4 reasons why Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is worth playing in 2025 (and 3 reasons why it's not)

If you're still on the fence about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2025, you're not alone. The game might have been released a while back, but it still holds up as one of the best open-world action RPGs around, even if it's far from perfect. So, what makes Valhalla worth your time this year? And what might make you think twice before jumping in?

Here’s a breakdown of both sides of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Note: The article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.

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Why Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is worth playing in 2025

1) Combat

Valhalla is the 12th installment in the Assassin’s Creed series (Image via Ubisoft)

Unlike its predecessors, Valhalla cranks up the action with satisfying combat mechanics. It takes inspiration from Sekiro for its posture damage system, which lets you break your enemies down with calculated moves. The ability to dual-wield weapons or use shields adds even more variety to your fighting style.

Throw in some brutally cool execution animations, and you have a combat system that rewards style and power. It's weighty, visceral, and perfect for unleashing your inner Viking.

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2) A flexible and fun RPG system

The battle in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Image via Ubisoft)

Valhalla brings back the freedom we loved in Origins and Odyssey. The perk system is much more forgiving here. You can reset your abilities whenever you want without penalty, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles.

The unique weapons and armor are impactful and stylish, and the freeform leveling system ensures you're never stuck grinding just to stay competitive. It’s all about making your character your own.

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3) Exploration and side activities

The game development started in 2017 (Image via Ubisoft)

The side content in Valhalla is as quirky as it is fun. From rap battles and drinking contests to solving murders with "Odin sight," there’s always something to break up the main story. These activities might not change the game world dramatically, but they offer a refreshing break from the action.

Plus, the randomness of the events, like forcing a warrior to bathe in strange substances, keeps the experience light-hearted and spontaneous.

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4) The world and atmosphere

A still from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla photomode (Image via Ubisoft)

The beauty of England and Norway in Valhalla is something to behold. From the rolling green hills to the foggy, hostile fens, the game's visual style is rich and detailed. It’s almost like living in a Viking postcard, with every corner of the world offering new breathtaking vistas.

The world is immersive, and if you’re into relaxing, scenic exploration (or taking screenshots), Valhalla has you covered.

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Why it might not be for you

1) Stealth

Immersive battlefield (Image via Ubisoft)

Once a hallmark of the Assassin’s Creed series, stealth has taken a backseat in Valhalla. The environments just don’t seem designed for sneaking around, and the series’ classic stealth mechanics, like blending into crowds or using the hidden blade, feel watered down.

If you're hoping for a game that prioritizes stealth, you might be disappointed by how Valhalla encourages direct confrontations more often than not.

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2) Repetitive Ubisoft formula

Character customizations (Image via Ubisoft)

Yes, the world is beautiful, and there’s plenty to explore, but after a while, it starts to feel like you’ve seen it all before. The Ubisoft formula is in full force, with tower climbing, world event markers, and the constant cycle of raiding and upgrading.

If you’re hoping for a fresh approach, Valhalla doesn’t reinvent the wheel much. The world is vast, but it can feel a bit hollow after dozens of hours of running through it.

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3) Bugs and frustrating moments

Eivor Varinsdottir charging in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Image via Ubisoft)

Like many large open-world games, Valhalla is riddled with bugs — NPCs clipping through walls, quest glitches, and awkward AI behavior can break the immersion. These aren’t game-breaking for most people, but they add up over time, creating an experience that can feel inconsistent.

If you’re sensitive to technical issues or need a flawless experience, you might find Assassin’s Creed Valhalla frustrating at times.

Also check out: 4 reasons why Starfield is worth playing in 2025 (and 3 reasons why not)