Last week, Ubisoft unveiled Assassin's Creed Valhalla — the latest entry in the award-winning Assassin's Creed series — by releasing a jaw-dropping cinematic trailer that introduced us to Eivor, the game's new protagonist, and more or less gave us an idea of what to expect from it.
Ever since Assassin's Creed: Origins released in 2017, the developers at Ubisoft have been implementing some RPG elements that have added new layers of depth to the long-running series; a rather controversial move, as players thought this would mean the developers would be implementing turn-based combat or something of the sort.
As it turns out, this wasn't the case at all, since the RPG elements that Ubisoft implemented in Assassin's Creed: Origins allowed players to upgrade a skill tree and/or customisable gear. Assassin's Creed Valhalla will not be the exception to this rule, as it will also be featuring some RPG elements that aim to enhance the player's experience.
In a recent interview with Game Informer, Assassin's Creed Valhalla Creative Director Ashraf Ismail has revealed some very interesting details about the upcoming title — mentioning that players will be able to choose the kind of Viking they want to be; stealthy assassin or fearless warrior.
For starters, Ismail reveals that RPG elements and player progression in Assassin's Creed Valhalla will come from Eivor's gear, as well as their own skills. There are varied pieces of gear for players to equip, and they are all fully customisable; it isn't just about the aesthetics, this time around.
"In terms RPG and player progression, we wanted a fresh take on it. We wanted something that’s more anchored in the world. So, the way gear works is completely revamped. Every piece of gear you find is unique. You can upgrade each piece of gear," Ismail revealed.
"If you wish to carry the same piece of gear to the end of the game, you can. Or if you want to collect everything, that’s up to you. Everything has its own unique value. At a certain point, you can start customizing gear. So it’s a new take on that RPG format in terms of gear."
According to Ismail, players will be able to fully customise Eivor's gear and skill graph, which will help them out in the battlefield, were they choose to tackle enemies head on, or hone their skills as a silent assassin that prefers to take a more stealthy approach.
"In terms of abilities and skills, there’s also been a revamping. Players have this (quite large) skill graph that they sort of traverse through the journey of Eivor, picking up new skills, picking up a lot of playstyle elements to fine-tune to kind of Viking you are – whether it’s a more incognito Viking or more "get out there and throw your axes around." Everything from abilities to skills to weaponry, we have a fresh new take on progression that we feel is anchored in the world and the Viking fantasy we’re trying to achieve."
Assassin's Creed Valhalla, much like the previous two entries in the series, is keeping RPG elements, while still giving players the freedom to upgrade Eivor's gear and skill graph, or just keep them the way they are and play through the game without making any changes. Whatever the case, it does seem like Ubisoft's upcoming title will be turning the dial to eleven.
In Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is expected to release for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Stadia this Holiday.