Before Ubisoft switched gears and releasedOdysseyandOrigins,Assassin’s Creedwas far different from its most current iteration. EarlyAssassin’s Creedtitles likeAssassin’s Creed 2focused more on the social stealth mechanics, with weapon stats and loot not taking as much of an important role as utilizing parkour and staying incognito. Stealth in plain sight was a big factor in the original games, andAssassin’s Creed Valhallais making an effort to return to the series' roots. But it’s also worth noting many ofOdyssey’s key elements like experience and skill trees are returning as well.
WhileAssassin’s Creed Odysseywas a big hit for the RPG-focused fans of the franchise, purists argue it doesn’t emphasize the initial ideals of whatAssassin’s Creedwas meant to be. The lack of social stealth or hidden blades, the heavy reliance on loot and level-based enemies, and far detachment from the overarching conflict made fans feel like it was a serious departure from typicalAssassin’s Creedmechanics. On the other hand, it seemsAssassin’s CreedValhallais bridging the gap between purists and RPG fans by cross-breeding the mechanics ofOdysseywith classicAssassin’s Creedflair.
Returning Classic Assassin’s Creed Features
Of course, it wouldn’t be classicAssassin’s Creedwithout the re-introduction of the hidden blade after its absence fromAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. While Kassandra/Alexios had the Spear of Leonidas to serve as the tool for assassinating foes, it was never a guaranteed kill and it didn’t have the same subtle grace that the hidden blade has. WhileEivor doesn’t tuck the blade under the wrist like a typical assassin, he’s still able to perform all the usual assassination techniques the series has pioneered for so long. It’s just this time Eivor wears his hidden blade with pride, instead of a practical tool for social stealth.
Speaking of social stealth,elements of the classicAssassin’s Creedpublic stealth mechanics are returning inValhallaas well. Eivor will have many opportunities to enter Saxon cities/towns/villages, but since Eivor is a Viking, they need to wear the iconic hood to conceal their true identity. Games likeOdysseyandOriginsdidn’t feature many of these stealth mechanics simply because there weren’t opportunities or regions that justified the use of these mechanics. Both games focused on dedicated traditional stealth mechanics, though quite watered down compared to games likeSplinter CellorFar Cry. NowValhallabrings back public stealth and anonymity.
Refining the RPG Mechanics
Similar toAssassin’s Creed Odyssey, experience points and skill trees return toValhalla, while grinding for better loot and experience isn’t as time-consuming compared toOdyssey. Often times pursuing the story missions inOdysseywould screech to a halt when players realize they need to be a higher level. This was a pervasive issue throughout the game, as several locations would be soft-locked by high level enemies that players simply couldn’t engage with unless they leveled up more. WhileValhallastill has all the trappings of RPG progression, they take less of a focus away forplayers who simply want to enjoy the narrative inAssassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Narrative inAssassin’s Creed Valhallawill also feature a lot of the elements of choice that were pioneered byAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. Dialogue choices will return, allowing players to tailor their responses and decisions to their preference. Additionally, different choices will meaningfully change how different interactions or encounters play out. One particular example was if Eivor spared the rival Dane Rued, he would eventually return and challenge Eivor to a duel to the death. It’s implied that Eivor could potentially have killed Rued and players would have avoided the confrontation entirely. These are theRPG bits that madeOdyssey’s story and side quests so compelling.
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: 5 Confirmed Things It’ll Do Better Than Odyssey (& 5 We’re Still Hoping For)
Appeasing Both Ends of the Fanbase
The common ground Ubisoft is attempting to find withAssassin’s Creed Valhallacould be very promising for both sides of the fanbase. Those who enjoyed the implementation of light RPG mechanics and skill trees will still have the opportunity to tailor Eivor’s skills and playstyle to their preference. For those who appreciated the social stealth and achieving incognito status in earlierAssassin’s Creedgames will be able to do so incertain towns and cities Eivor will need to explorethroughout the game. Plus with instant assassinations and the hidden blade making its return, players won’t be punished for landing a perfectly silent assassination on an enemy.
Valhalladoesn’t need to sacrifice everything that was started withOriginsandOdyssey’s difference in core gameplay. On a conceptual level, everything that’s being added toAssassin’s Creed Valhalladoesn’t heavily interfere with one another.Insta-killing high level enemies with the hidden bladerewards proper stealth without taking out the challenge entirely. Same with the social stealth mechanics, as it gives more meaning to avoiding guards and utilizing crowds in towns/cities without reducing the risk entirely.Assassin’s Creed Valhallahas struck a solid balance in what mechanics are returning to the game, as well as refining existing mechanics that were troublesome in recent entries.
Assassin’s Creed Valhallalaunches on July 24, 2025, for PC, PS4, Stadia and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are currently in development.
MORE:Assassin’s Creed Fans Get the Best of Both Worlds This Year
