Should I Finish AC Odyssey Before Valhalla?
If you‘ve sunken dozens of hours into Odyssey‘s grand Greek odyssey, I recommend completing Kassandra or Alexios‘ journey before embarking on a new Norse saga. However, if you are eager to dive into Valhalla‘s Viking setting first, you can still appreciate both games independently. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
Comparing Key Elements of the Games
Odyssey and Valhalla are vast open world action RPGs from Ubisoft, but they differ significantly in setting, tone, and mechanics:
| Element | Odyssey | Valhalla |
| Setting | Ancient Greece – 432 BCE | Dark Ages England – 873 CE |
| Protagonist | Alexios or Kassandra | Eivor Varinsdottir |
| Gameplay Length | Main Story: 50 hours Completionist: 140+ hours |
Main Story: 55 hours Completionist: 95 hours |
| Gameplay Style | Dialogue choices impacting endings Ability-focused combat Extensive gear and ship upgrades |
Minor story variations Streamlined combat Simplified gear |
Why Finish Odyssey First?
For gamers invested in Odyssey‘s characters and rich portrayal of ancient Greece, seeing the story through provides more closure before moving on:
- Odyssey‘s multiple story branches and different endings give you more influence over the ending. Valhalla‘s storyline remains largely the same regardless of small variances.
- Spending 100+ hours unlocking abilities and gear creates a strong connection to your Misthios. Carrying those skills into a new adventure feels jarring.
- Reviews frequently praise Odyssey‘s setting for its beauty and faithful historical details. You may want to fully immerse in this meticulously crafted world.
According to gamer BellaRose on Reddit: "I played Odyssey first and was so glad I saw it through before starting Valhalla. The world and characters were just too amazing to leave behind. I needed that closure."
Why Play Valhalla First?
For players drawn to Valhalla‘s 9th century AD setting and Viking action, jumping right in may prove more engaging than finishing 160 hours of ancient Greece:
- Fatigue is real after completing a 100+ hour saga. Trying to dive into another massive RPG could lead to burnout. Taking a break can recharge your appetite for big adventures.
- Valhalla returns to a grittier, more grounded experience compared to Odyssey‘s bright, mythical tone. If you prefer realism over fantasy, Vikings await.
- Fans of earlier Assassin‘s Creed combat will likely find Valhalla more appealing. Odyssey‘s damage sponge enemies and ability reliance gets criticized.
As USGamer concludes: "If you‘re invested in the characters and world of AC Odyssey, it may be worth seeing it through before moving on. If you want Viking action, why wait?"
The Verdict – Tailor Your Experience
So should you play 140 hours of ancient Greece before raiding England for another 90? Here is my advice:
If you…
- Love Greek mythology and RPG mechanics – Finish Kassandra/Alexios‘ odyssey
- Want to fully immerse in Odyssey‘s grand open world – Complete the entire saga
- Enjoy closure in story-driven games – See every narrative thread tied before moving on
- Risk franchise burnout from 300+ hrs – Take a palate cleanser first
- Are drawn to Valhalla‘s unique setting – Be a Viking first! Odyssey will still be waiting.
While the ideal chronological order is Origins, Odyssey, then Valhalla, the history-spanning franchise gives you the freedom to chart your own course. Both offer memorable journeys into the past loaded with secrets to discover. Whether you fight as a Spartan misthios or a Viking drengr first, victory awaits. Just don‘t hesitate to take a break when the grind sets in. Saving the world never rests, but a hero deserves some R&R.
Let your gameplay style and personal preferences guide you, and whichever massive historical epic you choose, enjoy the hundreds of hours of exploration and combat these masterful open worlds provide!