New 'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' Trailer Showcases Vikings’ World During Dark Ages

Developer Ubisoft has announced the latest entry in its long-running "Assassin's Creed" series: "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." For this installment, players will battle their way across a Norse-inspired landscape as a Viking warrior named Eivor as they clash with the English army.

The first trailer is jam-packed with footage of the bloodthirsty Vikings as they clash with the English army during the Dark Ages. Eivor, himself is a fierce warrior raised in the glory of battle, and players will be tasked with ensuring he and his army come out on top when raiding enemy camps, growing their own settlements, and building political power to secure their rightful spot among the gods in Valhalla – right out of Norse mythology.

"Assassin's Creed Valhalla" will be a much different affair from previous installments, with a heavier focus on role-playing elements to ensure players can shape Eivor to their liking, all the way down to dialogue and the gear he equips. There will be a visceral set of weapons to equip, with brutal axes, swords, and shields evocative of the violent Viking warriors' battle style. Eivor himself will have access to the familiar Assassins' hidden blade as well, much like those who came before him in previous games.

Set against the gritty Dark Ages backdrop, players can set sail on the high seas from the shores of Norway to the kingdoms of England and beyond, all while partaking in drinking games, hunting, fishing, and making merry with the Viking people. When the time comes to battle, however, players can lead their band of soldiers on assaults on Saxon troops and fortresses to see who emerges victorious, as there's plenty of treasure to plunder.

When it's time to settle down, players can cobble together their own settlements with tattoo parlors, blacksmiths, barracks, and various other buildings to spend time while the group isn't out pillaging and attacking everything they see. Even Eivor can be customized into a unique Viking, then taken online to be shared with friends in competition.

"Assassin's Creed Valhalla" is planned as one of the first next-gen titles to come to Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 when it launches later this year. It will also be headed to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC as well as Google Stadia this holiday season.