The latest rendition of Assassin’s Creed is here, and the reception has been positive overall. Despite the many iterations of this series since its debut over a decade ago, Ubisoft has largely made the experience feel new again with its atmospheric Viking themes and settings.
Added to this are the particularly large scale open-worlds, rewarding progression system, and plenty of fun action-based combat. With its majestic motifs and enjoyable gameplay, many are likely to yearn for similar experiences after fighting and raiding their way through Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. So let’s venture forth and take a look at some of the best games that capture that same Viking and Medieval spirit.
9 For Honor
It’s true that this game, which tends to take a more simple approach, diverges somewhat from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in some respects. After all, it’s primarily a competitive fighter that stresses multiplayer face-offs.
Still, there are a number of parallels when it comes to this action romp. Not only does it happen to be another Ubisoft title, but it also blends medieval and Viking mythology with fantastical elements, and similarly stresses the frequent clashing of steel via sword and axe-laden duels. Some sleek visuals, grueling combat, and various unique playable fighters make For Honor worth giving a look.
8 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
Even for the few aware of this underrated GameCube gem, Silicon Knights’ Eternal Darkness might seem like a fairly surprising pick. But aside from its trippy psychological horror leanings, there’s actually quite a bit that this action-adventure has in common with Ubisoft’s Viking epic.
Just like Valhalla, Silicon Knights demonstrates a clear passion and knowledge of distant history. The game has players explore a myriad of time periods and authentic settings. Unfortunately, there’s no Viking-themed chapter to be had in the game, though there are segments that have players venturing through monster-infested Medieval churches and ancient catacombs. This blend of fantasy and dark historical settings with a healthy dose of hack ‘n’ slash fun definitely gives a Valhalla vibe.
7 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War
The Lord of the Rings series has its share of historical and mythological influences, from the World War II parallels to overt Medieval themes. So this robust sequel to Monolith Productions’ Shadows of Mordor certainly has overlap when it comes to motifs. But what of the gameplay?
Well, the nuanced, free-flowing combat system definitely rings similar to the slicing and dicing mechanics Eivor employs. The array of customizations, collectible goodies, and weapon enhancements are also quite Valhalla-esque. The vast open-world settings of Mordor also can be compared to the icy cold, hostile lands of Medieval Northern Europe.
6 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Dark themes often prove a great blend for fantasy media, and Ninja Theory’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice only reinforces this notion. The game centers around a Pict warrior forced to fight her way to Helheim; a version of the underworld presented by Norse mythology.
The game hits players with a grim, unsettling atmosphere throughout, as Senua embarks on a journey filled with thrills, chills, and ample hack ‘n’ slash excitement. Diverging a bit from the more straightforward action of some on this list, Hellblade also emphasizes a deep psychological narrative and clever puzzle-solving that injects some depth. The game truly immerses players from start to finish, thanks to its minimalistic interface, gorgeous visuals, and gripping story.
5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
It’s hard to get more authentically “Middle Ages” than this when it comes to video games. Warhorse Studios have truly gone out of their way to make this stellar ARPG feel as real as possible, even consulting historians, artists, and architects that specialize in the Middle Ages.
The game drifts somewhat from Ubisoft’s title with its tougher, grittier approach, and its stripping away of most fantasy elements. At the same time, the Medieval setting, Eastern European mythology, and sword-heavy combat are sure to entice fans who appreciate these aspects of Valhalla.
4 Northgard
Given the prominent violence during the Middle Ages, it makes sense that an RTS would make a great fit for these themes. And just as Age of Empires illustrates this, so too does the lesser-known Northgard from indie studio Shiro Games.
The vastly different genres aside, Northgard has Valhalla parallels; namely through its heavy emphasis on Viking themes and the frequent clash of steel. The game has the player assume the role of a Viking clan seeking to establish and build up a thriving settlement, so as to expand and amass more wealth. Despite its RTS style, Shiro does a fine job balancing depth with accessibility via its simple interface and flexibility in the gameplay.
3 The Witcher 3
It’s true that CD Projekt Red stresses more nuanced RPG gameplay, compared to the more hack ‘n’ slash action of Valhalla. Regardless, there’s a great deal in this role-playing epic that’s likely to entice fans of Ubisoft’s Viking-themed romp.
Like that game, The Witcher 3 offers players a range of freedom, both in the exploration and playstyles, which can be increasingly customized as Geralt progresses. Players can explore an array of dynamic areas and partake in different activities, ranging from smithing to tabletop games. But more generally speaking, both of these epics masterfully blend historical legend and fantasy, making for a fun, atmospheric journey.
2 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Like the previous entry, Bethesda’s Skyrim has fast become the gold standard for RPG romps that draw from imaginative Medieval themes.
There are many reasons to point to when it comes to Skyrim‘s appealing, addictive gameplay, to be sure. But one of the most significant is the organic, flexible nature of the gameplay, which the latest AC game also does rather well. Players can choose to stress close-range brawling, stealthy archery, or fire-flinging sorcery. One can closely follow the main story, or wander off the beaten path and scour the countless dungeons and caverns scattered about the vast landscapes.
1 God Of War
When one thinks of games based on Norse mythology, it’s often this ’18 rendition of the hit God of War series that comes to mind first. While earlier installments drew from Greek motifs, this action-adventure goes full-on Norse and Viking.
Not unlike Valhalla, this gaming epic has players embark on a thrilling journey across Northern Europe, slaying hordes of foes with blunt objects and gaining power. This PS4 title embraces the action-packed gameplay that made its predecessors so appealing. But moreso than ever, this one amps up the cinematic qualities and grandiosity.
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