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Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok
Item: Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMar 10, 2022

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperUbisoft Sofia

Overview

In the most ambitious expansion in franchise history, Eivor must embrace their destiny as Odin, the Norse god of Battle and Wisdom. Unleash new divine powers as you embark on a desperate quest through a breathtaking world. Complete a legendary Viking saga and save your son in the face of the gods’ doom.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A mythic journey filled with creative storytelling and rich Norse lore, but bogged down by clichéd structures, shallow characters, and uneven pacing, resulting in a divisive yet ambitious expansion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok receives praise for its ambitious exploration of Norse mythology and its immersive narrative depth. Critics like Gaming Nexus highlight the expansion as “deep, satisfying, and filled with twists,” emphasizing its engaging boss fights, humor, and faithful embrace of the series’ signature writing. But Why Tho? applauds its emotionally resonant focus on Odin’s quest to rescue his son, noting it stands independently while fitting into the broader mythos. AusGamers and CD-Action commend the deep dive into Norse sagas, with the latter praising the “deep portrayal of Odin’s character” despite some underdeveloped secondary figures. The narrative also benefits from creative liberties, as seen in Gamers Heroes, which describes a “dark, thrilling take on Norse mythology,” while Wccftech acknowledges its engaging approach to mythological themes compared to previous expansions. These positives underscore the DLC’s strengths in world-building and thematic richness. However, several critics criticize the story for repetitive structures, underdeveloped characters, and narrative shortcomings. Everyeye.it and PC Invasion lament a “slow pace” and “flat” progression, with fetch quests overshadowing epic moments. GamePro Germany and Games.cz point to weak character development, particularly with Baldr and Havi, while Gfinity calls the plot “shallow” and lacking emotional connection. GameSpew and TierraGamer highlight a lack of originality, noting that the story feels like a rehash of the base game’s formula, with an “abrupt ending” and “unoriginal” mythological tropes. Softpedia criticizes poor pacing and unclear antagonist motives, while GameOver.gr and Vgames decry underdeveloped characters and a rushed climax. These critiques reveal a recurring issue: the expansion struggles to balance its mythic ambitions with coherent storytelling and character depth. Overall, the consensus leans toward mixed but generally favorable reception, with critics divided between appreciation for its mythological ambition and frustration over execution. While Gaming Nexus and But Why Tho? celebrate its narrative strengths, many others like Everyeye.it, PC Invasion, and GameOver.gr argue it falls short of expectations. The DLC’s reliance on familiar Assassin’s Creed structures, coupled with underdeveloped characters and pacing issues, creates a polarizing experience. Yet, its exploration of Norse mythology remains a standout feature, as noted by AusGamers and CD-Action, even if it fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Ultimately, Dawn of Ragnarok is seen as a worthwhile but uneven addition to the Valhalla saga, balancing creative storytelling with persistent genre limitations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

A mythic journey filled with creative storytelling and rich Norse lore, but bogged down by clichéd structures, shallow characters, and uneven pacing, resulting in a divisive yet ambitious expansion.

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok delivers fresh mechanics like raven flight, Hugr-Rip, and the Atgeir, boosting exploration and combat variety, but its reliance on Ubisoft’s formula feels stagnant, with underdeveloped systems, repetitive tasks, and a grind that dulls its ambition—offering incremental tweaks over bold innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok receives praise for its incremental innovations and fresh mechanics that enhance exploration and combat. Critics like GamingBolt highlight new abilities such as flying as a raven and lava invulnerability, which add verticality and variety to traversal. The Hugr-Rip ability, introduced by multiple reviewers including Checkpoint Gaming and Gamers Heroes, allows players to absorb enemy powers, offering strategic depth in combat and puzzle-solving. New weapons like the Atgeir and activities such as raids and the Valkyrie Arena are also noted for their engagement, with Gaming Nexus emphasizing that the expansion feels substantial enough to stand alone. Additionally, GameSpew and Xbox Achievements acknowledge the inclusion of unique features like the Atgeir weapon and World Events, which provide a sense of novelty despite the familiar framework. However, many critics criticize the game for its reliance on Ubisoft’s established formula, with repetition and lack of innovation being major drawbacks. GamePro Germany and Gfinity note that the gameplay feels too easy on higher power levels, reducing challenge, while Games.cz and WellPlayed point out that new mechanics like the Hugr-Rip are underdeveloped or limited in scope. The stealth system is also criticized for flaws, such as inconsistent AI behavior (Games.cz) and overpowered gear making combat feel unbalanced (GameOver.gr). Additionally, IGN Adria and PC Invasion highlight that while new content like mini-bosses and arenas adds variety, the core gameplay remains formulaic, with recycled tasks like camp clearing and synchronization points. The expansion’s difficulty scaling and repetitive quest structures are frequently cited as shortcomings, with Softpedia and But Why Tho? noting that the grind feels dull despite added mechanics. Overall, the critics agree that Dawn of Ragnarok is a mixed experience, offering fresh elements but failing to significantly innovate beyond the base game. While Gaming Nexus and Games.cz acknowledge its substantial content and strategic depth, others like IGN and CD-Action argue that the expansion feels like an extended DLC rather than a meaningful evolution. The consensus leans toward it being a worthwhile addition for fans of the series, particularly those who enjoy the core mechanics, but one that lacks the bold experimentation seen in other AC entries. As Worth Playing and AusGamers note, the game’s strengths lie in its incremental improvements and varied side content, yet its reliance on familiar systems and repetitive structures ultimately limits its impact.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Stunning visuals dazzle with mythic landscapes, but repetitive gameplay and technical flaws tarnish an otherwise immersive expansion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok receive widespread praise for their immersive and aesthetically striking environments. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming highlight the "stunning" contrast between Svartálfar’s dwarven shelters—featuring golden chalices and turquoise stalactites—and Muspel’s ash-covered, fiery landscapes. GamePro Germany and Gamers Heroes laud the "visually striking" golden mountains, turquoise crystals, and lava-filled terrains, emphasizing a world that feels both immersive and consistent with the series’ established aesthetic. God is a Geek and IGN commend the realm’s unique fantasy elements, such as floating monoliths, dwarven architecture, and surreal landscapes reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. The attention to detail in environments like Ygdrassil and the mix of fire/ice aesthetics (as noted by GamingTrend) further underscores the DLC’s visual ambition, with many critics describing it as "jaw-dropping" or "pure fantasy eye candy." However, several reviewers critique the lack of innovation and technical shortcomings. Games.cz and Gfinity argue that Svartalfheim feels generic, comparing its design to real-world locations like Scotland and noting a failure to fully embrace its mythological identity. GameSpew criticizes unattractive enemy designs, while SomosXbox and AusGamers point to an "empty" map and recycled content from Valhalla, respectively. Technical issues also arise: GamingBolt mentions combat animation hiccups due to camera problems, and GamersRD notes persistent visual glitches with lava effects. Additionally, GameOver.gr and WellPlayed observe that the visually impressive world fails to translate into engaging gameplay, with some critics suggesting the DLC’s aesthetic appeal is overshadowed by repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped environments. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward admiration for Dawn of Ragnarok’s visual design, with most critics agreeing it enhances the series’ signature immersive quality. While IGN Adria notes that graphics remain "unchanged" from Valhalla, many praise the DLC’s ability to blend Norse mythology with fantastical elements, as highlighted by PlayStation Universe and Metro GameCentral. However, the critiques about repetition, technical flaws, and lack of creative risk-taking reflect a divide between those who see it as a worthy expansion and others who feel it underdelivers on its potential. The mixed reception suggests that while the visuals are undeniably impressive, they are not enough to fully elevate the experience beyond the limitations of its gameplay and design choices.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Stunning visuals dazzle with mythic landscapes, but repetitive gameplay and technical flaws tarnish an otherwise immersive expansion.

Music and Sound Design

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

music and sound design

Description unavailable

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PS5 shines with stable, smooth gameplay despite minor glitches; PC struggles with graphical hiccups and technical inconsistencies. Both platforms face recurring issues from Ubisoft’s formulaic approach, though flaws are non-critical. Dawn of Ragnarok improves on the base game but highlights ongoing polish challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok on PS5 is generally praised for its stability and polish, with several critics highlighting smooth gameplay and minimal major issues. IGN Adria notes “fluid and stable performance” on the platform, while GamingBolt commends the balanced performance mode and overall smoothness despite minor camera jank and audio hiccups. Noisy Pixel also acknowledges the game’s general stability, stating that technical flaws are “minor” and do not disrupt enjoyment. For PC, GamersRD points to improved graphical fidelity and stability compared to the base game, though CD-Action and Multiplayer.it note some texture glitches and collision errors as expected in an expansion. These positives suggest that both platforms deliver a largely refined experience, with PS5 receiving more consistent praise for its optimization. However, technical shortcomings are evident across both platforms, particularly on PS5. Games.cz criticizes the DLC for “characters getting stuck in environments,” repetitive dialogue, and poorly designed mechanics like lava hazards, while Meristation highlights persistent AI issues and chaotic combat that exacerbate existing instability. Metro GameCentral mentions “graphical glitches” and “AI pathing issues,” calling out Ubisoft’s formulaic approach as a contributing factor. On PC, GamersRD reports rendering glitches with specific enemies (e.g., Muspels) and frame rate drops on lower-end systems, while CD-Action notes collision detection errors and looping dialogues. These flaws, though not game-breaking, reflect ongoing challenges in balancing new content with the base game’s technical foundation. Overall, critics agree that Dawn of Ragnarok maintains a generally stable experience but struggles with recurring issues tied to Ubisoft’s development practices. PS5 receives more favorable reviews for its polished performance, as seen in IGN Adria’s and GamingBolt’s assessments, while PC users face more graphical and technical inconsistencies, per GamersRD and Multiplayer.it. Despite these differences, the consensus leans toward minor flaws rather than major failures, with most critics acknowledging that the DLC improves upon the base game’s shortcomings without introducing critical instability. The mixed reception underscores a broader trend of Ubisoft’s expansions prioritizing content over flawless execution, leaving room for improvement in future releases.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok delivers expansive exploration and side-content variety for fans but falters with repetitive mechanics and minimal innovation, offering a solid yet formulaic experience that prioritizes quantity over quality for returning players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok is highlighted by several critics as being bolstered by its optional activities, exploration, and side content. Everyeye.it emphasizes that the game’s “extensive exploration” and multiple ways to complete objectives contribute to replayability, while Gamers Heroes notes new quests, an arena mode, and features like Mythical Memories that encourage players to engage beyond the main story. Gaming Nexus praises its 35+ hours of content, including puzzle-solving, side quests, and exploration, with one reviewer expressing a desire to spend up to 50 hours on the map. Similarly, PlayStation Universe and Xbox Achievements commend the “meaty” variety of activities, such as raids, Shelters, and customizable boss fights in Kara’s Arena, suggesting that fans of the series may find substantial value in revisiting the world. These positives indicate that the DLC offers enough depth for completionists and those seeking extended engagement with the game’s mechanics. However, repetition and lack of innovation are recurring criticisms that undermine its replayability. GamePro Germany and Gfinity argue that the DLC feels like “filler” for fans, repeating the main game’s loop without meaningful new mechanics or narrative depth. IGN and Screen Rant point out that the “repetitive structure” and reliance on familiar Ubisoft tropes—such as collectibles and side quests—limit its appeal for multiple playthroughs. Critics like GameSpew and TierraGamer note that the “repetitive nature” of tasks and a short campaign (15–20 hours) make it less enticing for returning players, while IGN Adria acknowledges that newcomers might enjoy the accessibility but finds little incentive for veterans. Additionally, critics such as Games.cz and CD-Action highlight that the DLC’s lack of substantial changes to gameplay or economy diminishes its long-term appeal, with some calling it “tedious” or “redundant” for those already familiar with Valhalla. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a middle ground: while Dawn of Ragnarok offers enough content and variety to justify its price for fans, its repetitive mechanics and lack of innovation limit its replayability. GamingBolt and Meristation acknowledge that the expansion provides “enough variety” and “substantial content” to warrant purchase, but others like Hardcore Gamer and Wccftech argue that it feels like an extension of Valhalla rather than a meaningful evolution. The DLC’s strength lies in its exploration-driven design and side activities, which some critics (e.g., Gaming Nexus) find engaging, while its reliance on “same old” gameplay deters others. Ultimately, the expansion is seen as a solid but formulaic addition to the Assassin’s Creed series—worth experiencing for fans seeking more content but less compelling for those looking for fresh challenges or innovation.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok highlights its strengths in storytelling, visual design, and mythological immersion, with several critics praising its ambitious narrative and new mechanics. Gamers Heroes and Gaming Nexus laud it as a "rewarding addition" and "must-play for fans," emphasizing its rich exploration of Norse mythology and engaging content. God is a Geek applauds the "ambitious storytelling" and "new abilities," while Noisy Pixel highlights the fresh mechanics like Hugr-Rip and the blend of Norse lore with creative gameplay. The expansion’s visuals, voice work, and world-building are frequently noted as standout features, with PlayStation Universe calling it a "solid expansion" and GameSpew acknowledging its "fresh visuals." These positives suggest that for fans seeking extended content, the DLC offers a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, experience. However, the negatives center on repetition, lack of innovation, and perceived overpricing. Critics like Games.cz and GameSpew describe it as "conservative" and "unoriginal," with the latter calling it an "inessential expansion that fails to deliver a fresh experience." Gfinity criticizes its "shallow, overpriced" nature, while PC Invasion argues it feels like a "missed opportunity" despite its mythological ambitions. The reliance on Ubisoft’s established formula is a recurring critique, with IGN and CD-Action noting stagnant gameplay and "formulaic" mechanics that fail to elevate the series. Additionally, several reviewers, including Worth Playing and But Why Tho?, point to repetitive combat, pacing issues, and underdeveloped narratives as flaws that diminish its impact, even if it remains enjoyable for dedicated fans. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for its content and lore while acknowledging its shortcomings. While many praise the expansion’s narrative depth and technical execution—such as Meristation’s acknowledgment of "strategic depth" and GamingTrend’s mention of a "vast world"—others feel it fails to innovate or justify its price point. The divide reflects a broader debate about whether Dawn of Ragnarok is a meaningful evolution for the series or merely a polished iteration of existing mechanics. As Worth Playing notes, its 7.5/10 score captures this duality: a "decent expansion" that satisfies fans but lacks the transformative potential to redefine the franchise. Ultimately, it’s seen as a worthwhile but not essential addition, best suited for those already invested in Valhalla’s world.

TL;DR

Praised for mythic storytelling, visuals, and fresh mechanics like Hugr-Rip, Dawn of Ragnarok stumbles with repetition, formulaic gameplay, and overpricing—offering a solid but unoriginal expansion for AC Valhalla fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

84 reviews found

100

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review calls Dawn of Ragnarok the user's favorite Assassin's Creed experience, praising its writing, visuals, and content. It is described as a must-play for fans and potentially worthy of a standalone franchise, with high recommendations and enthusiasm.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A rewarding addition to the Assassin's Creed Valhalla series, praised for its storytelling, visuals, and new mechanics. It is considered one of Ubisoft's best DLCs and a strong RPG experience.

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion is praised as the best yet, with ambitious storytelling, new abilities, and a rich exploration of Norse mythology. While some content feels repetitive, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and immersive.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A strong addition to the series, blending Norse mythology with new mechanics like Hugr-Rip. While it has some growing pains, it's a worthwhile return for fans seeking fresh content.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review calls Dawn of Ragnarok a 'solid expansion' with gorgeous visuals, memorable characters, and enough content to justify its price. While it relies on familiar mechanics, the new abilities and setting make it one of Ubisoft's better post-launch DLCs.

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GamingTrend

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite pacing issues and uneven execution, the expansion revitalizes Valhalla with a vast world, new mechanics, and mythic storytelling. It’s a worthwhile addition for fans but falls short of perfection due to narrative and design flaws.

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A strong expansion that enriches the mythological aspects of Valhalla, offering strategic depth and satisfying conclusions to Odin's story, though it inherits some technical flaws from the base game.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Mar 11, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A worthy follow-up to Valhalla that introduces fresh ideas while retaining the core formula. It balances innovation with familiar mechanics but is held back by minor flaws in character development and combat polish.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox Series X

Mar 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A well-crafted DLC that expands Valhalla's world with engaging mechanics and narrative, delivering a satisfying experience without feeling overstretched. It’s praised for its balance of content and entertainment value.

AusGamers

Mar 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dawn of Ragnarök excels in storytelling and mythological depth but falls short in gameplay innovation, difficulty balance, and content variety. It’s a mixed experience that prioritizes narrative over mechanics, leaving room for improvement in making the expansion feel more distinct and challenging.

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