Pro Tips For Assassin’s Creed Valhalla You Need To Know

With the release of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, players all over the world will be entering a franchise they’ve been familiar with since 2007. Gamers have been excited to find every secret, assassinate every templar of The Order, stealth their way into hidden treasure rooms, and take down the enemy without breaking a single drop of Viking sweat.

These confident players have typically been getting kicked in the jaw early on. It’s not that these goals aren’t possible. Still, with a total overhaul to the combat system as well as the addition of a few mechanics, it turns out that taking fortresses and running raids is initially a bit trickier than fans of the series were expecting. With some tips from the pros, players will be back to clobbering their way through the English countryside in no time.

Updated on February 3, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia: Even after over four years, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is one of Ubisoft’s all-time largest and densest adventures, though it looks to somehow be outdone in scope and sophistication by the upcoming AC Shadows. With such a massive, dynamic world for Eivor to explore and plunder, and with a trio of DLC packs beckoning stronger Viking players to venture further, it seemed fitting to refine and flesh out this piece with a few more useful tips, which newbies and Valhalla vets alike can exploit.

22

Utilize Odin’s Sight Often

…Especially When Plundering Barricaded Buildings

Valhalla, and its DLCs, is completely filled with different buildings and structures that hold crucial loot of many kinds. It can be fun to plunder these areas for riches, though navigating and searching for ways to break into some of these buildings can be a headache. Almost any structure that holds something worthwhile is likely to be barricaded from the inside — or require a key.

In either case, players will want to spam their Odin’s Sight, which triggers a blue-shaded pulse that ripples through the area in Eivor’s vicinity. This will usually reveal the location of the bar on the door, which shows up as a red plank. From there, players can position themselves — often peaking through a hole/opening across the way — and hit the barricade with an arrow or explosive.

When it comes to finding keys, players are better off using the raven to seek them out, as it’s usually farther away.

21

Partake In The Drinking Game For Easy Money

A Rare Instance In Which Drinking Can Be Beneficial

Being a Viking-themed game, Valhalla offers many opportunities for Eivor to cut loose and drink large quantities of ale. Just about every medium and large town in the game seems to have one of these ‘outposts’, and an inebriated man or woman coaxing Eivor into playing a drinking game with them.

The game is fairly simple — it acts as a minigame lasting about a minute, in which players must hit a given button and flick a certain direction in response to on-screen cues. They must press the button shown as the circle encloses the shaded region, and flick the joystick in the direction the sporadic arrows point to.

The best part is that players can place a ‘big bet’ of 200 Silver, meaning they can get a whopping 400 Silver back after winning this Drinking Challenge. Even if players do falter and lose to their beer-loving opponent, they can always try again and win back their losses, and then some.

20

Assassinate Training Dummies For Quick, Simple Adrenaline Slot Fills

Rest Assured — They Won’t Fight Back

There are various ways to fill the ever-useful Adrenaline slots, which are the fuel for powerful abilities. While players are rewarded with solid actions and hits in combat, many will often find themselves in dire straits and needing a quick boost without the risk of dying in combat.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to restore this Adrenaline is to simply creep up behind the various training dummies in the settlement and assassinate them. These essentially work as free assassinations, and thus, free Adrenaline boosts.

19

Dive Into The DLC During The Campaign

More Riches Await Overseas

Common sense tells players that a DLC released after the game should be completed following the main game. Many players, therefore, are mistakenly holding off on the adventures to Ireland and France. Not so! Wrath of the Druids has a recommended starting level of 55 and Siege of Paris has a starting level of 200.

While this still means that Eivor should be fairly deep into the main campaign and given at least some experience, these expansions (particularly Wrath of the Druids) can be taken on relatively early. Doing them late will make them too simple to be real challenges, and the levels gained here will be a great help when it comes to the final areas.

It’s useful, as each DLC (especially the latest Dawn of Ragnarok) unlocks countless more enemies to slay, along with a wealth of new items, raids, and challenges.

18

Keep Up With Upgrades And Enhancements

The System Is More Streamlined Here, But Still Demands Attention

Checking the inventory screen for potential upgrades can go a long way in juicing up Eivor in the long run. Ubisoft’s more streamlined system of armor and gear means that players can theoretically cling to many of the same armor pieces for long periods. Thus, it’s a good idea to keep up with upgrades and close in on maxing out each piece of gear. Gather Iron Ore, Titanium, and Leather, which can be looted from small chests and around the environment. Focus on cloaks, torso armor, and helmets in particular.

Be sure to take occasional trips back to the settlement and talk to the blacksmith as well. He’ll offer gear Enhancements, which expands the potential usefulness of each piece. Players will need Carbon, Nickel, and Tungsten Ingots. Bumping up armor to the Flawless or Mythical level can do wonders in strengthening Eivor, as they’ll allow for far higher stats and added Rune slots.

17

Seek Out Books Of Knowledge

Knowledge Is Power

Though players can obtain skills through the vast skill tree, it’s also a good idea to scour the vast regions of England for Books of Knowledge. Though these will be hit-and-miss, some solid abilities can make a huge difference in the heat of battle. Pull up the map to pinpoint the yellow book icons, as these will mark the location of brand new abilities along with upgrades to old ones.

To streamline this process, players can seek out Cartographers, who are represented by question marks on the map. Through these NPCs, maps revealing more Book of Knowledge locations can be purchased.

16

Try Out Every Kind Of Weapon

The Game Accommodates Many Playstyles

One big mistake that players make is deciding beforehand what kind of weapon to use. They may decide on sticking with two hatchets simply because that’s what they started with. Or they may decide on using strictly bows because of the role-playing element.

There’s no harm in trying new things! This game is long, and it’s even longer using inferior weapons. Slap on a large shield or a couple of daggers. The right weapons make the games smooth sailing.

15

Take Advantage Of Raiding

Get In The True Viking Spirit

Raids are both a fun and rewarding activity to engage in, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers ample opportunities to do so. This feature has recently become even more appealing with the distinct River Raid missions. These are permanent additions that allow Eivor to venture off the beaten path and provide greater challenges, along with unique wealth.

Raiding will not only hone one’s game and grant more EXP, but it will also yield bounties of wealth. These goodies can be utilized in several ways, including being put towards armor and settlement upgrades. Players can find better gear and books of knowledge in the more lavish settlements as well.

14

Upgrade The Viking Settlement

They Can Bring Unexpectedly Useful Perks

Settlement upgrades tend to get overlooked quite a bit, being a fairly simple, yet involved RTS mechanic in an otherwise action-packed game. Still, while it can feel chore-like at times, settlement upgrades can make an impact over time.

Players can erect various new buildings, which means new side quests and activities like hunting and fishing. Not only this, but new buildings will provide various boosts when partaking in feasts. This allows Eivor to enjoy the fruits of their flourishing colony.

There Are Many To Play With

Much of the combat involves hacking, slicing, and dicing. However, there are plenty of moves in Eivor’s arsenal to take advantage of. Fill each of the eight ability slots, and seek out offensive and defensive skills. Skills like Stomp, Chain Assassination, and Harpoon Impalement can keep the flow of battle smooth and offer a range of options. Perform assassinations, fire arrows, and throw explosive objects. Do whatever it takes to gain an advantage.

Prolonged button-mashing may work on the weaker foes, but this one-dimensional approach can create problems, especially later on when opponents get far tougher. Having an array of different moves at one’s disposal will make Eivor a versatile fighter. It also ensures crucial stamina doesn’t drain too often.

12

Initiate Fights With Long-Range Sniping

Gain The Upper Hand In Multiple Ways With Bows

Players looking to get the best ending won’t live to see it unless they start with the best beginning. Many gamers, even experienced ones, take the role of Viking a bit too seriously as they charge headlong into battle, absorbing arrow blows and ballista fire along the way.

In open combat, the rest of the crew will provide a solid first line but they fall quickly without some supporting fire. This advice is even more important when going solo; there may be no way to get through a fort without provoking the enemy, but picking off as many as possible with sniper fire first is a sound strategy.

11

Research Before Upgrading

Take The Time To Sift Through Eivor’s Collection Of Materials

Nobody in an immersive game likes to tab out of their game, but a little research can go a long way. Players who upgrade the best weapons they have found so far will get some short-term benefits, sure, but they actually hurt themselves in the long run.

To max out a truly spectacular item, it takes incredibly rare resources. So rare that collecting every single one in the game’s universe isn’t enough in most cases. If once determining what kind of armor and weapon work the best, make sure to look online and see if there are any unattained upgrades for the weapon/armor piece of choice before improving anything.

10

Block Sparingly, But Evade Often

Good Maneuvering And Timing Can Be More Useful Than Sheer Power

Some damage is unavoidable, especially in those one-on-one boss fights. Upgrading Eivor’s rations is one way to deal with this, but players may still find themselves struggling after losing stamina and Adrenaline, both of which need to be managed properly.

Players may panic and get locked into blocking because it is so easy to hold on to one button. The problem is that this drains stamina quickly and only absorbs a fraction of the damage. If possible, it’s better to dodge, which mitigates all damage. Players can also parry instead, which costs barely any stamina.

However, players should utilize dodging when possible (at least some stamina will be needed). This is a far easier, and more effective move, as it not only protects Eivor, but also serves as a simple and safe way to refill adrenaline.

9

Take Advantage Of The Free Off-Hand

Give Eivor A Hand

Players who go for a full set of gear will be well-rewarded. Wearing a completed armor set yields a statistical advantage, but it also fulfills that role-playing desire to look awesome. Take Thor’s armor (yes, it’s available in the game) as an example. This set, and others, only has one main-hand weapon.

Don’t feel the need to equip an offhand weapon, as it slows down the main-hand weapon and drains stamina. Using most one-handed weapons as a secondary attack achieves little, and tends to be a net negative compared to a shield or added speed. If an offhand weapon is equipped, make sure it is part of the combat (or blocking) rotation. Otherwise, it is best to leave the hand free.

Shields can be useful when deflecting against powerful attacks, but in the heat of battle, it’s usually best to utilize the speed and evasiveness that the offhand helps provide. With that said, obtaining the two-handed dual-wielding ability and using two larger weapons can be useful against larger foes — just expect some sluggishness.

8

Use The Raven

Scout It Out

Synin is not as central to the plot and characters as the birds in the last few Assassin’s Creed games, but he’s arguably more important. Like in the other games, he’s circling overhead, ready to scout ahead and mark targets, and can eventually learn some useful skills. While this game doesn’t automatically mark several foes and points of interest like in Origins and Odyssey, players can still manually pin targets they need to.

Players might have access to the locations of every single artifact and treasure, but knowing where they are is only half of the battle. Most are locked off, underground, or trapped. Thankfully, Synin can see keys, underground passages, and additional treasures well before Eivor has to track them down in the middle of combat.

7

Save Stamina

…And Use It Wisely

It should be obvious by this point that stamina management is a huge part of what separates the pros from the amateurs. It’s new to the series, but it is a critical part of how players experience victory (or defeat) in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Stamina should be saved whenever possible. Save dodging for the big red attacks, then try dodging toward the enemy instead of away. Stamina is gained on successful attacks, so after the heavy attack has finished, regenerate the stamina lost with dodging and use some immediate follow-up strikes. If players have gotten to a safe distance, they can also regain stamina by quickly pelting foes with a light bow and aiming for the head.

6

Rune Up

Decked-Out Weapons And Armor Can Make A Difference

As players remember Edward Kenway from the still-popular Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, they might feel tempted to mimic his moves and battle prowess in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. As far as combat style, it translates rather well. However, players will need to modify their gear in a way that Kenway could not.

As combat is a bit slower and clunkier in Valhalla, players will want to stress juicing up their weapon power and perks in different ways, to overpower and wear down enemies. Runes are a great way to achieve this.

Runes start scarce, but once players are about midway through the game, there will likely be so many to choose from, it’ll be overwhelming. Even if not using ideal gear, go ahead and throw some low-value runes into it. They can always be mixed, matched, and swapped out from old weapons. Their bonuses can almost double the effectiveness of the stats on the armor itself. Players can throw these together rather liberally, as there’s no shortage of them.

5

Be A Lightweight

Balancing Quickness With Strength

Ezio is likely the most popular assassin in the franchise and people still want to know more about him. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla invokes his name on more than one occasion. His charming personality isn’t the only component of his winning formula, however.

Ezio’s choice of light armor is still the best selection, even as Ubisoft has added more heavy options into the game. Players might be seduced by large armor numbers, but weight adds to stamina drain and slows down Eivor. Players may begin a bit weaker than a heavy-hitting tank, but the game offers so many avenues for upgrades and power that it soon won’t matter.

Meanwhile, they’ll be able to be stealthier and dodge more effectively. One hit, in any armor, staggers Eivor and enemies can stun-lock him in a Mortal Kombat sequence of combos. It’s best to gear up light and improve the ability to avoid the attacks altogether.

4

Pick The Right Zone

Don’t Go Charging Into Dangerous Areas

Gamers who want to push through the plot and get to the delicious end-game content are going to be disappointed when they keep getting killed over and over. Undoing the change in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Valhalla brings back static levels.

This means that some zones and raids are not reasonably doable until much later on. This is not a massively multiplayer online game where killing low-level targets yields no experience. Even small, underpowered targets can bring a bit of XP and loot. In Valhalla, even shooting a bird with an arrow is always worth three experience points at any level. So always pledge to the lower-level zones first.

3

Complete Areas

With A Lack Of Side Quests, Players Can Focus On Wealth And Mysteries

Not everyone who plays Assassin’s Creed needs to be a completionist. However, those who explore find that the rewards and lore are multiplied exponentially. Some people just want to get through the game and defeat one of those infamous villains threatening the area.

That being said, anyone who rushes through the campaign in Valhalla is going to eventually hit the wall with enemies way out of their league. The final zone recommends that players have 340 skill points. Those who only accomplish the bare minimum will be lucky to have 190 skill points when this area becomes available. Players don’t have to find everything, but at least look for side quests and treasure chests in the immediate vicinity.