Where Does the Historic Action RPG Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Take Place?

Key Takeaways:

  • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set in the years 872-878 AD during the Viking expansion into Britain.
  • The game primarily takes place in Norway and England, depicting Viking raids.
  • Three other locations are also featured, including Vinland in North America.
  • The DLC Dawn of Ragnarok continues the Valhalla storyline with the protagonist as Odin.
  • It covers the same Viking era in Norway, Britain, and Norse mythology realms.

Introduction

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the latest installment in Ubisoft’s hugely popular historic action role-playing game franchise. This immersive open world game transports players back to the Viking era during the 9th century AD.

Valhalla provides a fictional dramatization of the Viking invasion and settlement of Britain. The game realistically depicts Anglo-Saxon England during the late 800s while incorporating elements of Norse mythology and mysticism.

This article will comprehensively evaluate where Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes place. It will analyze the various real-world locations featured throughout the game’s expansive map. An overview of the historical context and significance of each location will be provided.

With its meticulous attention to detail and geographic accuracy, Valhalla offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and understand the world of the Vikings. The information presented here will enable readers to better appreciate the settings and environments that serve as the backdrop for the game’s epic narrative. Evaluating where this acclaimed game takes place provides intriguing insights into the Viking Age.

Norway and England Form the Main Settings

As summarized above, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla primarily takes place in Norway and England during the years 872-878 AD. This was a period of ambitious expansion for the Vikings across Britain and continental Europe. The game accurately depicts the invasions, raids, and eventually settlements that allowed the Norsemen to build a foothold in England.

Players start their journey in Norway, which forms an important part of the early game. The stunning fjords and rugged wilderness of Norway set the tone for the Vikings’ adventures to come. The game features several regions of Norway, including Rygjafylke and Hordafylke. Real-world cities like Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim are seamlessly incorporated.

After leaving Norway, the bulk of the game takes place in England during the late 800s. Locations span the breadth of Anglo-Saxon England at the time, including Wessex, Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia. Major cities like Lunden (London), Jorvik (York), Winchester, and Canterbury appear. Staying true to history, Valhalla depicts England as a collection of warring kingdoms under constant threat from Viking raiders.

Detailed Accuracy in Major English Cities and Countryside

Ubisoft underwent thorough research and development to recreate 9th century England with geographic precision. Instead of just imagining the cities and landscape, artists and designers directly incorporated archaeological findings and historical data.

Major cities like Lunden (London) and Jorvik (York) are resplendent with period-accurate architecture, layouts, and landmarks. The stunning recreation of medieval London along the River Thames is a particular highlight. Key buildings like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral are seamlessly integrated.

Beyond the cities, rural countryside regions like Cent, Eurvicscire, and Suthsexe give a comprehensive overview of England’s terrain. Rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and idyllic farming villages transport players to the Viking era. Ancient Roman ruins dotted across England serve as remnants of its imperial past.

Ubisoft’s painstaking attention to detail enables players to deeply experience what England may have looked like during the tumultuous 9th century. The landscapes are historically accurate while also filled with mystery and adventure.

Other Notable Lands Visited by Vikings in the Game

In addition to Norway and England, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla contains several other real-world locations tied to the Vikings’ far-reaching expeditions. After England, the next major area players can journey to is Vinland, accessed in the late/post game.

Vinland represents Viking expeditions to North America, specifically the coastal region of modern-day Newfoundland in Canada and parts of New England. Ruins found in Newfoundland at L’Anse aux Meadows confirm the Vikings visited and briefly settled there around 1000 AD. Valhalla’s Vinland creatively expands on this, with a lush New World environment for players to uncover.

Two other regions can be visited and raided from the settlement in England. Asgard and Jotunheim bring Norse mythological realms to life, taking creative license with mystical lands and creatures. While fictional, they let players experience the spiritual beliefs and legends that shaped Viking culture.

Dawn of Ragnarök DLC Continues 9th Century Viking Setting

The major expansion Dawn of Ragnarök continues the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla storyline, with the protagonist Eivor taking on the role of Odin. It features a new kingdom to explore called Svartalfheim, inspired by Norse mythology.

Presumably, the DLC takes place in the same 9th century AD timeline as Valhalla. Odin must rescue his son in a kingdom inhabited by dwarves to avert the end of days according to legend. This creatively meshes Norse mythology with the game’s real-world Viking foundation.

Like the base game, stunning natural environments immerse players in Norse realms while battling mystical enemies with Odin’s godly powers. Dawn of Ragnarök expands on the environments and characters of Valhalla for an epic new adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key Viking landmarks in Norway featured in AC Valhalla?

Some of the main Norwegian landmarks and cities featured in Valhalla include:

  • Stavanger and environs in the Rygjafylke region
  • Bergen and the fjords of Hordafylke
  • Trondheim situated along the Trondheim Fjord
  • The island city of Tunsberg where the king rules from his great hall

Why was England vulnerable to Viking raids and settlement?

England around 870 AD was divided into four dominant Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that were preoccupied fighting each other. This left them ill-prepared to unite against major foreign threats like Viking raiders. The disjointed kingdoms and internecine conflict created opportunities for Viking armies.

What are some of the iconic regions and cities of England explored?

Players journey across many parts of England, including:

  • Wessex in the south with Winchester as the capital
  • Mercia in the midlands containing Lunden (London)
  • Northumbria in the north with its capital Jorvik (York)
  • East Anglia in the east containing Cambridge

How historically accurate is AC Valhalla’s England landscape and architecture?

Ubisoft went to great lengths for historical accuracy, referencing archaeological findings and using photogrammetry techniques. The architecture in cities like London and York closely mirrors discoveries about buildings from that era. Ancient Roman ruins scattered around England also reflect real sites archaeologists have uncovered.

What parts of North America are represented in Vinland?

Valhalla’s Vinland is mostly based on Viking exploration in Newfoundland, Canada and coastal New England. The Viking settlement unearthed in Newfoundland provided inspiration for the region. Vinland also contained creative license by Ubisoft to build out the area.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla thoroughly immerses players in the Viking Age during the 9th century AD. Its astoundingly detailed historical settings provide the backdrop for an action-packed narrative. Key real-world locations in Norway, England, and beyond are recreated with remarkable accuracy. While also incorporating creativity and fantasy, the game gives an authentic feeling for the Viking era.

Evaluating where this acclaimed game takes place provides perspective on the Vikings’ world during that period of expansion and upheaval. The sights and sounds of the environments enhance the experience while also teaching about the history. For those seeking an epic Vikings adventure grounded in real locations and events, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla delivers an engrossing journey.


Meghan

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