Ubisoft has released the very first official Assassin’s Creed Valhalla trailer.
In the trailer, we learn the theme for the upcoming game and the name of the main character. We also now know more about the combat, character progression, and settlement management.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will take place in the time of the Vikings, during the Dark Ages. The Viking warrior we will be raiding as is Eivor, a fierce warrior who grew up listening to tales of battles and glory – like most Vikings. And like in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Eivor can be either male or female – it’s your choice.
In a search for a new home, Eivor has set their sights on a small island to the west called England. The English king we see in the trailer is King Aelfred of Wessex, which places the game sometime in the late 9th century.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is said to have advanced RPG mechanics that will “shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you.” Form the political alliances and combat strategies you make, to the dialogue options and gear you choose.
Vikings are notorious for their combat skills, and Eivor is no different. They will be able to dual-wield axes and swords, but will also carry the iconic round shield. Since we’re dealing with axes and close combat, you can expect more gore than usual, as you can “brutally decapitate” and “dismember” you foes. Or you can be a little more subtle and use arrows or the assassin’s hidden blade.
If all else fails, you can try and verbally devastate your rivals through the art of Viking rap battle called flyting.
Like any other Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set in an open world where you can sail from the shores of Norway to the English kingdoms and beyond. During your journey, you can fish and hunt and live an epic Viking lifestyle. You can even drown your sorrows over fallen comrades by playing drinking games.
You will lead epic raids against Saxon armies and fortresses, as Vikings do. By succeeding, you will expand your influence further than your settlement’s border and achieve glory, which might earn you a place near the gods in Valhalla. Those surprise raids will help your settlements gain resources.
The Vikings were not all about raids and dismemberment – they were traders and settlers. You will construct and upgrade your settlement and recruit new clan members as it grows. Your settlement will open up new customization options for you through buildings like the barracks, blacksmith, and tattoo parlor.
You will also create your very own Viking raider and share them online for your friends to use in their raids. If they do, you’ll receive a portion of the spoils of war. It works both ways, so you can hire mercenaries to help you in your raids; for a price, of course.
Ever since August 2019, Assassin’s Creed fans speculated the next game in the series will involve Vikings in some way. Rumors were pointing at Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok, and today we learned they weren’t all that far off.
The Viking theme was first hinted of yesterday, during a teaser livestream with digital artist BossLogic. It will be interesting to see how the stealthy assassin way of life goes along with the Viking lifestyle.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is coming Holiday 2020 for PlayStation 5, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia. Pre-orders are already live for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
