5 games that revolve around Nordic mythology

Modern games often take inspiration from historical and mythological themes. In fact, some of the biggest titles in the gaming scene feature a Nordic mythology concept. With the alluring halls of Valhalla and the captivating Scandinavian lore, it's no surprise that the Norse-themed games are a massive hit in the gaming community.

There's a huge library of games that feature Viking and Scandinavian mythology, from successful titles such as the God of War series to indie games like Song of Iron. If you're looking to dive deep into this genre, here are five highly recommended games you can start with.

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Song of Iron, Munin, and other Nordic mythology games

1) Song of Iron

Song of Iron is a Nordic-themed game (Image via Resting Relic)

Launched in 2020, Song of Iron is a Nordic mythology-inspired indie game developed by Resting Relic. Its story revolves around a fallen individual whose dying wish is to present a relic to the gods. You grant his wish and embark on a long and dangerous journey filled with goblins, beasts, and Norse gods.

Although this isn't the first game to adapt this kind of story, its Scandinavian elements, great graphics, and compelling gameplay make it a good entry for Nordic mythology games.

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2) Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Skyrim is one of the biggest RPGs in the gaming scene (Image via Bethesda)

One of the most successful RPGs in the gaming scene draws inspiration from Nordic mythology. However, not many players know that its entire story is deeply rooted in Scandinavian culture. There are plenty of in-game Norse references, including the thief Lokir, who is believed to be a reference to Loki, the god of mischief.

Bethesda managed to pack a great plot, captivating gameplay, stunning graphics, and user-friendly interface all in one title. However, the Scandinavian elements in Skyrim may not be as obvious and apparent as the others in this list. Still, if you are on the hunt for mythology-inspired games, you can never go wrong with Skyrim.

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3) Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla features Scandinavian elements (Image via Ubisoft)

Another successful Nordic mythology title on this list is the Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the twelfth major installment in the popular Assassin's Creed series. The game is set in 872-878 AD when the Vikings invaded Britain. Here, you control a Viking warrior named Eivor, who is caught in a conflict between the Brotherhood and Templar Order.

Unlike Skyrim, Assassin's Creed Valhalla has tons of apparent references to Norse mythology. It features Huginn and Muninn, who are known to be Odin's messengers, and some other battle encounters with Norse mythology characters. If you take the chance, you might even meet Odin in the game.

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4) Munin

Munin is a Norse-themed puzzle game (Image via Daedalic Entertainment)

If you're looking for more accessible Nordic mythology-themed titles in your hands, there's a puzzle game called Munin, which is available on iOS and Android. In the game, you need to discover and solve 77 puzzles to retrieve the protagonist's wings, which were previously stolen by Loki. The puzzles are solved by creating paths and moving structures.

While the game doesn't have a strong plot rooted in Scandinavian lore, it's still a captivating experience that can keep you busy for hours. It's perfect for those who are looking for a casual and accessible puzzle. However, if you are looking for a game that gives you an in-depth Viking experience, you are better off exploring the other options in this list.

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5) Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice features a plot related to Nordic mythology (Image via Ninja Theory)

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a game unlike any other. While it features Scandinavian lore, the plot is much more complex and heart-wrenching than common Norse-themed titles. In this action-adventure game, you take on the role of Senua, a woman who goes on a journey to the land of the Vikings to rescue the love of her life.

It's not an ordinary tale of love—the narrative touches on several important topics (such as mental health), as the protagonist suffers from psychosis throughout the game. It also features familiar yet unique gameplay, which is paired with superb sound design.