Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn Of Ragnarok Impressions

Dawn of Ragnarok, the latest DLC for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, launches March 10. Ahead of the mythically themed content’s launch, I jumped in to get a sense of what awaits players in Svartalfheim. I was amazed at the incredible environment for the fifteen hours that I spent working with DLC. However, despite its end-of-the-world themes, the story wasn’t earth-shattering, and the new Powers, while entertaining, were not game-changing. If you loved Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and you want more of it, Dawn of Ragnarok provides that with a few interesting additions.

The expansion starts with Eivor receiving a blood-drenched vision that eventually prompts a trip to Ravensthorpe’s seer, Valka. Her help allows the Viking warrior to reach a dream state in which Eivor is transformed into Havi by Odin Lord of Asgard. The expansion’s story occurs after the Asgardian content in the base game, but you don’t need to have experienced that content to understand what’s going on.

Dawn of Ragnarok offers new players plenty of thought. Everyone who does not meet the requirements for power will receive a boost when they enter the vision. They can then jump right into the action. However, Ubisoft’s consideration for first-timers makes the start of the expansion noticeably slow for those familiar with the adventure so far. These opening scenes feel more like a tutorial, with clear paths that help everyone get up to speed about the mechanics. It’s also in these early hours that we learn the thrust of the plot. Baldr is the son Odin and Frigg. He has been taken by Sutr, the Muspel King. Baldr, the son of Odin and Frigg is in the middle to conquer the Dwarven realm. The parents become angry and head to Svartalfheim for their son’s return.

It isn’t very compelling. I’ve spent well over 100 hours scouring the countryside with Eivor and only a few with the All-Father, even if they look the same while Eivor is in the vision. So, I didn’t find the desperate rescue mission for the god’s beloved son particularly moving. It does however encourage players to go on a journey through the beautiful land. The landscape is a rich, deep green, and the sun filters through tall trees’ leaves to glint off gold-tinged bark. Massive mountains crowned the realm with massive statues of Dwarven characters and gold-gilded peaks are begging to climb. The realm is dominated by massive fragments of magma and rock, while the red branches of World Tree rise above the sky. It’s almost worth the price of admission just to wander around.

Hugr-Rip, and all the new Powers that it brings to the table is another highlight of this expansion. The magical bracer gives Odin the power to seize Powers from his foes. I was able to fly in the air and walk on lava while others allowed me to create an undead army. All of them were fun to use, particularly when I had enough material from my raids for the upgrade of the bracer. But the Powers, which run out after a certain amount of time, don’t change the basic rhythm of the game. It was easier for me to reach synchronization points when I transformed into a raven. Powers also gave me some more tools to fight and explore, but these God-like abilities are just an addition to the already delicious recipe.

As the name Dawn of Ragnarok suggests, the DLC’s conclusion only seems to be the first step of an Odin-focused storyline. Despite pointing towards future content, the expansion’s ending is satisfying and can stand on its own. Ubisoft reported that players will need to spend around 35 hours exploring the expansion. From finding new abilities, discovering unexpected side missions, picking up different collectibles, and winning the Valkyrie Kára’s approval in the Arena, there’s a lot of meat on this DLC. However, it took me roughly 15 hours to play through the story if that’s what you’re most interested in exploring.

Dawn of Ragnarok’s narrative kept me journeying through a captivating landscape, and the new elements added a creative twist on the base mechanics, but don’t expect this $40 DLC to break away from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s mold.

If you are craving more information on the specific Powers, locations, and more in Dawn of Ragnarok, check out this deep dive into the expansion’s hands-off preview.