Assassin's Creed Valhalla

About Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Ubisoft Montreal dropped this Viking epic on November 10, 2020, across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC among other platforms. You play as Eivor, a Norse raider fleeing war-torn Norway to conquer England during the Dark Ages. The game blends open-world exploration with heavy role-playing elements. Your mission involves raiding Saxon kingdoms, establishing a settlement called Ravensthorpe, and climbing the political ladder to reach Valhalla. It feels less like a stealth simulation than a large action RPG where you command armies and duel enemies directly. The setting captures the brutal reality of ninth-century Europe without pulling punches on the violence or the stakes involved in carving out a new life for your clan.

Gameplay

Sessions revolve around sailing your longship across vast oceans to reach raid targets like monasteries or towns. Once ashore, you engage in visceral combat that allows dual-wielding axes and swords against diverse enemy types. The system emphasizes heavy hits and parries rather than pure stealth, though you can still sneak up on guards if needed. Between battles, you manage your settlement by assigning resources to build structures and unlock new perks for your clan members. Political choices matter as you negotiate with local leaders or declare war on factions like King Aelfred's forces. Typical play involves switching between third-person action sequences, navigating a massive map on foot or horseback, and making dialogue decisions that shift the story outcome. The loop keeps you busy gathering loot to upgrade gear while slowly expanding your influence over the land.

What Players Think

Metacritic lists this title at 82 out of 100, while IGDB users gave it a 79.7 score based on 436 ratings. PlayPile data shows the community mood leans heavily toward story-driven narratives with a few votes for emotional and atmospheric vibes. One user noted cooperative elements, though the game remains strictly single-player. Average playtime sits high because the main story mixes well with optional side content. Users often cite the 92 available achievements as a reason to keep grinding even after finishing the campaign. Critics praise the combat depth but some feel the open world gets repetitive. The cheapest price found on Humble Store is just $14.99, matching its historical low. This value point makes it an easy sell for those willing to invest time in the long haul required to see every ending.

PlayPile's Take

This game works best for players who enjoy slow-burn narratives and don't mind spending dozens of hours upgrading their character stats. The $14.99 price tag offers solid value given the sheer volume of content inside. You will earn all 92 achievements if you pursue every side quest and settlement upgrade. Avoid this if you want a tight, linear experience or prefer stealth mechanics over direct combat. The setting is gritty and the progression feels rewarding when you finally unlock new weapon skills. Finish the campaign, collect your loot, and then decide if Ravensthorpe needs more buildings. It stands as a massive chunk of entertainment that demands patience but delivers on its promise of Viking glory.

Storyline

Driven from Norway by endless wars and dwindling resources in the ninth century CE, players will lead Eivor's clan of Norsemen across the icy North Sea to the rich lands of England's broken kingdoms. Players must carve out a new future for their clan, reliving the ruthless fighting style of Viking warriors with a revamped combat system that includes the ability to dual-wield weapons against a greater variety of enemies than ever before. To secure resources players can lead raids to select locations using their longship to earn much-needed riches and resources. As the Vikings begin to settle in their new home, they encounter resistance from the Saxons including King Aelfred of Wessex, who denounces them as heathens and looks to be the sole ruler of a civilized England. Against all odds, Eivor must do what is necessary to keep Valhalla within reach.[4]