a breakdown of the “five strikes”:

1. Taking/Leaving the Treasure (Rygjafylke): Upon returning to Norway after the initial raiding missions in England, you encounter Styrbjorn and must decide whether to take the treasure with you. The correct choice for a good ending is to leave the treasure for Styrbjorn.

2. Romancing Randvi: Randvi is Sigurd’s wife. Initiating a romantic relationship with her before Sigurd and Randvi’s marriage has ended will negatively impact Sigurd’s loyalty. To avoid this strike, do not romance Randvi until after she and Sigurd have parted ways.

3. The Fulke Mission: This involves two choices, both concerning your dialogue after finding Sigurd with Fulke. Choosing the options to belittle Sigurd or suggest he has been easily manipulated will count as negative strikes. Choose to support Sigurd in his decisions.

4. The Argument with Sigurd and Basim: This is where punching Sigurd comes into play. Do not punch either Basim or Sigurd to maintain Sigurd’s loyalty. Choosing a more diplomatic or conciliatory approach is crucial.

5. The Fight with Dag: During a critical moment, Dag challenges Eivor’s authority. This culminates in a duel. After defeating Dag, you have the option to give him his axe, allowing him to die a warrior’s death. Giving Dag his axe is the correct choice for a good ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Basim truly a villain in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Yes, Basim is eventually revealed to be the antagonist. While he initially appears as an ally, his true intentions are driven by revenge for perceived wrongs from his past life as Loki, targeting Eivor as Odin’s reincarnation. He masterfully manipulates Sigurd.

2. Why does Basim hate Eivor so much?

Basim’s hatred for Eivor stems from his past life as Loki. In the Isu era, Loki sought revenge against Odin and others for the treatment of his son, Fenrir. Basim carries this animosity into his reincarnation, making Eivor, as the reincarnation of Odin, his target.

3. Can I get the good ending even if I made one or two mistakes?

Yes, you can. The game allows for some leeway. You need to avoid accumulating three or more negative choices (strikes) from the five key decisions. You can also make the correct choice in the final conversation to overturn one prior mistake.

4. What happens if I romance Randvi before Sigurd leaves?

If you romance Randvi before Sigurd leaves, it will count as one of the strikes against Sigurd’s loyalty, potentially leading to the bad ending. It’s best to wait until after they have broken up.

5. Is there any benefit to punching Basim or Sigurd?

No, there is no benefit. Punching either character has only negative consequences, specifically impacting Sigurd’s loyalty and potentially affecting the game’s ending.

6. Does it matter who I side with during arguments?

Yes, siding against Sigurd, especially in public or in front of others, can damage his perception of Eivor’s respect for him. Choose options that support his leadership whenever possible.

7. How important is the final conversation with Sigurd?

The final conversation with Sigurd is crucial. It provides a final opportunity to sway his decision. Choosing supportive and respectful dialogue options can negate one previous negative choice, potentially salvaging the good ending.

8. What happens if Sigurd leaves England?

If Sigurd leaves England, the game’s ending is generally considered less satisfying. Eivor is left without their close companion and advisor, and the overall narrative resolution is less optimistic.

9. What is the “best ending” in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

The “best ending” typically refers to the scenario where Sigurd remains in England alongside Eivor, acknowledging Eivor’s leadership and their strong bond.

10. Why is Sigurd so arrogant after being rescued from Fulke?

Sigurd’s arrogance after being rescued from Fulke stems from his belief that he has gained greater insight into his bloodline and destiny. He becomes convinced that he possesses special knowledge and abilities, making him more difficult to reason with.

11. Was Basim manipulating Sigurd all along?

Yes, Basim was manipulating Sigurd. He fueled Sigurd’s ego and ambition, subtly guiding him towards decisions that ultimately served Basim’s own agenda. This manipulation contributed to Sigurd’s suffering and eventual downfall.

12. Is Basim related to Altaïr in any way?

While Basim bears a resemblance to Altaïr, he is not Altaïr’s father. Umar Ibn-La’Ahad is Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s father. Basim could potentially be a distant ancestor, but there is no confirmed direct familial connection.

13. Why does Basim look similar to Ezio?

The resemblance between Basim and Ezio could be a deliberate design choice by the developers to create a subtle link between different characters and storylines in the Assassin’s Creed universe. It could also hint at a shared ancestry or a deeper connection yet to be explored.

14. What is the significance of the Isu in Basim’s story?

The Isu are an ancient, advanced civilization that predates humanity in the Assassin’s Creed universe. Basim’s reincarnation as Loki connects him to the Isu era and provides the motivation for his actions in Valhalla, driven by the memories and conflicts of his past life.

15. Can I change my mind about a decision after making it?

While some decisions are irreversible, the final conversation with Sigurd provides an opportunity to mitigate the impact of one previous mistake. However, it’s best to be mindful of your choices throughout the game to avoid accumulating too many negative strikes. You should always try to get it right the first time.

Understanding the nuances of these choices is paramount to ensuring a satisfying conclusion to your Assassin’s Creed Valhalla journey.

For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.