Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla immerses players in the legendary saga of Eivor, leading their Viking clan from the frozen landscapes of Norway to the green meadows of England. One of the game’s key story arcs, The Battle for the Northern Way, introduces players to crucial gameplay mechanics, plot points, and challenges. In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide to help you navigate this important arc, highlighting key moments and strategies to ensure success.
The Battle for the Northern Way Setting the Stage: Introduction to the Saga
After the introductory cutscene, Eivor’s journey begins in Norway. Players start by exiting the chamber (after the opening cutscene) and making their way through the hall to meet Eivor’s father. Following the conversation, you’ll be guided towards King Styrbjorn (your clan leader) to present your gift, triggering another cutscene.
Once the cinematic sequence ends, you are prompted to choose between a male or female version of Eivor, or even let the Animus shift between both characters depending on the narrative. Once the selection is made, players regain control of Eivor. Use this time to explore the camp and familiarize yourself with the climbing and exploration mechanics that define the game.
The Battle for the Northern Way Mission One: Freeing the Crew
After completing your initial exploration, you’ll be tasked with rescuing your crew, who are being held in Avaldsnes. You have two options here: either head straight to the city where your crew is detained or spend some time gathering resources from the surrounding area. As you near Avaldsnes, deploy your raven to scout the town and identify key points of interest. Infiltrate the city by climbing onto the roof of the longhouse, where your crew is held captive.
Upon entering the longhouse, you’ll face off against Rikiwulf, an enemy with a strong defense. Target his weak points with your bow to break his guard and land heavy damage. After defeating him, you’ll be transported into a memory sequence. Follow the light back to reality, where you’ll free your crew and make your escape.
Navigating to Fornberg
After rescuing your crew and leaving the longhouse, make your way to your ship. Sail towards Fornberg, your home base. Once there, speak with Randvi, completing the mission and setting the stage for the next questline.
A Vision from the Volva
Your next task brings you to Valka, a Volva (a seer), who resides in a hut above Fornberg. After drinking her mysterious concoction, Eivor falls into a deep sleep and begins to explore a vision. Follow the figures of a man and a wolf, triggering an intriguing cutscene that sheds light on the prophecy tied to Eivor’s fate. After discussing the vision with Valka, the mission concludes, but the meaning of this mysterious prophecy lingers as the adventure continues.
The Battle for the Northern Way Family Matters: Restoring Your Father’s Axe
While in Fornberg, you’ll have time to explore the city and discover its various advantages. Be sure to visit Gunnar the blacksmith, who will restore the glory of your father’s axe. This marks another important progression point in the storyline, as you prepare to leave Fornberg behind.
The Battle for the Northern Way The Prodigal Prince: Sigurd’s Return
Head to the docks to witness the grand arrival of Sigurd, Eivor’s brother. Sigurd has returned from a long journey, bearing gifts and tales from foreign lands. Accompany him to meet with his father, King Styrbjorn, as Sigurd recounts his experiences. After the meeting, Sigurd presents Eivor with a special gift: the Hidden Blade, a signature weapon of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Mastering the Hidden Blade
Once you leave the longhouse, you’ll train with Basim, one of Sigurd’s companions, to learn how to use the Hidden Blade. Basim’s training will teach you the art of stealth, allowing you to take down enemies silently. Practice these techniques on training dummies, preparing yourself for future challenges.
A Disturbing Awakening
The peace of Fornberg is soon disrupted by an enemy spy. Your next mission is to track down and eliminate the spy, followed by a trek through the mountains to find and deal with two more spies hiding in a camp. After neutralizing these threats, return to Sigurd at the docks to report your findings.
Launching an Assault on Nottfall
Join Sigurd and the rest of your crew as you prepare to launch an assault on the village of Nottfall. Upon arrival, you’ll face a series of enemy soldiers guarding supply carts. Destroy these carts to weaken their defenses, then head to the port to meet with Guthorm the Wise, King Harald’s emissary.
The Battle with Kjotve
The climax of The Battle for the Northern Way comes with a showdown against Kjotve the Cruel, Eivor’s sworn enemy. After preparing for battle, follow Sigurd’s lead and storm Kjotve’s fortress. Once inside, you’ll confront Kjotve in a fierce duel. Initially, he fights unarmed, giving you the chance to dodge his attacks and land well-timed hits. However, the battle intensifies when he retrieves his axes, making him a far more dangerous opponent.
Kjotve’s spinning attacks are lethal, but by evading and striking during his recovery period, you can gradually wear down his health. After lowering his life bar enough, Kjotve will charge at you, sending both of you tumbling into a pit. Dodge his corpse-throwing attacks and deal the final blow to emerge victorious.
Conquering Kjotve’s Fortress
With Kjotve defeated, the battle isn’t over yet. You’ll need to climb the fortress walls and break through the gates to secure your victory. After entering the fortress, head towards the house at the back of the camp to confront Gorm, one of Kjotve’s most trusted allies. However, the confrontation ends with a fiery escape.
The Battle for the Northern Way The Next Phase: Sailing to New Lands
After your victory in Norway, it’s time to leave your homeland behind and sail toward England. But first, return to Fornberg to meet Sigurd and make a crucial decision about what to do with Kjotve’s spoils. Once the decision is made, head to the docks and set sail for new lands, marking the beginning of the next chapter in Eivor’s saga.
Final Thoughts
The Battle for the Northern Way serves as an action-packed introduction to Eivor’s story in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. With intricate missions, complex character choices, and thrilling battles, this arc lays the foundation for Eivor’s journey from Norway to England. Mastering the game’s mechanics early on and following this guide will help you smoothly navigate through these early challenges and prepare for the vast open world that awaits.
