A new game in the Assassin's Creed franchise called Valhalla was just released and even seasoned players have some things to learn, especially when it comes to restricted areas. There are new aspects to this game that players, old and new alike, must know to truly enjoy this new addition to the series. The developers made some changes and knowing what some of them are will make you more successful and enjoy the game even more than before.

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A few of the biggest things you wish you knew prior to starting the game will help take your Valhalla experience to the next level. You need to learn a few things about Valhalla before starting your own Viking adventure in order to have the best time playing this game.

Updated May 20, 2021 by Rebecca O'Neill: The Wrath of the Druids is finally here and players are loving the new Irish landscape that is theirs for the taking. It comes with new weapons and an amazing storyline that will have you falling in love with this game all over again. You won't be able to resist buying this DLC for Assassin's Creed Valhalla as this is one Viking adventure you hope never ends. 

There are a few tips and tricks that can help you be successful, no matter which country you happen to find yourself in. You should be armed with the facts, especially when it comes to exploring restricted areas. 

15 Upgrade Your Weapons And Armor Wisely

Gunnar the Blacksmith in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

You can upgrade your weapons and armor (to make it the best in the game) using ingots at the Blacksmith, but you should think through your selections. This is especially important once you gain access to an area with higher-level ingots as it will take time to collect enough to upgrade multiple items.

If you have a favorite weapon then you might want to consider using your ingots on that. But if you are dying quickly in a fight then using it on your armor may be a better idea.

14 Odin’s Sight Does Not Reveal Basic Loot

Odin's Sight in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Odin’s Sight, more commonly known as Eagle Vision in the franchise, is something that used to reveal even the basic loot hidden within baskets, pots, and other miscellaneous containers.

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However, that is not the case in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as now you must enter each building individually and search without this tool. It can be a pain, but if you need the extra silver or resources then it is worth the hassle.

13 Not Every Choice Matters

Eivor deciding to go with Stowe or Erke in AC:Valhalla

You would be surprised how few choices actually have a bearing on the story, and it’s not as many as you would like to believe. This isn't a Witcher game, after all.

Obviously, some of the bigger story elements play a part in the ending, but dealings with less prominent characters have very little impact on it. Try not to stress about these decisions too much and use your best judgment to uncover the truth. For a more RPG-like experience, try Odyssey if you haven't already.

12 There Is Less Focus On The Assassin

assassins creed valhalla 5 reasons

An aspect of the game that fans are not too pleased with is the fact that there is less emphasis on Eivor being an assassin and more on their Viking tendencies. They are more focused on rushing in to win a fight with their best weapon rather than sneaking around an area to take out opponents.

This is especially true early on in the game as you don’t start with the hidden blade or the Leap of Faith skill; this makes it very difficult to remain stealthy. Since Odyssey, players have noticed the more intense shift away from stealth mechanics. Many hardcore fans would like to see a return to form for the franchise.

11 Poison Gas Can Be Dissipated Using Your Torch

Poison Gas in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

One thing that a lot of players don’t know about the game is that poison gas can be dissipated by using a torch. Players just need to make sure not to stand too close. You want to toss your torch into it, but don't stand too close as it will cause an explosion that will light Eivor on fire.

This is a great way to prevent yourself from taking damage and moving through areas that are filled with this obstacle.

10 Norway Was Just The Beginning

The Atlas In Assassin's Creed Valhalla

A major reason why players buy Assassin's Creed games is for the storyline, but the start of Valhalla's story fell a bit flat. Norway felt stale and never-ending, as it was a literal frozen tundra of nothing, with a storyline that was just as boring, even though one of the legendary animals can be found here.

Those who didn't look into Valhalla's premise prior to purchase fail to understand that this is just the beginning and the real fun begins after they build a settlement in England and head to the most amazing areas.

9 Doors Are Barred, But There Are Other Ways In

A barred door in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

You will come across several barred doors throughout the game and it is just another puzzle that you will have to solve. It could be as simple as climbing up to the roof and entering through the opening in the eaves, or you might have to shoot the lock on the door by looking through a window.

This can sometimes involve moving a shelf or breaking through a wooden slat covering an opening on the side of the building. It will be up to you to discover how to enter each building you come across.

Cordelia, one of the Daughter's of Lerion, in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

The one thing that doesn't make sense in Valhalla is that the various Lost Drengrs, legendary animals, and other bosses are higher than the recommended skill level of an area.

For example, one of the daughters of Lerion, named Cordelia, is located in East Anglia and you must defeat her to unlock pieces of Thor's Armor. This location has a recommended skill level of 55, but Cordelia's skill level is 340. It makes it virtually impossible to defeat her until closer to the end of the game.

7 Monasteries Provide Raw Materials

Acquiring raw materials in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Raw materials and supplies are needed to upgrade a settlement and add various buildings, which is where raiding monasteries come into play. Supplies can be found throughout the world in various chests marked with a gold dot on your map, while raw materials can only be acquired at a monastery.

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One tip that many players don't know about is that by completing certain areas on the alliance map they will be awarded either a settlement level increase or some raw materials. This can help you decide where to seek out an alliance next as you look to upgrade your settlements.

6 Abilities Must Be Found, Skills Are Earned

AC Valhalla Abilities and Skills

Abilities enhance a fighting style and are employed during combat by using adrenaline, while skills can be used at any time. You must search for abilities throughout the map and they are marked by a golden book.

Skills are earned as you level up and you must spend them wisely as the path you choose on the constellation tree determines if you want to focus on stealth, range, or combat. This aspect can help you create an amazing build as you can tailor how you spend your points to your playstyle.

5 Winning At Orlog Gives More Than Just Victory

A game of Orlog in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Playing Orlog might seem like a waste of time, especially if you find dice games to be boring. However, winning one of these games gives more than just bragging rights as it adds a new God Favor to your collection, which can be the difference between a win and a loss.

A win could also give a clue about one of the members of the Order of the Ancients, and going head-to-head in a drinking game could offer up a clue as well.

4 Walk In Distrust Areas, Hide In Restricted Areas

A distruct area in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

When heading into a distrust area the first thing you should do is put your hood up, but it is often done automatically. These are areas where it is important not to draw attention to yourself, which means that walking is required and sometimes blending in by sitting on a bench is necessary.

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On the other hand, restricted areas require you to be invisible, or be ready to take on several foes with your best runes. The best plan of action is to hide in tall grass or bushes and use ranged attacks or stealthy assassinations to thin the herd of soldiers so you can travel unnoticed.

Restricted Areas

You will know the difference when you head into a restricted area versus a distrust area as the bar at the top of your screen will turn red. The best way to enter this area is to find a secluded edge to the property or an opening in a fence where you can sneak in rather than fighting your way through the front gates.

The goal should be to take out as many opponents as you can with your bow, especially when your power level is extremely low. While you don't have to rely on stealth in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, those who do often have a higher rate of success as they thin the herd before making their move in a restricted area.

3 Flyting Increases Your Charisma And Can Save You Some Coin

Flyting in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

This Assassin's Creed involves something called Flyting, which is a battle of rhymes where your goal is to choose a coherent phrase that is wittier than your opponents'. It is one of the best parts of the game as it is both fun and serves a greater purpose, and this guide can help you to be more successful at it.

When completing these flyting matches it will enhance a character's charisma skill, which can be very useful throughout the game. This will not only allow you to complete certain mysteries and quests, but it can also save a player some coin as they use their charisma rather than their silver to uncover information.

2 Exploding Pots Have Many Purposes

Breaking a wall with exploding pots in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Red pots with a flame on their top are in almost every area that you will come across, and they will explode upon impact. They have many uses as you can shoot them from a distance to deplete an enemy's health, or they can assist you in breaking down certain walls.

One tip is that if no red pots are nearby to break down a wall, then you can use an ability called Incendiary Powder Trap to achieve the same result.

1 Rations Are The Only Way To Heal

The ration system in Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Health does not regenerate on its own and you must use something called a "Ration" to raise your health bar back to full. Naturally, this is something many players are worried about. You start with one, but it can be upgraded several times by collecting things like leather and iron ore throughout the world.

They are very useful when fighting the hardest bosses as you will need all the health you can get. Rations can be recouped by eating various plants and mushrooms and by taking down enemies and animals.

NEXT: Assassin's Creed Valhalla Complete Guide And Walkthrough