It was always high up the list of eras and locations. Assassin’s Creed takes a leaf out of Kratos’s book and charts a course for Viking lands, bringing us Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. You couldn’t ask for a more bombastic launch game, really, and if you could only pick one title for the Xbox Series X/S launch day, then Valhalla might well be your epic sandbox of choice. Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is out now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5 and PC via Steam.
You play Eivor, a viking raider who has jumped aboard a longship heading for England. This is your chance to find riches and make a name for yourself (although, how many riches are there really in Dark Ages England?). Hopefully the modern day stuff is kept to a minimum, so that we can focus on this deep down and dirty moment from our past.
Largely abandoning the ‘Assassin’ element of the title, this is about coming to shore loudly, and raiding unsuspecting villages, towns and outposts. The combat system has had a refresh, allowing For Honor-style dual-wielding and a focus on melee combat.
We’re most intrigued by the settlement mechanics. You’re a long way from home in a foreign land, so you’ll need a base of operations for all that pillaging. That means creating a settlement, and then bringing resources back to outfit the settlement. These in turn unlock missions for you: build a smithy, tattoo parlour, barracks and others, and you’ll get access to even more content.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is doing the Smart Delivery thing, so buying it once on Xbox One will mean that you have access to it on Xbox One X/S. This is a Good Thing, as – like Origins and Odyssey – this is not a short game. Expect to reach triple-figures in terms of hours played, as the Season Pass will only add more challenges for you.
Features include:
- – Lead epic Viking raids against Saxon troops and fortresses.
- – Dual-wield powerful weapons and relive the visceral fighting style of the Vikings.
- – Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of enemies ever in Assassin’s Creed.
- – Shape the growth of your character with every choice and carve a path to glory.
- – Explore a Dark Age open world, from the shores of Norway to the kingdoms of England.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X and starts at £84.99 with the Ultimate Edition rolling in at £99.99 – both do come with the Season Pass (usually £32.49) whilst the latter adds in a host of other free goodies too..
It’s also out on PS4, PS5 and PC. Keep an eye out for our review of Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla on Xbox Series X very soon.
Game Description:
Build your own Viking legend at 60 FPS and in 4K resolution on Xbox Series X. Become Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior. Explore England’s Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla.
