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Just two years after the launch of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, Ubisoft is ready to deliver Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla to the world. The game will take players to 9th century England, a time when the Vikings from Norway and Sweden came to their neighboring island and tried to figure it out on their own. Players will transform into Eivor, a warrior who will help settle England and establish a Viking clan. I myself had the opportunity to experience what it was like to play. Valhalla as Eivor during a recent game preview session conducted by Ubisoft. I have already shared my general thoughts on the game, but I am still thinking about some of the unique features of the game, that is, the ones that do not involve going into battle.
So what can you do in Valhalla when you’re not pursuing your main search goals? Let’s take a look at how this world has developed.
Connections to the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ franchise
Image via Ubisoft
As Valhalla it’s just the last installment of the long run Assassin’s creed franchise, there are, of course, connections to the larger story being told. There are some connections to the larger story that I won’t spoil here, and you’ll thank me later because it’s really exciting to see how the dots connect, but there are a few that I’m going to comment on now.
As you move through 9th century England, you will need to find Synchronization Points that can help you travel between locations with each one. This often involves climbing a church steeple or castle roof and doing the graceful Assassin’s creed Swan dive to the ground below that players will know very well. Just be sure to look before you jump into relative oblivion. Stacks of hay or leaves will often be placed around the timing points to allow for a softer landing. If you land badly, you will feel every crushing fall.
Additionally, you will now come equipped with a raven named Synin, replacing the Eagle Helper from the past. Assassin’s creed games. You can send Synin on the air and use the “Odin View” feature to assess your environment. By doing so, you can spot prime locations and targets and get a feel for hidden locations that can help you on your mission.
Move in the Viking world
Transportation in the Viking world is quite simple compared to our modern world. You have three options as you go about your business: on foot, on horseback, and by boat. As with all modes of transportation, your options will have pros and cons. If you are on foot, you can easily get into small spaces and poke around, but it will obviously take longer. You can call your horse (mentioned in Valhalla as your “mount”) from near wherever you are and ride to the next destination. An advantage of traveling on horseback is that you can go on autopilot, by the way, and activate a cinematic mode that allows you to enjoy your surroundings without having to worry about driving your steed. And then there’s your Viking boat, which you can call on while standing on a dock or on the riverbank. Just jump in and assume your commanding position at the rear as your men paddle down England’s many rivers. Depending on the length of your voyage, one of your men may please the crew with a song to pass the time, a charming little feature that helps develop this new world.
Viking life is more than a battle
Image via Ubisoft
Oh you thought Valhalla Would it just consist of you running from mission to mission, killing and looting, and being a totally badass Viking all the time? No way! A great deal of consideration has been invested in crafting the world of Valhalla And it’s those unique touches that make the gaming experience richer. Get lost in the world of a Assassin’s creed The game is, for players like me, as much the goal of playing a game in this franchise as it is of going through the main story arc. Let me enjoy the story!
Valhalla encourages players to move and check things out, rewarding busybodies with a chance to perfect their game and enjoy the Viking world outside of battle. You can go stealth mode in a settlement and search for loot. Interact with the villagers in any city and you may be able to exchange your coins for riding lessons that will help you level up. At one point during my game preview session, I had to hunt for a warehouse key, which eventually led to me sitting down with a Viking NPC and spending a few minutes listening to his backstory as a sailor. And look, does this little moment affect the bigger story? Not at all. But, is it nice to participate in a game in which there are these little moments that transport you to a world so different from yours? Yes absolutely.
Some of my favorite idle activities that are scattered all over the world of Valhalla are the little games that you can play with the NPCs. During my preview session, I participated in a drinking game and a flying game, which is basically a Viking rap battle (and yes, rules). You can also place bets, which adds a nice low-stakes excitement to the entire event. Drinking games are fun thanks to the little added details; the more you drink, the blurrier your vision becomes and the less reliable your legs become. Flying gives you the opportunity to grow in your charisma, an ability that pays off later when you interact with the antagonists in the game.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla It will be released on November 10 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows and Stadia. Catch up on our previous coverage, including our review of Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and exploration of the Viking game world. Stay tuned because we’ll be back to discuss more about the game, including what it’s like to go into battle. Get even more Assassin’s creed updates here.
Allie Gemmill is Collider’s Weekend Contributing Editor. You can follow them on Twitter @_matineeidle.
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