Assassin's Creed Valhalla - The Way of the Berserker stands out as an open-world action RPG that lets you step into the boots of a Viking warrior during England's Dark Ages. This title combines exploration, combat, and settlement management in a historical setting filled with raids and political intrigue. As Eivor, you navigate a vast landscape from Norway's shores to England's kingdoms, making choices that shape your clan's future.
Gameplay
In this action RPG, you control Eivor, a Viking raider who dual-wields weapons like axes and swords for brutal close-quarters combat. The system emphasizes visceral fights where you can dismember enemies or use a hidden blade for stealth kills. Raiding plays a central role; you command longships to launch attacks on Saxon fortresses, gathering resources to expand your settlement. Choices in dialogue and alliances influence the story, while skill acquisition and gear customization allow for personalized builds. Exploration involves traversing diverse terrains, solving environmental puzzles, and engaging with a variety of foes that demand different tactics.
The Way of the Berserker adds a focused quest where you track down and recruit a fierce warrior named Bjorn, who then joins your raiding crew. This element integrates with the core loop, enhancing your forces for larger assaults. Settlement growth requires building structures like barracks or blacksmiths, which unlock new abilities and improve your clan's strength.
Game Modes
The primary experience revolves around a single-player campaign that blends narrative-driven quests with open-world activities. You progress through the main story by forging alliances across England's regions, but side pursuits like raids and settlement upgrades offer flexibility. There are no dedicated multiplayer components; instead, the game supports sharing customized mercenaries online, which you can recruit into your own game for added support during raids.
Updates and Current State
Since its release, the game has received expansions through a Season Pass, including additional story content and challenges. As of 2026, it's available across multiple platforms with all post-launch updates integrated, providing a complete package without ongoing live service elements. The title remains accessible on modern hardware, benefiting from faster load times and enhanced visuals on newer consoles.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those drawn to open-world action RPGs with a focus on historical settings and choice-based storytelling, this game delivers a robust experience. Its mix of combat, exploration, and management suits players who enjoy long sessions building their legacy. With a refined design that stands out in the series, it appeals to Viking enthusiasts and RPG fans alike. If you prefer fast-paced action over intricate strategy, the varied enemy encounters and raid mechanics keep things engaging, making it a solid choice even years after launch.
