When to Leave Asgard in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A Comprehensive Guide

The mystical realm of Asgard in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers a unique and compelling experience, a break from the Viking conquests of England. However, its placement within the game’s narrative and its optional nature raise the question: when is the best time to leave Asgard and return to the main story? The straightforward answer is this: it’s generally recommended to leave Asgard after completing the first main questline and then return later once you’ve significantly progressed in the main game in England. Let’s delve into why this strategy works best and explore the nuances of the Asgard arc.

Why Leave After the First Quest?

The Asgard storyline, known as “The Fate of the High One,” is a separate, optional arc. You access it through a ritual with Valka the Seer, allowing Eivor to relive the memories of Odin. While tempting to dive deep immediately, completing the initial Asgard missions will give you a taste of the realm’s unique environment, mechanics, and story elements. After that, continuing in Asgard right away isn’t typically beneficial.

The Power Level Factor

The recommended power level for Asgard is 90. While you can enter Asgard earlier, you’ll likely find yourself underpowered, making combat more challenging than it needs to be. By progressing further in the main game, exploring England, and leveling up, you can return to Asgard with a stronger Eivor, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Story Integration

While Asgard is a standalone arc, it’s interwoven into the larger narrative, particularly after you’ve saved Sigurd in the main game. Eivor’s experiences in Asgard begin to make more sense and resonate more powerfully with the overarching plot as you gain more knowledge and experience in the Viking world. It’s like having important context that only becomes clearer through the main story, adding depth to the mythological elements of the game.

Gaining Levels and Rewards

Completing the Asgard arc provides a substantial amount of experience (XP). While doing the first quest at any level is fine, completing the rest of it later when you are of a higher level, will be better for you. You can gain around 30 levels from fully exploring it. You’ll also earn gear, upgrade materials, and other valuable resources as rewards. It is better to collect these later when they have the most impact on the main game.

Avoiding Burnout

Asgard is a significant diversion from the main game. Spending too much time in Asgard early on can lead to burnout, and it can delay your progression in England. A balanced approach involves completing a few initial missions in Asgard, exploring a bit to understand the setting, and then focusing on your main objectives in England before returning later when you’re ready for a more thorough experience.

How to Return to Asgard

After initially entering Asgard, you can always return by drinking the potion inside the Seer’s Hut in Ravensthorpe. This will transport you back to where you left off in the realm. There’s no risk of getting locked out of Asgard, meaning you can always return when the time feels right for your playstyle.

Understanding the Wealth of Asgard

Asgard’s “wealth” takes the form of Ymir’s Tear Stones. These aren’t the usual resources. Instead, they’re collectibles that grant a small amount of XP. Once you collect all 30 Tear Stones, you can offer them at an altar for 5 Skill Points. It is a nice bonus to have. But since they only give XP, it’s more beneficial to collect them when their impact is greatest on you as you level up.

When Should You Wake Up from Asgard?

This question ties back into the initial recommendation: leave Asgard after your first mission and return after making significant progress in the main game. There isn’t a specific in-game moment to leave other than the eye symbol on Heimdall’s tower, and you can explore as much or as little as you like of the world. You can leave anytime you choose to. The key takeaway is to go there early, get your feet wet, and then return later.

Asgard vs. Dawn of Ragnarök

It’s essential to differentiate Asgard from the Dawn of Ragnarök DLC. While they both deal with Norse mythology, the DLC is a standalone story set after the main game’s Asgard arc. Many themes and story points covered in the DLC are better understood if you’ve already experienced the base game’s Asgard. However, there are no issues with starting the DLC regardless of where you are in your Asgard playthrough.

Important Notes

• The Asgard storyline is optional. You can complete the game without ever setting foot in this realm, but that’s not really recommended.
• You can revisit Asgard at any time. The game never locks you out of the area.
• The choices you make in Asgard do not significantly impact the main story.
• You fight alongside Thor, Freyja, and Tyr in Asgard, however, these have no bearing on the game’s outcome and are purely for fun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of completing Asgard in AC Valhalla?

Completing Asgard grants significant XP, levels, unique gear, upgrade materials, and 5 skill points from the Ymir Tear Stones. It also provides deeper insight into the game’s lore and narrative.

2. Is it necessary to finish Asgard before completing the main game?

No, it’s not necessary. The Asgard storyline is optional. You can complete it at any point, even after finishing the main story.

3. Can I go back to Asgard after finishing it?

Yes, you can return to Asgard at any time by drinking the potion in Valka’s hut.

4. Does the level you are at affect how Asgard goes?

The game recommends a level of 90 for Asgard but you can enter it at any level. Going in before you are level 90 will just make combat a bit harder.

5. How do I leave Asgard and return to England?

Look for Heimdall’s Tower in the northwest corner of the map. An eye symbol in front of the tower allows you to “wake up” and return to England.

6. What is the main quest in Asgard called?

The main quest arc in Asgard is called “The Fate of the High One”.

7. What is the significance of Ymir’s Tear Stones in Asgard?

Ymir’s Tear Stones are wealth collectibles in Asgard that give you a small amount of XP. Gathering all 30 grants you 5 skill points.

8. Is it better to do Asgard or Jotunheim first?

You will unlock Asgard first. Jotunheim only unlocks after significant progress in the Asgard questline. You can visit both anytime.

9. Does Dawn of Ragnarök take place before or after the main Asgard story?

The Dawn of Ragnarök DLC takes place after the Asgard story of the base game. It provides more content related to Odin.

10. What level is recommended for Dawn of Ragnarök?

The recommended Power Level for Dawn of Ragnarök is 340.

11. Is Eivor possessed by Odin in Valhalla?

No, Eivor is not possessed by Odin. She is a reincarnation of Odin, who in the game is an Isu, a race that predates humanity.

12. Can you explore Asgard after beating the game?

Yes, you can still access Asgard through Valka’s hut even after completing the main story.

13. Is it worth collecting all wealth in Asgard?

Yes, while they don’t provide traditional resources, collecting all Ymir’s Tear Stones will give you 5 extra skill points.

14. Why does Basim hate Eivor?

Basim is the reincarnation of Loki, and he seeks revenge on those he sees as responsible for the death of his son.

15. What should I not miss in Norway in AC Valhalla?

You should not miss these in Norway: Treasure Hoards, Mark of Death, Throwing Axe Fury, Cairns, Thorn Of Slumber, War Hammers, Elk Of Bloody Peaks, and Fly Agaric Battles.

By understanding these key points, you can make informed decisions about when to leave Asgard and when to return, optimizing your experience in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Remember, it’s all about finding the balance that works best for you and your play style.