Assassin's Creed Valhalla PS4 PlayStation 4

It's that time again: another Assassin's Creed title is set for release in just a few days. Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes the franchise to the viking era, and the first round of reviews have started invading the web. How are critics feeling about this huge Ubisoft action RPG?

Well, it seems the consensus is that, if you're familiar with Assassin's Creed Odyssey, this is more of the same. An enormous open world map to explore, dozens of hours of content, and serviceable combat. We've selected a handful of critiques to give you an idea. As for our verdict on Assassin's Creed Valhalla, don't worry — it'll be here as soon as possible.

Game Informer - 9.25/10

I loved 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (especially after its post-release support), but that love was always tempered by a desire for improvements. I wished the content felt more carefully curated. I hated grinding to progress the story. I got sick of managing an inventory bloated with loot. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla addresses all of those issues and more, creating a rewarding experience at every turn, whether you’re pursuing the main narrative or hunting down treasure. I'm sure Valhalla is not the perfect Assassin’s Creed game for all players, but it is certainly my new favorite entry.

GamesRadar+ - 4.5/5

With a sprawling world to conquer and gory combat but also the chance to use that iconic hidden blade, Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings a triumphant balance to the series.

GameSpot - 8/10

Despite its strong connection to past games, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is more than capable of standing on its own. It takes a little while to build momentum, but when it hits its stride, Valhalla is a confident Assassin's Creed title that takes a few narrative risks which, as a whole, pay off. Eivor is a good hero with an identity that drives the mystery behind the main narrative, and she shines in the self-contained arc structure of Valhalla's story. The supporting cast may not shine as brightly, but it's easy to forgive that when exploring England and discovering new nuggets of worldbuilding is so rewarding.

IGN - 8/10

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a big, bold, and ridiculously beautiful entry to the series that finally delivers on the much-requested era of the Viking and the messy, political melting pot of England’s Dark Ages. It walks a fine line between historical tourism, top-shelf conspiracy theory, and veiled mysticism against the backdrop of a grounded and focused story. Fresh takes on several of the series’ established loot and quest systems help to keep the things fluid and nuanced, though progression could use refinement. There’s also a bigger than usual horde of bugs and blemishes to contend with from start to finish. But while it may not be the most stylish or polished, its rugged and brutal look at the muddy business of Scandanavian expansion is as memorable and dense as an Assassin’s Creed has ever been, and it makes great use of the new consoles.

VGC - 4/5

Valhalla’s sober detailed research is undermined a little by some slightly tipsy execution. But this is a hearty, bawdy Viking feast of a game which spins a fine tale and offers plenty to get your teeth into.

Eurogamer - Recommended

Valhalla is another enormous Assassin's Creed saga, lavishly designed, with its sights set on story direction over narrative choice.