Siding with Sparta or Athens in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: A Mercenary’s Guide
So, you’ve landed in ancient Greece, spear in hand, ready to carve your legend in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The Peloponnesian War rages, and the question burns: who should I side with, Sparta or Athens? The honest answer? It doesn’t fundamentally matter. The storyline remains the same, and your character, as a mercenary (Misthios), is driven by personal goals, not allegiance to either city-state. You’re free to play both sides against each other, aligning with whoever offers the most lucrative contracts or aligns best with your current objectives. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive into the nuances of this choice and explore the FAQs that plague every new Misthios.
The Mercenary’s Dilemma: Allegiance vs. Opportunity
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey masterfully avoids a simplistic “good versus evil” narrative. Both Athens and Sparta have their virtues and vices. Athens, the cradle of democracy and philosophy, also harbors corruption and elitism. Sparta, famed for its martial prowess and discipline, can be brutal and inflexible.
Ultimately, your decisions carry more weight than your declared allegiance. You can undermine Athenian democracy by supporting corrupt politicians or uphold Spartan values by defending the weak. Your actions define your character, not the banner you temporarily fight under.
The core gameplay loop involves conquering or weakening regions for either Athens or Sparta. This is accomplished by completing quests, assassinating leaders, and destroying supplies. Each side offers different rewards, and the difficulty can vary depending on the region and your level. Therefore, practicality often outweighs loyalty. Look at the available missions, the rewards on offer (gear, drachmae, experience), and the type of enemies you’ll encounter. If you need to farm Spartan polemarchs for specific gear, focus on weakening Athenian control in Spartan territories.
Mastering the Art of Double-Dealing
The key to success in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is understanding that you’re a mercenary, not a soldier. Exploit the conflict for your own gain.
- Play Both Sides: Accept contracts from both Athens and Sparta. Just be mindful of the consequences of your actions and how they might affect your reputation or relationships with certain characters.
- Focus on Rewards: Prioritize missions that offer the best rewards. Don’t be afraid to switch sides if the loot is better elsewhere.
- Consider the Difficulty: Evaluate the difficulty of each mission. Taking on a heavily fortified Spartan fort while under-leveled might not be the most efficient use of your time.
- Exploit Weaknesses: Identify vulnerabilities in each side’s defenses. Taking out key leaders or destroying supplies can significantly weaken their control over a region.
- Manage Your Reputation: Pay attention to your bounty. If you become too notorious, mercenaries will be sent after you, making life more difficult.
- Strategically Choose Battles: When participating in Conquest Battles, consider the potential rewards and the difficulty of the fight. Don’t be afraid to let one side win if the alternative is a costly and time-consuming battle.
FAQs: Navigating the Peloponnesian War as a Mercenary
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of choosing sides in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:
1. Does choosing Athens or Sparta impact the main story?
No, it doesn’t. The main storyline revolves around your family and your search for the truth about your past. Siding with Athens or Sparta only affects regional control and available side quests.
2. Is there a “good” side in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
There isn’t a definitive “good” side. Both Athens and Sparta have flaws. Your choices and actions ultimately determine your moral alignment.
3. Does siding with one side lock me out of content?
No. You can always fight for the other side later. Regions change control frequently, allowing you to experience content associated with both Athens and Sparta.
4. How do I conquer a region for Athens or Sparta?
Weaken the controlling faction by completing quests, assassinating leaders, and destroying war supplies. Then, participate in a Conquest Battle to seize control for the opposing side.
5. What are Conquest Battles?
Large-scale battles where you fight alongside soldiers to conquer a region. They offer significant rewards, including gear and experience.
6. Is it possible to permanently eliminate either Athens or Sparta?
No. They are major powers in the game, and their presence is essential for the conflict to continue.
7. What are the benefits of controlling a region?
Controlling a region grants you access to resources, side quests, and the ability to influence the region’s policies and economy.
8. Can I romance characters from both Athens and Sparta?
Yes, your romantic interests are not restricted by your allegiance. You can pursue relationships with characters from either side.
9. Does my choice of Alexios or Kassandra affect my ability to side with Athens or Sparta?
No. Your character choice does not affect your ability to side with either faction. Both can be mercenaries and fight for either side.
10. Can I betray Athens or Sparta after pledging my support?
Yes, you can betray them by working for the opposing side. However, be mindful of the consequences and how it might affect your reputation.
11. Does the game penalize me for switching sides?
There are no major penalties for switching sides. Your mercenary status allows you to work for whoever pays the most.
12. Are there any special rewards for consistently siding with one faction?
There are no specific rewards for consistently siding with one faction throughout the entire game. The rewards are tied to individual quests and Conquest Battles, not overall allegiance.
13. What are the best ways to make money in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Completing contracts, looting enemies, selling gear, and participating in Conquest Battles are all effective ways to earn drachmae. Remember to also loot underwater locations for sunken treasure.
14. How does the difficulty level affect my choices regarding Athens and Sparta?
On higher difficulty levels, strategic choices become more important. You’ll need to carefully consider the difficulty of each mission and the strength of the opposing forces.
15. Where can I learn more about the historical context of the Peloponnesian War?
There are several educational resources available online and in libraries. You can also explore websites such as GamesLearningSociety.org and Games Learning Society to discover academic research on the educational potential of video games and their historical accuracy.
Embrace the Mercenary Life
In conclusion, there’s no “right” answer to the question of who to side with in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Embrace the mercenary lifestyle, exploit the conflict for your own gain, and make choices that align with your personal goals and play style. Don’t be afraid to fight for both Athens and Sparta, and always prioritize rewards and opportunities over blind loyalty. Your legend awaits!