There have been plenty of games that delve into mythology, with so much to explore and uncover within various legends and beliefs. Norse mythology has had something of a popularity resurgence, and so we want to take a look at how two big names in the industry compare with how the games have handled it.
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla explored Viking history and, as is Assassin's Creed tradition, mixes in a healthy amount of mythology for you to explore, discover, and battle. God of War: Ragnarok finishes the two-part Norse era of Kratos' journey, and focuses much more on the nine realms and the gods who control and influence them. So, who does what better?
There Will Be Some Spoilers For Each Game Below
6 God Of War: Ragnarok - Shows The Power Of The Gods
2018's God of War showed that the Norse realms can be dangerous, but Ragnarok ramps things up and does so quickly. Shortly after the game's opening, Kratos comes to fight Thor in what is truly a battle of the gods. Going bigger than the first game right off the bat means we can see just how powerful these Norse gods really are, and just how much hardship lies ahead if the conflict continues.
Thor makes quick work of Kratos, putting up a fight, but ultimately not enough. Kratos flies unwillingly through the air at the behest of Mjolnir, and even dies in this fight before being revived via Thor's lightning as he was not yet satisfied with the outcome of the fight. The gods here are truly daunting.
5 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Grander Version Of Asgard
Following legend and mythology, there are many versions of Asgard out there. God of War: Ragnarok opts for a traditional Viking village atop a cliff, surrounded by the giant wall built around it in the classic tale of deception and trickery. It's perhaps not as grand as you might have expected, but it's true and grounded.
However, if you're expectations are much higher, then Assassin's Creed: Valhalla's Asgard is probably much more to your liking. The land consists of towering structures, a grand Bifrost Bridge, and Yggdrasil looming over everything as if it was all miniature.
4 God Of War: Ragnarok - Shows Off More Locations On A Grand Scale
-Cropped.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&dpr=1.5)
While AC Valhalla might show off Asgard in a fashion unlike any other, God of War: Ragnarok lets us explore even more of the nine realms than ever before. Many locations we got to visit in 2018's God of War, but this time we return to refreshed locations, deeper exploration, and new realms for the first time - all of which have been affected by Fimbulwinter in the lead-up to Ragnarok.
Particular locations include the deserts of Alfheim, the large-scale wall and landscapes of Asgard, the impressive home city of the Dwarves, and the Ironwood forest of Jotunheim. With so much more to explore and plenty to leave you in awe, God of War: Ragnarok takes the crown of Norse scenery.
3 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Stays More Faithful To The Lore
While not entirely accurate, or as accurate as can be with mythology, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla plays more on the traditional legends and tales of Norse culture. We see plenty of Odin, the gods around him, and the ways in which they weave, including a growing tension with the Jotuns, and Odin's growing fear of Ragnarok.
While you play as Odin throughout these sequences, or alternately named Havi - one of Odin's many titles - the sections themself focus on some notable tales of Norse mythology. This includes Havi battling Fenrir, who had been previously chained up in a desperate attempt to halt the chances of Ragnarok.
2 God Of War: Ragnarok - Shapes The Lore In Interesting Ways
While AC Valhalla sticks to legends a little more, God of War: Ragnarok takes liberties with Norse mythology and the traditional stories we know. This was evident in the first game with how Atreus was revealed to be named Loki, but this only goes further with the sequel.
Kratos and Atreus spend their time trying to find a way to stop the oncoming Ragnarok, and to escape the fate and prophecies around them. However, in doing this, they only prove many of the prophecies to be true. But then, with a twist of a hidden prophecy, they fight against Odin and prevent the overall effects of Ragnarok, leaving Asgard as the only realm to fall in its wake, and the fate of the remaining realms is yet to be written.
1 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Blends Mythology Into Historical Viking Legend And Beliefs
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two games is the focus - God of War is all about the gods, the mythology, and the nine realms. Assassin's Creed, however, focuses on the Viking era and their settling in England. While there is much use of mythology and supernatural elements still, it is all done in a traditional manner for this culture.
Early on, Eivor visits a seer who grants them visions of Fenrir, and throughout the game, they have visions of Havi - or Odin - and even experience parts of these gods' lives. To them, the sound of thunder means Thor is angry - whether or not that is true is unknown, just as it was to the real Vikings, and to see their legends weaved into their everyday lives is a wonderful and fascinating aspect.