Famed real-life king Ragnar Lothbrok will play a role in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, as revealed by a new trailer. Over the course of the game, protagonist Eivor will face six of Lothbrok’s strongest allies, known as the Drengr.
As with most games in the series, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will likely allow players to meet a range of famous historical figures. It should come as no surprise that Lothbrok, one of the most famous Viking kings, would appear. However, Lothbrok’s inclusion is a bit different; he is already dead by the time the game begins. This means players will learn about his life and accomplishments indirectly, through the stories that others tell about him.
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By the time of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Lothbrok has died after being thrown into a snake pit by his enemies. Six of his followers, known as the Drengr, believe that he awaits them in Valhalla. To join him there, the Drengr seek to die in glorious battles, and this is where Eivor comes in. Eivor will have the chance to talk to each of the Drengr about their fallen leader, his life, and his death. Eivor will then fight each of the Drengr to the death, allowing them to fulfill their wishes of dying in battle.
According to Darby McDevitt, the game’s narrative director, Eivor will not encounter the Drengr during the main story. Like other foes revealed in the same trailer, the Drengr will be waiting throughout the world for players to discover. As Assassin’s Creed Valhalla focuses on “world events” in place of traditional sidequests, the Drengr will likely not be associated with side quests. This could make them harder to find, as players might have otherwise stumbled across them while completing side quests.
The Assassin’s Creed series has always focused on historical immersion, and the latest game is no exception. The reveal of the Drengr reflects the impressive attention to detail that Ubisoft has brought to the game. The game’s storytelling seems to be full of clever references to Norse traditions and history.
Of course, storytelling is only one part of a good Assassin’s Creed game – gameplay and technical performance are also crucial. Promotional materials make the game seem like a step in the right direction for the franchise, but only time will tell how the game plays upon its release.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla launches November 17 for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions also in development.
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Source: PC Gamer