When Assassin’s Creed Valhalla first launched, I was cautiously optimistic. As a longtime fan of the Assassin’s Creed series, I had my doubts about the franchise’s shift toward RPG elements that began with Origins and Odyssey. But from the moment I guided Eivor’s longship through icy Norwegian fjords and set sail for the untamed lands of England, I knew this journey would be different. Ubisoft promised a Viking saga full of exploration, brutal combat, and deep storytelling, and for the most part, Valhalla delivers on those promises — and then some.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, diving into its gameplay, visuals, story, and what makes it such a rewarding open-world RPG.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Combat and Weapons
If you’ve played previous entries like Odyssey, you’ll recognize the RPG-inspired combat. However, Valhalla feels weightier and more visceral. Swinging a two-handed axe into an enemy shield wall or dual-wielding short swords is pure Viking bliss. The ability to mix and match weapon types encourages experimentation. Personally, I loved pairing a heavy hammer in one hand with a quick dagger in the other, perfect for smashing through defenses while keeping up a quick attack pace.
The stamina-based system keeps fights tactical. You can’t just spam heavy attacks without risking exhaustion. Boss battles, like facing off against powerful zealots or legendary animals, felt like true tests of patience and skill.
Raids and Settlements
Raids are the heart of Valhalla. Leading your crew into monasteries and villages along the English coast never gets old. Charging ashore, blowing your war horn, and plundering supplies for your settlement is peak Viking fantasy. Each successful raid feeds into building up Ravensthorpe, your home base.
The settlement system is surprisingly robust. Upgrading buildings unlocks everything from better gear to story-driven side quests. It creates a genuine sense of progression that ties you emotionally to your crew and community.
Stealth and Exploration
Though Valhalla leans more into combat, stealth hasn’t been abandoned. Infiltrating enemy strongholds by blending in with monks or quietly picking off guards scratches that classic Assassin’s Creed itch. Exploration is equally rewarding. England is dotted with mysteries, from hidden treasures and standing stones to world events that tell charming or dark little stories.
One of my favorite discoveries was a random encounter where I helped a drunk Saxon warrior reclaim his honor in a ridiculous fistfight. These moments make the world feel alive and unpredictable.
Graphics and Sound
Visuals
Visually, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is stunning. Playing on a next-gen console, I was constantly pausing just to take in the view. From the snowy peaks of Norway to the golden fields of Mercia, the world feels authentic and full of detail. Weather effects, like sudden storms rolling in during a raid, heighten immersion.
Character models and animations are also well done, though occasionally you’ll see an NPC clipping through a bench or a horse doing something… unnatural. But those minor glitches don’t detract from the overall experience.
Sound and Music
The audio design deserves a special mention. The soundtrack is phenomenal, blending haunting Norse chants with energetic battle drums. It perfectly captures the mood, whether you’re exploring quiet countryside or storming a castle. Voice acting is equally impressive, with both male and female Eivor delivering compelling performances that make the protagonist feel believable and complex.
Storyline
At its core, Valhalla tells the story of Eivor’s journey from Norway to England, balancing loyalty to their clan with their own personal ambitions. The narrative feels more grounded than Odyssey’s sprawling epic, focusing on themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of ambition.
The political alliances you form across different regions of England add layers of strategy to the story. Do you back a cunning ruler with questionable morals or a less experienced but honorable ally? These choices often have long-term consequences, adding replay value to the narrative.
The integration of Norse mythology is also excellent. Without spoiling too much, sequences involving Asgard and Jotunheim provide a surreal, dreamlike escape from the grounded main story, while still tying meaningfully into Eivor’s arc.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Immersive world-building: England feels alive and worth exploring.
- Varied combat styles: Dual-wielding, ranged combat, and stealth all feel satisfying.
- Engaging story: A grounded tale that still weaves in mythological elements.
- Settlement system: Adds depth and emotional connection to your progress.
- Stunning visuals and music: Truly next-gen in presentation.
Cons
- Occasional bugs: Minor glitches and AI quirks can break immersion.
- Repetitive objectives: Some raid and side missions start to feel similar after dozens of hours.
- Slow pacing in some arcs: Certain regions drag on with filler quests that could have been trimmed.
Replayability or Long-Term Value
With over 100 hours of potential gameplay, Valhalla is a massive experience. Even after completing the main storyline, I found myself returning to hunt legendary animals, solve world mysteries, and upgrade my settlement to its fullest potential.
Ubisoft has also supported the game with expansions like Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris, adding new locations, storylines, and gear to keep players engaged long after the credits roll.
Tips and Recommendations
- Experiment with weapons: Don’t stick to just one type. Dual-wielding two shields is hilarious and surprisingly effective.
- Upgrade your settlement early: The blacksmith and barracks offer major gameplay benefits.
- Take your time exploring: The world is rich with small stories that reward curiosity.
- Focus on stamina management in combat: Especially during boss fights.
- Use Odin’s Sight frequently: It makes finding hidden loot and enemies much easier.
Final Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla isn’t just another entry in the franchise — it’s a bold evolution that delivers on the Viking fantasy fans have been craving. The combination of visceral combat, immersive world-building, and a surprisingly personal story makes it one of the most memorable open-world RPGs of its generation.
Yes, it has its share of flaws, from occasional bugs to repetitive tasks, but the highs far outweigh the lows. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Assassin’s Creed, Valhalla is well worth your time.
Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect Viking saga that rewards exploration, patience, and an appetite for adventure.