Released in November 2020 by Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is the twelfth major installment in the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise. Following in the footsteps of Origins and Odyssey, Valhalla continues the action-RPG formula while transporting players to the brutal and majestic world of Viking Age England. With its sweeping narrative, in-depth settlement mechanics, and thematic exploration of culture, power, and identity, Valhalla stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the series.
Setting: From Norway’s Fjords to England’s Green Valleys
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is set during the late 9th century, a time when Norse clans were venturing across the North Sea to raid and settle in the fractured kingdoms of England. Players assume the role of Eivor Varinsdottir (or Varinsson), a fierce Viking raider from Norway, who joins their adopted brother Sigurd in seeking a new life in England amidst the political turmoil of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
The game world is massive, featuring a diverse range of environments—from the icy peaks and fjords of Norway, to the lush forests, rolling hills, and crumbling Roman ruins of England. Major regions include Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, and Northumbria, with additional adventures in Vinland (North America), Asgard, and Jotunheim.
Ubisoft’s world-building captures the dichotomy of the Viking experience—raiders and conquerors, but also settlers, traders, and poets. England is depicted as a land ripe with opportunity but riddled with conflict, religion, and resistance.
Narrative: A Journey of Conquest and Inner Conflict
The central narrative follows Eivor, who can be played as either male or female (or let the Animus decide based on narrative contexts). Eivor is driven by loyalty to their clan, a thirst for glory, and a desire to build a prosperous settlement for their people.
The story begins in Norway, where Eivor’s family is betrayed by a rival king. This sets the tone for a saga of revenge, self-discovery, and destiny. Alongside Sigurd, Eivor sails to England, aiming to carve out a new future through diplomacy, alliance-building, and conquest.
A key narrative thread is Sigurd’s growing obsession with the Isu artifacts and his belief that he is destined for greatness, which strains his relationship with Eivor. This journey is complicated by the emergence of the Hidden Ones (the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood) and the Order of the Ancients, an early version of the Templars.
Themes of fate versus choice, Norse mythology versus hidden truths, and loyalty versus ambition are woven throughout the narrative. The game’s story arcs involve forging alliances with local rulers, navigating political intrigue, and uncovering the hidden forces manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Gameplay: Evolving the Action-RPG Formula
Valhalla builds upon the action-RPG systems introduced in Origins and Odyssey, but adds refinements and Viking-inspired twists. The leveling system is now based on Power Levels, derived from skill tree upgrades rather than traditional XP grinding. This offers more freedom in how players approach content.
Combat is brutal and visceral, reflecting the Viking ethos. Players can dual-wield almost any weapon, including axes, swords, hammers, and even shields. Signature finishers, limb removals, and environmental attacks make battles feel weighty and cinematic.
Eivor can perform stealth assassinations, chain assassinations, and use the Hidden Blade, reintroduced with a flourish. The game encourages multiple playstyles—open conflict, stealth infiltration, or social manipulation.
Raids are a core gameplay mechanic. Players lead their clan in attacking monasteries and military camps, stealing resources to develop their settlement. Raids are intense, large-scale battles that tie into resource gathering and narrative progression.
Settlement building is a major innovation. The player’s home, Ravensthorpe, can be expanded with new buildings like a blacksmith, barracks, stables, and even a tattoo parlor. Settlement upgrades unlock new quests, characters, and game mechanics, making Ravensthorpe feel like a living, evolving hub.
The Skill Tree and Customization
Valhalla’s skill tree is represented as a constellation map, with branches focused on Raven (stealth), Bear (melee), and Wolf (ranged) abilities. Each node adds stat boosts, perks, or unlocks new combat abilities. This modular design allows players to respec and experiment with different builds.
Weapons and armor sets are highly customizable and can be upgraded at the blacksmith. Gear rarity and stats play a role, but the focus is less on loot chasing compared to Odyssey. Instead, Valhalla encourages players to invest in and enhance chosen gear sets over time.
Mythology and the Isu Legacy
One of the most compelling aspects of Valhalla is its deep integration of Norse mythology with the overarching Assassin’s Creed lore. Eivor experiences visions and dreams that transport them to Asgard and Jotunheim, where they play as Odin, chief of the Aesir. These sections reveal the mythological origins of the Isu, the advanced precursor civilization that has loomed over the series since the beginning.
The mythological content isn’t purely fantastical—it’s rooted in the series’ science fiction elements, interpreting gods as ancient beings with advanced technology. The climax ties Eivor’s destiny to the Isu conflict, revealing their reincarnated identity and deeper connection to the Sage Basim, a member of the Hidden Ones who becomes increasingly significant in the modern-day storyline.
Modern-Day Narrative
The modern-day segments return with Layla Hassan, continuing from Origins and Odyssey. Layla uses the Staff of Hermes to maintain her life while exploring Eivor’s genetic memories. These sections grow increasingly philosophical and metaphysical, culminating in a significant twist that sets the stage for future entries in the franchise.
Layla eventually joins The Reader in “The Grey,” a simulation housing all human knowledge. Here, she leaves her physical body, hinting at a potential post-human direction for the series’ future.
Exploration and World Activities
Beyond the main story, Valhalla is rich with exploration. The game features:
- World Events: Short, often humorous or poignant side quests that replace traditional quest logs.
- Mysteries and Artifacts: Puzzles, cairn stacking challenges, standing stone alignments, and more.
- Flyting: Viking rap battles that test wit and improve charisma.
- Fishing and Hunting: Mini-games that tie into crafting and settlement upgrades.
- Legendary Beasts: Mythical creatures from Norse lore waiting to be hunted.
Valhalla also includes a Discovery Tour, an educational mode that removes combat and allows players to explore Viking life, culture, and history with guided tours and historical insights.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla received mostly positive reviews. Critics praised its vast world, improved combat mechanics, and the depth of its settlement system. The Viking setting was widely appreciated for its blend of historical authenticity and mythological flair.
However, some criticism was directed at the game’s length and pacing. The game can take over 100 hours to fully complete, and some players found the repetition in raid mechanics and region conquest tiresome. Technical issues were also noted at launch, including bugs and performance hiccups.
Despite these flaws, Valhalla became one of the most commercially successful Assassin’s Creed games, surpassing sales records set by Odyssey. It received multiple expansions, including:
- Wrath of the Druids – A journey into mythic Ireland.
- The Siege of Paris – Focused on the historical attack on Frankish lands.
- Dawn of Ragnarök – A mythological expansion exploring the end of the Norse gods.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is a grand saga that weaves together history, mythology, and personal identity. It marks a high point in Ubisoft’s RPG-era trilogy, offering a deep and immersive experience grounded in Viking culture and philosophy.
While not without its pacing issues and formula fatigue, Valhalla represents an evolution of the franchise, bringing the series full circle by connecting ancient history with modern-day consequences. It’s a game of conquest and contemplation—of building a home while questioning one’s destiny.
Whether storming a Saxon fortress or pondering the will of the gods, Valhalla ensures that the player, like Eivor, leaves their mark on the world.
