Navigating Choices in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A Comprehensive Guide
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla throws you into the shoes of Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to a new home in England. Unlike some RPGs, there’s no single “right” choice. Your decisions are more about shaping your personal experience and relationships within the game. Ultimately, the best choices in Valhalla are the ones that resonate most with you, based on what you are looking for in a gaming experience and your personal values.
Choosing Eivor: Male or Female?
This is one of the first big decisions players face and it’s largely a matter of personal preference. The game attempts to straddle the fence by explaining how the Animus interprets the genetic memory, allowing you to switch between male and female Eivor at any time (after the initial prologue).
- Gameplay Impact: Mechanically, there’s absolutely no difference. Both genders have access to the same skills, abilities, and equipment.
- Story Impact: Minimal impact. Some dialogue might slightly change, but the overall narrative remains the same.
- Voice Acting: This is where the most significant difference lies. Many prefer the performance of Magnus Bruun as male Eivor, finding it more compelling and fitting for the character. However, others enjoy the portrayal of female Eivor.
- Canonical Eivor: The canoncial version of Eivor is said to be female.
Recommendation: Listen to both voice actors during the prologue. If you are still unsure you can switch between genders in the animus section of the game.
Romance Options: Finding Love in the Viking Age
Valhalla offers a variety of romantic encounters, from fleeting flings to more serious relationships. It is important to understand that romance is a fun addition, not a core mechanic. It adds flavor to the experience, but won’t drastically alter the storyline.
Who is the Best Lover for Eivor?
While subjective, Petra, the hunter, is widely considered a fan favorite. Her storyline and connection with Eivor feel organic and well-developed. Other notable options include:
- Randvi: Sigurd’s wife. Pursuing a relationship with her can have story consequences as Sigurd will ultimately become distant to you.
- Ciara: Introduced in the Wrath of the Druids DLC. This is the only main romance option found in the DLC.
- Stigr: Introduced in the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC.
Recommendation: Experiment and see which character’s personality resonates with you. Remember, you can break up with characters if you change your mind.
Does Who You Sleep With Matter?
For the most part, no. One-time flings have minimal impact. More serious relationships, like Randvi, can have minor consequences for the plot. Overall, your romantic endeavors are treated as mostly passing diversions. It’s possible to be in a relationship with someone.
Lincolnshire Choices: Hunwald or Aelfgar?
This is a common sticking point for players. You need to choose an Ealdorman for Lincolnshire, and the options are Hunwald and Aelfgar.
- The Key Outcome: Choosing Aelfgar results in Hunwald and his lover, Swanburrow, moving to Ravensthorpe. This is generally considered the “better” outcome.
- Why Aelfgar is Often Recommended: It keeps the Lincolnshire alliance intact and allows Hunwald to find happiness with Swanburrow in your settlement.
Recommendation: Choose Aelfgar. He makes for a perfectly acceptable Ealdorman choice, and your other choice will move back to Ravensthorpe.
Side with Halfdan or Faravid?
This decision has a slightly more significant impact on your relationship with Halfdan.
- Choosing Halfdan: This is generally the recommended path. Supporting Halfdan solidifies your alliance and leads to a more conclusive resolution.
- Consequences of Supporting Faravid: Halfdan is angered by this and will kill him in front of you.
Recommendation: Back Halfdan. The alliance remains secure.
Is Eivor the Best Assassin?
Eivor is a unique Assassin’s Creed protagonist. They aren’t necessarily “better” than other assassins, but they bring a different skillset to the table. They are a formidable warrior, capable of both brutal combat and stealth.
- Eivor’s Strengths: A blend of skill and brutality, mastery of various weapons, and the ability to see through Synin, their raven.
- Comparison to Other Assassins: Characters like Kassandra or Alexios are comparable in terms of raw power, but Eivor’s Viking background and unique skills set them apart.
Recommendation: Appreciate Eivor for their distinct strengths and contribution to the Assassin’s Creed lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about making choices in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, designed to help you make informed decisions:
1. Does gender affect gameplay or story in Valhalla?
No, the gender of Eivor does not significantly affect gameplay or the main story. Both male and female Eivor have access to the same skills, abilities, and quests.
2. Can I change Eivor’s gender after starting the game?
Yes, you can change between male and female Eivor at any time by going into the Animus settings in the game menu.
3. Does it matter who Eivor romances in Valhalla?
Not significantly. Romance options are mostly diversions and don’t deeply impact the main story. Some relationships might offer minor dialogue changes or side quests.
4. Is there a “best” romance option for Eivor?
It’s subjective, but Petra is widely regarded as the best due to her well-developed storyline and character connection with Eivor.
5. How many romance options are available in Valhalla?
There are several, including Randvi, Petra, Tarben, and others found in the DLC expansions.
6. What happens if I romance Randvi?
Romancing Randvi, Sigurd’s wife, can affect your relationship with Sigurd, leading to potential story consequences later in the game.
7. In Lincolnshire, should I choose Hunwald or Aelfgar?
Choosing Aelfgar is generally recommended, as it results in Hunwald and Swanburrow moving to Ravensthorpe.
8. What happens if I choose Hunwald as Ealdorman?
Hunwald will become the Ealdorman, but he might not be as effective as Aelfgar, and Hunwald won’t live in Ravensthorpe.
9. Can I prevent Hunwald from dying?
No, Hunwald is written to die in the game.
10. In Eurviscire, should I side with Halfdan or Faravid?
Siding with Halfdan is the better choice, securing the alliance with Eurviscire and leading to a more favorable outcome.
11. What are the consequences of siding with Faravid?
Supporting Faravid can anger Halfdan, leading to Faravid’s death and potential repercussions for the alliance.
12. Does Eivor become a god in Valhalla?
No, Eivor does not become a literal god. Instead, Eivor is revealed to be a reincarnation of Odin, an Isu being.
13. How old is Eivor during the main events of Valhalla?
Eivor is approximately 25 years old at the start of the main part of the game, which takes place in 872 CE.
14. Does Eivor lose an eye during the game?
Yes, Eivor loses their eye during the game, and this event happens in Valhalla when they are shot.
15. Is female Eivor the canonical version of the character?
Yes, but the game offers an explanation for why the Animus sometimes represents Eivor as male, attributing it to the presence of Odin’s DNA in Eivor’s bloodline.
Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla prioritizes player choice and agency. Embrace the freedom to shape Eivor’s journey according to your preferences. There are many useful resources available, and one that focuses on the broader implications of gaming is the Games Learning Society, which can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Ultimately, the “best” choices are the ones that create a compelling and enjoyable experience for you.
Remember, have fun, explore the world, and forge your own Viking saga!