In 2020, Ubisoft unleashed Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the latest chapter in their long-running historical action-adventure series. Taking players to the brutal yet fascinating world of Vikings, Valhalla promised a grand adventure steeped in Norse mythology and epic conquest. But does it deliver the experience worthy of a seasoned raider, or is it better left for pillaging on sale? This review dives deep into assassin’s creed valhalla , exploring its story, gameplay, world design, and more to help you decide if it’s worth setting sail for Viking glory.

A Viking Saga: Engrossing Narrative or Repetitive Raids?

Valhalla’s story follows Eivor Varinsdottir (or Varinson), a Viking raider caught in the throes of a conflict between their clan and a powerful Saxon king. Blending historical fiction with Norse mythology, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, family, and the cyclical nature of violence.

While the core story offers compelling moments, particularly regarding Eivor’s personal journey, some players find the overarching narrative repetitive. The conquest structure often involves raiding settlements, completing fetch quests, and forging alliances, which can feel monotonous after a while.

However, Valhalla shines in its world-building. Ubisoft meticulously crafted a stunning recreation of 9th-century England, with diverse landscapes ranging from rolling green hills to snow-capped mountains. Scattered throughout this world are intriguing side quests that delve into Norse myths and legends, offering a refreshing break from the main campaign.

The modern-day storyline, a series staple that intertwines with the historical narrative, takes a backseat in Valhalla. While it provides some interesting lore for dedicated fans, it can feel disconnected from the main story for newcomers.

Brutal Beauty: A Feast for the Eyes (and Axes)

Visually, Valhalla is a stunner. The world is meticulously detailed, showcasing the harsh beauty of Viking-era England. From the bustling towns to the windswept plains, every location feels distinct and alive. Weather effects like rain and snow add a layer of immersion, and the lighting is phenomenal, creating breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrises and sunsets.

Character models are equally impressive, bringing to life the rugged warriors, weathered civilians, and mythical creatures players encounter. The combat animations are brutal and satisfying, with a visceral impact that emphasizes the weight of each blow.

However, Valhalla isn’t without its technical hiccups. Some players have reported bugs and glitches, ranging from graphical glitches to quest-breaking issues. While Ubisoft has released patches to address many of these problems, occasional bugs can still disrupt the experience.

Raider’s Choice: Combat That’s Brutal But Forgiving

Valhalla refines the combat system introduced in its predecessors, Origins and Odyssey. Players can wield a variety of weapons, from axes and swords to bows and shields, allowing for diverse combat styles. The dual-wielding mechanic allows for aggressive close-quarters combat, while ranged options offer a more tactical approach.

New abilities called “Skills” add a layer of depth to combat. These range from powerful melee attacks to defensive maneuvers and health buffs. Players can unlock and equip these skills to customize their Eivor for different playstyles.

The combat itself is a brutal affair, with a focus on heavy blows and gory takedowns. However, compared to previous titles, Valhalla offers a more forgiving combat experience. Enemies tend to be less spongy, meaning they die quicker, making combat feel more impactful. Additionally, the inclusion of auto-healing removes the need for constant micromanagement of health potions.

While some players appreciate this accessibility, others find it weakens the challenge. The lack of emphasis on stealth mechanics, a series hallmark, may also disappoint fans who prefer a more methodical approach.

A World to Conquer: Exploration and Activities Galore

Valhalla’s world is vast and packed with activities to keep players engaged for hours on end. From raiding Saxon settlements and uncovering Roman ruins to participating in drinking contests and playing Orlog (a Viking dice game), there’s always something to do.

Hidden throughout the world are “World Events,” short, unscripted encounters that offer a glimpse into Viking life and provide small rewards. Players can also discover “Mysteries,” which are more involved puzzles and challenges that often involve Norse mythology or historical lore.

The world map is littered with collectible items, such as gear pieces, ability books, and cosmetic upgrades. While some players find collecting these a rewarding way to explore the world, others may find it tedious and unnecessary.

The raiding mechanic, a core aspect of the Viking experience, is a highlight. Leading your crew in assaults on Saxon settlements is a thrilling experience, especially when coordinating attacks with your crewmates. The sieges on larger forts offer some of the most epic and chaotic moments in the game.

FAQs

Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla a good game?

For the most part, yes! Reviews praise Valhalla for its beautiful open world, brutal Viking combat, and a story steeped in Norse mythology [1, 2, 3]. It offers a refined take on the Assassin’s Creed formula established in Origins and Odyssey, with a massive map to explore, plenty of side activities, and a deep combat system. However, some reviewers felt the story connection to the larger Assassin’s Creed lore was weaker, and the vastness of the world could lead to repetitive tasks at times [2, 4].

What are the best aspects of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Exploration: England in the 9th century is a sprawling and gorgeous world filled with secrets to uncover, mysteries to solve, and stunning vistas [1, 3, 5].

Combat: The combat is brutal and satisfying, with a focus on weight and impact. It’s more nuanced than previous entries, offering a variety of weapons, abilities, and combos to master [1, 5].

Story: While the connection to the Assassin’s Creed mythos might be a bit loose, the core Viking story is engaging, with interesting characters and a good mix of action and exploration [3, 4].

Activities: There’s a ton to do beyond the main story, from conquering regions and building your settlement to hunting legendary creatures and participating in wacky side quests [2, 5].

What are some weaknesses of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Repetition: The vast open world can lead to repetitive tasks and activities, especially when conquering regions [2, 4].

Story connection: Some reviewers felt the Assassin’s Creed lore felt tacked on and wasn’t as well integrated as it could have been [3, 4].

Technical issues: While not a constant problem, some reviewers encountered bugs and glitches [1].

Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla good for new players to the series?

The core gameplay loop is accessible, but the story does reference events from previous Assassin’s Creed games. New players can still enjoy the world and story, but might miss some references [2].

How long is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

The main story can take around 50-60 hours to complete, but with all the side content, completionists can sink well over 100 hours into the game [5].

Should I buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

If you enjoy open-world exploration, brutal combat, and Viking history or mythology, then Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a great choice. However, if you dislike repetitive tasks or are looking for a tightly focused story, you might want to wait for a sale.

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