When to Conquer Svartalfheim: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC

The world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is vast, filled with Viking raids, political intrigue, and a healthy dose of Norse mythology. The Dawn of Ragnarok DLC adds another layer to this expansive world, plunging you into the mythical realm of Svartalfheim as Havi, Odin himself. But the question remains: when is the right time to embark on this epic adventure?

The most straightforward answer is this: finish the main Assassin’s Creed Valhalla story and reach a Power Level of at least 340 before beginning Dawn of Ragnarok. This ensures you’re adequately prepared for the challenges ahead and that the DLC’s narrative resonates fully, adding depth to Eivor’s (or rather, Odin’s) journey, without spoiling the original ending. This level will also give you a full familiarity with how to play the game.

The Ideal Time: A Balanced Approach

While the minimum Power Level is 340, many players find that aiming for a slightly higher level, such as 370 or even 400, provides a more comfortable experience. Dawn of Ragnarok presents tougher enemies and intricate challenges, so being well-equipped and skilled is crucial. Furthermore, completing the main story allows you to appreciate the DLC’s themes and connections without the risk of encountering spoilers or narrative dissonance.

Consider also the in-game requirements: Valka’s hut must be established in Ravensthorpe, requiring the settlement to be at least Level Three and the completion of the questline “A Wise Friend.” These steps ensure you’ve progressed far enough in the core game to understand the world and the context of the mythological elements introduced in Dawn of Ragnarok.

Exploring Alternative Entry Points

Even with a lower power level, you can still play. Dawn of Ragnarok offers a way around the level requirement. The game allows you to boost your character to Level 340. However, this shortcut isn’t always the best choice. While it grants you the stats needed to survive, it doesn’t provide the practical experience and skill mastery that comes from naturally progressing through the game. You’d be missing crucial abilities and strategies learned from past battles.

Ultimately, the decision of when to start Dawn of Ragnarok hinges on your personal preferences and playstyle. However, by completing the core game and attaining a decent Power Level, you’ll ensure a more immersive, rewarding, and enjoyable journey through the fiery landscapes of Svartalfheim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I start Dawn of Ragnarok too early?

Starting the DLC too early, especially without sufficient experience or a high enough Power Level, can lead to a frustrating experience. Enemies will be significantly more challenging, and you might struggle to survive. Furthermore, you risk encountering spoilers for the main game, which can diminish the overall narrative impact.

2. Do I need to complete all territories in England before starting Dawn of Ragnarok?

No, you don’t need to conquer every territory in England before starting the DLC. However, experiencing a significant portion of the main story allows you to better understand Eivor’s motivations and the overall narrative arc, enhancing your appreciation for the themes explored in Dawn of Ragnarok.

3. Can I return to England from Svartalfheim whenever I want?

Yes, you can freely travel between England (or other regions from the base game) and Svartalfheim. This allows you to pursue quests, collect resources, or simply take a break from the fiery landscapes of the DLC whenever you desire.

4. How long does it take to complete Dawn of Ragnarok?

According to Ubisoft Montreal, Dawn of Ragnarok offers approximately 35 hours of content. However, this duration can vary significantly depending on your playstyle, difficulty setting, and completionist tendencies. Some players might finish the main storyline in around 25 hours, while others could easily spend 50+ hours exploring every nook and cranny of Svartalfheim.

5. Is Dawn of Ragnarok a standalone story or connected to the main Valhalla narrative?

While Dawn of Ragnarok takes place in a separate mythical realm, it is intrinsically linked to the main Valhalla narrative. It dives deeper into Odin’s perspective and experiences, providing additional context to Eivor’s visions and the overarching themes of the game. Playing the main story first ensures a more cohesive and meaningful understanding of these connections.

6. Will my gear and skills from Valhalla carry over to Dawn of Ragnarok?

Yes, your gear, skills, and character progression from the main game will carry over to the DLC. This allows you to continue developing your character and customizing your playstyle as you explore the new challenges and opportunities in Svartalfheim. The Hugr-Rip, a new piece of gear introduced in Dawn of Ragnarok, further enhances your abilities with unique powers.

7. Does Dawn of Ragnarok affect the ending of the main Valhalla story?

While Dawn of Ragnarok doesn’t directly alter the ending of the main Valhalla story, it offers additional context and insights that can influence your interpretation of events. It enriches the lore and understanding of key characters.

8. Is Wrath of the Druids or The Siege of Paris DLC required before playing Dawn of Ragnarok?

No, neither Wrath of the Druids nor The Siege of Paris DLC is required to play Dawn of Ragnarok. These DLCs offer standalone storylines that are separate from the mythological focus of Dawn of Ragnarok. You can play them in any order or even skip them entirely without impacting your experience with Dawn of Ragnarok.

9. What is the recommended Power Level for Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris?

The recommended Power Level for Wrath of the Druids is 55, while The Siege of Paris suggests a Power Level of 200. These levels provide a decent starting point for these respective DLCs, but you can certainly tackle them at higher levels for a less challenging experience.

10. Should I play God of War (2018) before playing God of War Ragnarok?

While God of War Ragnarok includes a recap of the previous game’s events, playing God of War (2018) beforehand is highly recommended. Understanding the characters, their relationships, and the overarching narrative will greatly enhance your appreciation for the sequel’s story and emotional impact.

11. Where does the quest “The Raven and the Cuckoo” start?

The quest “The Raven and the Cuckoo” starts at the dock of Ravensthorpe. It is one of two quests that becomes immediately available after a certain point in the game.

12. Is “Ragnarok” longer than “God of War?”

No. While God of War Ragnarok’s main story isn’t drastically longer than the first game, the amount and scale of side content certainly is.

13. How can understanding games contribute to education?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and learning. They believe that games can be powerful tools for education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. From using games to teach complex concepts to designing educational games, the Games Learning Society is at the forefront of this exciting field. The Games Learning Society encourages research-backed methods of game-based learning.

14. When should I establish Valka’s hut?

You should play the main story until Valka’s missions come. Finish the Valka acts, and this allows you to understand where these missions are going.

15. Is Bayek the first assassin?

Yes, Bayek and his wife Aya are credited as the original founders of the Hidden Ones, the initial incarnation of the Assassin Brotherhood.