When I first started playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, I felt like I was stepping into another world. The game promised me epic battles, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to live as a Viking warrior. And in many ways, it delivered exactly that.
However, the more time I spent with it, the more I noticed things that made me both excited and frustrated. Some parts of the game kept me hooked for hours, while others left me rolling my eyes. Everyone at home heard my signing, believe me! In this article, I want to share what I truly love about Valhalla—and what I can’t stand.
What is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla About?
The first time I set foot in the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, I was struck by how alive it felt. I got to play as Eivor, who can be either male or female depending on how I choose, which made the experience feel even more personal. Leading my clan from the icy fjords of Norway to the green fields of England, I wasn’t just fighting epic battles with axes and swords—I was also making alliances, uncovering the hidden world of the Assassins, and exploring landscapes that honestly took my breath away. What I love is that it’s not only about raiding and fighting; it’s also about building a settlement, shaping my own path, and deciding what kind of leader I want Eivor to be.
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
What Is Norse Mythology?
You need to know also that I’ve been interested in Norse mythology since I watched “The Vikings” series many years ago. This mythology is the collection of epic stories and beliefs from the Viking Age. It’s full of powerful gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja, tricksters like Loki, and legendary places such as Valhalla (the hall of fallen warriors) and Yggdrasil, the giant tree that connects all worlds. At its heart, these myths are about courage, fate, and the constant struggle between order and chaos, ending in the dramatic prophecy of Ragnarök, the end of the world.
What’s more, I’m so fascinated by it that I’ve started exploring the Viking’s alphabet, known as the runes. At first, they looked like strange symbols carved into stone, but the more I learned, the more I realized how much history and mystery they carry. Each rune has its own meaning, almost like a tiny story hidden inside a single letter. For me, it feels like unlocking a secret code from the past, and it makes the whole world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla feel even more fascinating.
What Do I Love About Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Honestly, where do I even start? This game has me hooked in so many unexpected ways! It’s the kind of game that makes me say, “just one more quest”… and suddenly it’s 1 a.m. I love how it swings between feeling like an epic saga and a total comedy sketch. It’s dramatic, it’s ridiculous, and somehow it always keeps me grinning like I’ve just discovered my inner Viking. So, let’s dive into what I think are the best pros of this game…
Living My Viking Dream
When I play, I feel like I’ve stepped into a Viking’s boots. Seriously! There’s this rush of power, like the world is mine to explore and conquer, and it makes me grin every time. It’s not just about fighting—it’s about that wild freedom, that sense of living big and bold. For a moment, I forget I’m sitting on my couch and feel like a true Norse adventurer. It feels so freeing!
The Gameplay Meets History
What I also really enjoy is how the game mixes action with real history. Hats off to the creators for this! It doesn’t feel like a boring lesson—it feels like I’m actually walking through the past. The villages, the kingdoms, even the people I meet are inspired by real events and cultures, and that makes the whole world feel alive. I catch myself thinking, “Wow, this is what life might have looked like back then,” and that’s such a cool feeling! It’s history, but with me right in the middle of it.
It Makes Me Laugh
One of the reasons I enjoy this game so much is because it doesn’t always take itself too seriously. There are plenty of moments that make me laugh out loud, and sometimes I feel like I’m playing a Viking comedy show instead of an action game. Here’s the list of my best moments:
- The drinking contests are hilarious! When I lose, Eivor stumbles around like they’ve forgotten how legs work. Honestly, it reminds me of my friends after one too many sodas on a Friday night.
- The rap battles – sorry, “flyting” – crack me up. Trading insults in rhyme feels less like being a Viking and more like being on a medieval talent show.
- Stopping mid‑raid to pet a cat or a wolf? That’s peak comedy! I mean, who needs to save the village when there’s a fluffy animal waiting for attention?
- Fishing as a Viking is just too funny. One moment I’m raiding, the next I’m basically running a quiet weekend hobby. Talk about a career change.
- And dual‑wielding two shields? It’s so impractical that it makes me laugh every time. It’s like Eivor said, “Who needs swords when I can fight like a walking door?”
What really gets me giggling are these silly touches that bring the world to life. Sure, I’m a fierce warrior—but I’m also here for the ridiculous fun that makes it unforgettable. For sure!
What Do I Hate About Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
Well, let’s be real—no game is perfect, and this one definitely has its moments that make me roll my eyes harder than Eivor after losing a flyting match. As much as I love the adventure, there are a few things that drive me crazy every time I play, and I can’t just ignore them. Here’s the list of them:
Overwhelming Map
One thing that really gets on my nerves is how crowded the map feels. Instead of inviting me to explore, it sometimes looks like someone spilled a box of icons all over it. I open the map hoping to plan an adventure, but half the time I just end up staring at it, wondering if I’m supposed to be a fearless Viking or a stressed‑out office worker ticking boxes off a to‑do list. It ruins that adventurous vibe, unfortunately… Instead of stumbling onto something fun, I end up feeling forced to clear markers one by one. Or maybe that’s just my weakness – being a perfectionist makes me feel that strange pressure.
Animus Missions
After trying maybe first two Animus missions – I knew that I wouldn’t do it again. And every time I notice those strange floating pixels in the distance, I sigh with resignation because I already know what’s coming. Ooh noooo – another sneaky Animus mission! Instead of charging forward like a furious Viking, I do the opposite – I always turn around and run away. I didn’t come here to tiptoe behind targets. I came here to raid, smash, and roar like a warrior… not to feel like a Viking on a leash, dragged around by glowing pixels.
Romance With Randvi
It really frustrates me that the game keeps pushing a romance with Randvi I never wanted! I even chose the dialogue option saying I don’t feel anything for her, yet it never disappears—always hanging there, pressuring me. Instead of freedom, it feels like the game is dragging me into a relationship I didn’t ask for. And judging by the countless posts and discussions online, I’m far from the only one—many players share the same annoyance at being forced toward a romance they never chose.
Conclusion
In short, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game that constantly pulls me between pure joy and pure frustration. On one hand, it makes me feel like a fearless Viking living out an epic saga. On the other, it sometimes drags me into chores, glitches, and storylines I never asked for. It’s a mix of freedom and restriction, laughter and sighs—and that’s exactly why I can’t stop playing, even when it annoys me like crazy!
What I love:
- I feel like a true Viking, free and powerful.
- The mix of action and history makes the world feel alive.
- The game makes me laugh with silly, unexpected moments.
What I hate:
- The map feels overwhelming, like a to‑do list instead of an adventure.
- Animus missions kill the Viking vibe and feel like chores.
- The game keeps pushing a Randvi romance I don’t want.