Taking It Back: 33 Essential Facts About AC Valhalla

Immerse yourself in the epic world of Assassin's Creed Valhalla and uncover its captivating secrets with our comprehensive guide. From viking raids to mythological battles, this article unveils the game's rich narrative, diverse gameplay, and historical significance.

1. The World of Vikings: A Vast and Immersive Setting

• Over 40 Hours of Exploration: Valhalla boasts a massive open world with a staggering 16 regions to explore, each with its unique landscapes and cultures.
• 100+ Locations to Discover: From bustling cities like London to hidden settlements, the world of Valhalla offers countless points of interest to uncover.
• Viking Raids and Battles: Engage in thrilling raids on Saxon monasteries and fortresses, leading your crew of fearsome warriors to victory.

2. Eivor and the Hidden Ones: A Complex and Driven Protagonist

• A Charismatic Viking Warrior: Embody Eivor, a skilled and ambitious Viking warrior from the Raven Clan, on their quest for glory and redemption.
• Multiple Character Choices: Choose between playing as a male or female Eivor, each with their unique abilities and dialogue options.
• Assassins in the Shadows: Discover the Hidden Ones' secret order, a brotherhood of assassins who fight for justice and freedom in the Viking Age.

3. The Animus and Historical Accuracy: Blending Fiction and Reality

• The Animus Experience: Dive into the Animus, a device that allows you to relive the memories of your ancestors, including Eivor.
• 9th Century England: Immerse yourself in the historical setting of 9th century England, a time of great conflict and change.
• Collaboration with Historians: Valhalla's development team consulted with historians to ensure a realistic and authentic representation of this era.

4. Gameplay Depth: A Multifaceted Experience

• Visceral Combat: Engage in brutal and satisfying melee combat, using an array of weapons and abilities to defeat your enemies.
• Stealth and Assassination: Utilize stealth tactics to infiltrate enemy strongholds and eliminate targets undetected, true to the Assassin's Creed tradition.
• Exploration and Discovery: Uncover countless hidden treasures, artifacts, and side quests as you explore the vast world of Valhalla.

5. Norse Mythology and Folklore: A Realm of Mystery and Wonder

• Mythological Creatures and Gods: Encounter legendary creatures from Norse mythology, such as trolls, giants, and berserkers.
• Asgard and Jotunheim: Explore the mythical realms of the gods and giants, where you'll confront powerful beings and unlock ancient secrets.
• Valhalla and the Afterlife: Immerse yourself in the Viking belief of Valhalla, the afterlife for fallen warriors, and experience its grandiose halls and legendary mead.

6. Skill Tree and Character Progression: Shaping Your Warrior

• Extensive Skill Tree: Unlock a vast array of skills and abilities through the comprehensive skill tree, customizing Eivor's combat, stealth, and exploration capabilities.
• Leveling and Progression: As you complete quests and gain experience, Eivor's power and influence will grow, granting access to new abilities and equipment.
• Crafting and Customization: Forge powerful weapons and armor, and personalize your Viking experience with a variety of cosmetic options.

7. Raiding and Settlement Building: A Viking's Legacy

• Formidable Viking Crew: Recruit and manage a loyal crew of Viking warriors, each with their unique skills and weapons.
• Ravaging Monasteries and Fortresses: Lead your crew in fearsome raids on Saxon strongholds, looting wealth and expanding your influence.
• Building Ravensthorpe: Establish and expand your own Viking settlement, Ravensthorpe, upgrading buildings, recruiting craftsmen, and forging alliances.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Tips for Viking Mastery

• Underestimating the Power of Stealth: Remember that stealth is a valuable asset, allowing you to eliminate targets quietly and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
• Neglecting to Explore: The world of Valhalla is rich in hidden treasures and side quests, so don't limit yourself to the main campaign.
• Overlooking Skill Development: Invest wisely in your skill tree, as certain abilities can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness and exploration capabilities.

9. Pros and Cons: Weighing the Viking Experience

Pros:

• Immersive and Vast World: Valhalla's sprawling open world and meticulous attention to detail create an incredibly immersive and engaging experience.
• Complex and Compelling Protagonist: Eivor is a well-developed and relatable character, whose journey and motivations will resonate with players.
• Blending of History and Mythology: The game seamlessly integrates real-world history with Norse mythology, creating a unique and captivating narrative.

Cons:

• Repetitiveness in Raiding: While raids can be initially exciting, their repetitive nature can become tedious over time.
• Technical Glitches and Bugs: Valhalla has been plagued by occasional technical issues, which can mar the overall gaming experience.
• Overly Ambitious Scope: The sheer size and scope of the game can sometimes lead to a lack of focus and narrative cohesion.

10. The Future of AC Valhalla: Updates and Expansions

• Upcoming DLC and Expansions: Valhalla is set to receive several major DLC expansions, each promising new locations, storylines, and gameplay experiences.
• Live Service Model: Ubisoft has adopted a live service model for Valhalla, ensuring regular updates, bug fixes, and new content additions.
• Community Feedback and Engagement: The developers are actively listening to player feedback and engaging with the community to enhance the game's overall experience.

11. Historical Significance: Vikings in England

• 9th Century Viking Invasions: Valhalla depicts the historical invasions of Viking raiders into England during the 9th century, a period of conflict and cultural exchange.
• The Great Heathen Army: The game's antagonist, King Alfred, faced a formidable foe in the Great Heathen Army, a coalition of Viking warriors who ravaged England for several years.
• Viking Influence on English Culture: The Viking invasions left a lasting legacy in England, shaping its language, architecture, and cultural identity.

12. The Hidden Ones: A Secret History

• Origins in the Late Roman Empire: The Hidden Ones emerged in the late Roman Empire as a secretive order dedicated to fighting against tyranny and oppression.
• A Global Network of Assassins: The order spread its influence across the world, training and recruiting assassins to carry out their missions.
• Influence on Western History: The Hidden Ones have played a significant role in various historical events, including the Crusades and the American Revolution.

13. Norse Mythology: Gods and Myths

• Odin, the All-Father: The supreme god of the Norse pantheon, Odin is associated with wisdom, war, and fate.
• Thor, the Thunderer: The mighty god of thunder, Thor wields the legendary hammer Mjolnir, capable of summoning lightning and shattering mountains.
• Loki, the Trickster: A cunning and mischievous god, Loki is known for his shape-shifting abilities and his role as the instigator of chaos.

14. The Animus: A Window into History

• Groundbreaking Technology: The Animus is a device developed by Abstergo Industries that allows users to experience the memories of their ancestors.
• Historical Research and Education: The Animus has revolutionized historical research, providing unprecedented insights into past events and cultures.
• Ethical Implications: The use of the Animus raises ethical concerns, as it can be used to manipulate historical narratives and potentially alter the course of history.

15. Skill Tree Analysis: Maximizing Character Abilities

• Combat Skills: The combat skill tree focuses on enhancing Eivor's melee, ranged, and assassination abilities.
• Stealth Skills: The stealth skill tree grants improved stealth, lockpicking, and detection avoidance capabilities.
• Exploration Skills: The exploration skill tree enhances Eivor's navigation, tracking, and interaction with the environment.

16. Raiding Strategy Guide: Effective Conquest

• Plan and Scouting: Prepare for raids by scouting enemy strongholds and identifying their weaknesses.
• Crew Management: Optimize your crew's composition and skills to maximize their effectiveness in combat and looting.
• Stealth Infiltration: Use stealth tactics to infiltrate enemy strongholds undetected, reducing resistance and increasing the chances of a successful raid.

17. Settlement Management: Building Ravensthorpe

• Resource Gathering: Collect resources through raiding, hunting, and establishing trade routes to fuel the growth of Ravensthorpe.
• Building Upgrades: Construct and upgrade buildings in Ravensthorpe to provide various benefits, such as increased storage capacity, military support, and crafting capabilities.
• Alliance Building: Forge alliances with other Viking clans and settlements to expand your influence and access new resources and opportunities.

18. Viking Culture and Rituals

• The Berserkers: Fearsome Viking warriors known for their trance-like states and brutal combat abilities.
• The Valkyries: Legendary warrior maidens who choose the slain to accompany them to Valhalla.
• The Yule Festival: A major festival celebrated by Vikings during the winter solstice, involving feasting, sacrifices, and storytelling.

19. Historical Figure Profiles: Key Characters in Valhalla

• King Alfred: The King of Wessex, Alfred the Great led the resistance against the Viking invasions and is renowned for his military prowess and wisdom.
• Ivarr the Boneless: A ruthless Viking warlord and son of Ragnar