As an avid gamer, there's nothing quite like stepping into the shoes of a legendary warrior and experiencing the thrill of the battlefield. With the recent release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, players can now do exactly that in the world of Viking warriors. This highly anticipated entry in the long-running franchise promises to transport players to a time of epic battles, fierce rivalries, and complex political maneuvering. If you're a fan of immersive gameplay and pulse-pounding action, then get ready to join the ranks of the mighty Vikings in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
1. Release and availability on various platforms
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the latest installment in the Assassin's Creed franchise, taking players into the age of Vikings as they wage battles against the Saxxon forces of the Dark Ages. The game is set to be released on November 10, 2020 for PS4, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, and PC platforms. Players who want to pre-load and download the game can refer to the specific times provided by Ubisoft for each platform. The game is available for purchase in three different editions: standard, Gold, and Ultimate. The standard edition costs $59.99 and includes The Way of the Berserker mission as a pre-order bonus. The Gold edition includes the game, the Berserker mission, and the Season Pass for $99.99. The Ultimate edition includes the game, the season pass, the Berserker mission, and custom packs for gear, settlements, and longships.
In terms of next-gen upgrades, PlayStation owners can upgrade their PS4 version to the digital version on PS5 for no extra cost. Xbox owners will receive the Xbox Series X/S version through Microsoft's Smart delivery feature. The game will also have a day-one patch, version 1.0.2, which is about 2.9 GB large for all platforms and includes improvements and fixes such as fine-tuned balancing, additional localized audio packs, and the return of the Animus Database as Codex. The game will also have extensive post-launch support in the form of paid DLCs, a bonus mission available at launch, and free seasonal content and game updates for all players.
As a player eagerly awaiting the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, it's important to note the release date and time for your platform, the available editions and their contents, and the upgrade options for next-gen consoles. Ubisoft's post-launch support also ensures that there will be plenty of new content for players to enjoy even after completing the main game. Whether you're a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer, there's plenty to look forward to in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. [1][2]
2. Friend referral program for rewards
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is now available for free this weekend! Players can access the full main game content on all platforms until December 19th. For those who haven't played this game yet, now is the perfect opportunity to try it out. Not only that, but Ubisoft is also hosting a friend referral program that will allow players to invite their friends to write their own Viking Saga and earn rewards.
To participate, players must create or connect to a valid Ubisoft account, match the age rating of the game, and own a full retail SKU of the game on their chosen platform. The program has no defined term, and Ubisoft will announce its end with a prior notice of at least thirty days.
To qualify for rewards, players must complete three missions in-game in cooperation mode with their qualified invitee. The invitee should purchase a full SKU of the game using the invitation sent by the referrer or own a full SKU of the game on the same platform used by their referrer and accept the invitation no longer than 7 days from their first login in the game.
The rewards for 1 qualified conversion include a blueprint, a Stinger Hunter Outfit (Mask Scarf Shirt Pants Shoes), a collectible backpack trophy Timepiece. For 2 qualified conversions, players can get the Cypher collectible backpack trophy, and for 3, they can obtain the Veil collectible backpack trophy.
Referrers can earn up to three qualified conversions, and only the first three will be considered for rewards. Additional or subsequent qualifying activity by a referrer will not be counted. All questions or disputes regarding eligibility for the program or compliance with the program terms will be resolved solely by Ubisoft.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to invite your friends to play Assassin's Creed Valhalla and earn exciting rewards! [3][4]
3. Title updates and content updates
Assassin's Creed Valhalla has received several updates since its release, including both title and content updates. The game had its final content update, "The Last Chapter," released on February 21st, 2022. The update includes a concluding chapter to Eivor's story, new quests, bug fixes, and an option to keep the hood up at all times. Additionally, players can purchase festival items with silver, which were previously only available as rewards. New cosmetic items will be available weekly in the Animus Store, with a rotation of all non-licensed premium items. The final patch for the game, version 1.7.0, also launched on this day, including several small bug fixes for the River Raids, inventory, and other areas.
Players can continue their journey in the game with post-launch content drops such as the Complete and Deluxe Editions, which include the season pass, the Ultimate Cosmetics Pack, and the expansions "Wrath of the Druids" and "The Siege of Paris." The Dawn of Ragnarök Expansion is also available separately, allowing players to complete their saga as the Norse god Odin. It offers new divine powers, a quest through a breathtaking world, and the chance to save your son in the face of the gods' doom.
Ubisoft has provided continuous support for Assassin's Creed Valhalla since its release in November 2020, introducing new story quests, patches, and expansions. However, with the final updates released, it appears that long-term support for the game will cease. The next game in the series, "Assassin's Creed Mirage," set in Baghdad, is due to be released later this year. The game will likely be showcased at E3, with more information to be revealed.
In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Valhalla players have received numerous updates, including both content and title updates. The game's final update, "The Last Chapter," concludes Eivor's story and offers new quests, bug fixes, and options for players. Post-launch content drops, including editions with the game's season pass and expansions, are also available. However, with the final patch released, it appears long-term support for the game will cease as the series moves forward with "Assassin's Creed Mirage." [5][6]
4. New game modes and in-game content
Since its release, Ubisoft has been continuously updating and enhancing Assassin's Creed Valhalla, providing players with more content and game modes to keep them engaged. To make the most of the game, here are some of the new game modes and in-game content that players can explore.
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of seasonal festivities at Ravensthorpe, which refresh the game throughout the year. These limited-time festivities offer players the opportunity to take part in activities and earn rewards. The Yule Festival, for instance, takes place during winter, with Eivor participating in various events to earn Yule Tokens that can be exchanged for festive rewards.
Another new game mode is the addition of transmog, which Ubisoft introduced to allow players to change the appearance of their equipment without affecting their stats. This is done through Gunnar at the Blacksmith in Ravensthorpe, and players can switch to the new Change Appearance tab to choose a new appearance for their equipment.
Players can also enjoy new abilities and skills that have been added since the game's release. Abilities such as Berserker Trap and Battle Cry allow players to enhance Eivor's fighting skills, while new skills have been added to relate to game content and the seasons. The latest update added the Oskoreia season to celebrate autumn, with new quests and challenges for players to explore.
Finally, Assassin's Creed Valhalla will receive its final content update, The Last Chapter, which will bring closure to Eivor's saga and wrap up two years of post-launch support. Although the game will not feature a New Game+ mode, Ubisoft encourages players to explore other content for more replayable experiences, such as the newly introduced game modes and seasonal festivities.
In summary, Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers players a wealth of new game modes and in-game content to explore. With the introduction of seasonal festivities, transmog, new abilities and skills, and the upcoming final content update, players will have plenty of reasons to continue their Viking adventures in the game for years to come. [7][8]
5. Setting and storyline of the game
Ass's Creed Valhalla takes place in a fictional story set in 9th century England. The game follows the story of Eivor Varinsdottir, a Viking raider who attempts to establish a new Viking clan in England and gets caught in the conflict between the Hidden Ones, who fight for peace and liberty, and the Order of the Ancients, who desire peace through control. The game has a framing story set in the 21st century, where players follow Layla Hassan, an assassin who relives Eivor’s memory to find a way to save the Earth from destruction.
The game’s setting is portrayed in a vast and open-world environment comprising of historical landmarks and settings, including small villages, bustling towns, and ancient ruins. The team conducted extensive research to make the game world as historically accurate as possible, drawing inspiration from the Viking history and culture. The player will lead their fellow Vikings against the Saxons and will have the choice of playing Eivor as either female or male.
The main storyline runs linearly through significant sections of the game world. The game also consists of numerous optional side-missions called World Events, and the player will often return to the main settlement and previously visited areas after gathering information about new areas of England. The player will also have access to a companion animal, named Sýnin, who can scout the nearby areas and can be used for combat.
The combat system allows the player to dual-wield almost any weapon and shields, and every piece of gear a player collects is unique. The game also has social stealth, allowing Eivor to hide from enemies in stationary environmental objects, crowds, and feign death. The player can use Odin Sight, which is a revamped version of Eagle Vision to identify enemies, and every enemy has unique weaknesses and strengths.
In summary, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is set in 9th century England and follows a Viking raider's story who gets caught in the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of Ancients. The game takes place in a vast open-world environment with a linear storyline and numerous optional side-missions. The game features a revamped combat system, social stealth, and every enemy has unique weaknesses and strengths. [9][10]
6. Development team and research for historical accuracy
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a video game known for its story set in the 9th during the Viking invasion of England. One the selling points of the game is the historical accuracy of the details it portrays. The development team behind the game is known for its meticulous research in creating a world that is true to history. The team worked closely with historians and archeologists to gather as much data as possible. Additionally, the team visited sites in England and Norway to see the places they would be creating in the game. They also consulted experts on Viking culture to ensure that they portrayed it accurately.
The game features specific locations, puzzles, and world events that are found in England and parts of Norway and North America in the 9th century. While many fictional liberties are taken in the game to enhance gameplay, the team did their best to make sure that the portrayal of Viking and Norse culture was as accurate as possible. The team also made sure to include authentic historical details when possible, such as the Viking funeral ritual of sending the fallen away by longship or boat clutching their weapons and shields as they were set ablaze.
One of the notable historical accuracies in the game is how it portrays the Vikings as resourceful and versatile people. The Vikings were farmers, blacksmiths, traders, seafarers, and warriors, among other trades. The team also made sure to depict the societal and environmental details of Ireland accurately in the Wrath of the Druids DLC.
Despite some inaccuracies in the game, such as the aqueducts in London and the fortifications at Ebgæt, the team did their best to create a believable and authentic world. They also made sure to include important historical sites that were missing, such as All Hallows-by-the-Tower church, Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, Barking Abbey, and St. Alban's church. In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a culmination of painstaking research and a dedication to portraying historical accuracy in a fictional world. [11][12]
7. Positive reviews and criticisms
Assassin's Creed Valhalla has received mixed reviews from players and critics alike due to its bugs and glitches, but its strong combat system and engaging storyline make it worth playing. Despite some technical issues, fans will enjoy the open combat and stealth gameplay that the game offers, although it should be noted that it's different from Ezio's missions.
If you're willing to overlook the bugs, the game offers a lot of playtime for your money. However, for those who don't necessarily want to play the game right away, it's best to wait for a few more patches to ensure a certain level of stability before diving in. Hardcore fans, on the other hand, can grab it and immerse themselves in its Viking world.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers advanced RPG mechanics that allow players to blaze their own path across England. They can fight battles, lead raids, or use strategy and alliances with other leaders to bring victory. Every choice you make in combat and conversation is another step on the path to greatness. Additionally, players can lead a crew of raiders and launch surprise attacks against enemy armies and fortresses.
The game also allows players to grow their settlement by building upgradable structures and unlocking new features and quests by constructing a barracks, a blacksmith, a tattoo parlor, and more. They can even recruit mercenary Vikings designed by other players or create their own to share online, allowing them to fight alongside friends in their game worlds.
Overall, while there are some bugs and glitches to contend with, players who love a good combat system and a well-crafted story will find a lot to enjoy in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. [13][14]
8. Commercial success of the game
Assassin's Creed Valhalla has achieved a remarkable level of commercial success for Ubisoft. The game, released in November 2020, is now the company's second most profitable game after just under a year of availability. This is an impressive achievement considering the long history of the publisher and the fact that Valhalla is a single-player title.
One reason for the game's success is the ongoing support it has received from both free updates and paid DLC. This long-term support, coupled with microtransactions, has kept players engaged and has likely helped maintain interest in the game.
Despite mixed reviews from critics at release, the game has sold more copies during its first week of availability than any other game in the series. It has become the second most profitable Ubisoft title to date, second only to Rainbow Six Siege.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla has also been successful in part due to its unique setting. The game takes place during the Viking expansion across Europe in the 9th century. Players can explore locations such as Winchester, London, and York, as well as parts of Norway and Vinland, and dreamscapes of Asgard and Jotunheim.
The game has been praised for its narrative, characters, voice acting, visuals, soundtrack, world design, and interconnectivity of activities. It features a balance of combat, open-world exploration, crafted story content, and settlement management that has appealed to a wide range of gamers.
In conclusion, the commercial success of Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a testament to the value of ongoing support and engaging gameplay. Despite mixed reviews at release, sales have been strong and the game has become one of Ubisoft's most profitable titles. Its unique setting, engaging story, and compelling gameplay have helped the game stand out and appeal to a wide variety of players. [15][16]
9. Future plans and upcoming game
Assassin's Creed Valhalla gamers who are waiting for the next instalment of the series have reasons to be excited. Ubisoft has announced its future plans for the Assassin's Creed franchise, and there are multiple exciting new games in development.
One of the upcoming Assassin's Creed games, codenamed Mirage, is set in 9th century Baghdad and will have a smaller, story-driven experience. Players will be able to take on the role of a young Assassin named Basim and explore the city without involving the RPG mechanics from the previous games.
Assassin's Creed Infinity is a transformative game that'll operate as an interactive hub allowing players to switch between historical playgrounds and the modern-day narrative. The first two games to join Infinity hub will be codenamed Red and Hexe: Red will be set in feudal Japan and promises to be the future of open-world RPGs, while Hexe will take us to 16th century Europe in the middle of witch trials.
Ubisoft will also release the first-open world version of Assassin's Creed Jade, which will be set in ancient China. For the first time in the series, players will be able to create their Assassin from scratch in Jade and parkour across the Great Wall.
Overall, the future looks bright for Assassin's Creed with varied game settings and a different approach to the gameplay style. Ubisoft's Infinity Hub could change the way the Assassin's Creed franchise operates and offers an entirely new experience for players. With so much planned for the future, gamers are eagerly waiting to see what Ubisoft comes up with next. [17][18]
10. Gameplay mechanics and features
Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings back familiar gameplay mechanics from the franchise, but also introduces new aspects to keep the interest of gamers alive. One aspect that received criticism is the eagle vision, which is now a chore to navigate as it only allows players to spot the vicinity instead of zeroing in on important areas. The weapons upgrade system takes a long time to be effective and may feel like a long means to an end. The skill tree’s revamp has flaws, with some skills being useless and the process of finishing the tree being arduous. Stealth is treated as a secondary mechanic, and there are hardly any places to hide, making it difficult to remain incognito. Combat is noticeably weak and lacks originality, with only two moves being effective. Players are also at the mercy of health packs, which require items to make.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces changes to familiar gameplay mechanics, such as assaults and raids. Assaults require players to breach enemy walls with a viking army by their side, while raids are more free-form and reward resources to build and refine your settlement. Speaking of the settlement, Valhalla depicts Vikings as settlers, not just raiders, giving players the opportunity to build and customize their settlement with raw materials acquired through raids and scavenging. Combat is reminiscent of Odyssey and Origins with some modifications, such as no passive health regeneration and a stamina meter encouraging more strategic gameplay, and the ability to dual-wield weapons of your choice.
As players progress through Valhalla, they can increase their global power, which determines the amount of skill points they receive to spend on a skill tree and learn new abilities or gain strengths. The game also allows customization of Eivor's aesthetic with hair and tattoos, as well as sharing a customized Jomsvikingr mercenary with friends for their raids. With its waves of familiarity and unique offerings, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a game worth exploring. [19][20]