WithAssassin’s Creed: Valhallajust around the corner, fans are more than hyped to dive into anotheropen-world RPGfrom the franchise — this time with a decidedly Nordic backdrop framing the stealthy action they know and love.Valhalladefinitely won’t be the first game set in that time period. But given that it’ll be a hot minute before the title drops, those very fans might need something to tide them over.
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Whether they’re open-world adventure titles or simply share thematic similarities with the wintry Nordic setting ofAssassin’s Creed: Valhalla,these games should help fill the gap while fans patiently await their turn to see how well Vikings factor into theAssassin’s Creedformula.
10The Witcher 3
There will likely be more than a few similarities betweenWitcher 3and the upcoming gameAssassin’s Creed: Valhalla.The Witcher 3is an amazing open-world RPG game that has received universal acclaim, and it takes more than a few cues from classical folklore and mythology. It has a beautiful branching story that players feel in control of, a huge world to explore, tons of side quests, andunparalleled combat mechanics, making it a no-brainer for fans of theAssassin’s Creedfranchise’s deep into deeper RPG territory.
9The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Need we say more?Skyrimwas 2011’s GOTY, and for a legion of fans all over the globe, it likely remained there for several years to come (on a personal level, anyway). The thematic overlap is likely obvious here, with the heavily Nordic-inspired setting of Skyrim itself. There’s also the fact that this is more than enough to keep one busy inValhallahits —this massive open-world RPG features a virtually limitless range ofquests, from helping out the locals with a rat infestation to slaying huge dragons, and that’s before considering the incredible depth of easily-accessible community generated mods, some of which could be games unto themselves.
8Dark Souls 3
Dark Soulsis an action RPG game centered aroundhuge bosses and challenges. All of the well-worn memetic references to its difficulty aside, the fun inDark Souls 3is the thrill of achievement. There is the utmost fulfillment of slaying an overwhelming goliath inDark Souls 3.
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RecentAssassin’s Creedgames' combat actually plays to a vein that’s similar to that seen in theDark Soulsgames, though the rhythm of combat inDark Soulsis far more purposeful and deadly. Whether in PVP or PVE,Dark Soulscombat demands attention to detail, determination, and a willingness to learn from one’s mistakes.Dark Souls 3is the latest installment in the series, though really, any of the three titles would it in well here.
7Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushimahas the same adrenaline-pumping fulfillmentDark Soulshas, and its combat mechanics and the beautifully majestic world should be things anyAssassin’s Creedfan worth their salt can eagerly sink their teeth into. Fighting inGhost Of Tsushimademands quick reflexes and a sharp eye, making players feel like a true swordsman during the Mongol invasion of Japan. Slaying enemies feels honorable as it is satisfying, with some new skills and strategies to pick up after every encounter. If players find the combat ofOriginsandOdysseyimpactful and mesmerizing, then they will loveGhost Of Tsushima.
6Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliveranceis arguably one of the bestmedieval gamescentered around immersive medieval combat. The game takes place in Bohemia after the region is plunged into war, and invading soldiers are mercilessly pillaging the countryside. Players take control of Henry, a survivor who joins the resistance to raise arms against the invasion.Kingdom Come: Deliveranceplaces huge importance on historical accuracy and simulated combat realism. The mechanics aren’t something that will instantly click withAssassin’s Creedfans, but the attention paid to historical accuracy surely will.
5Far Cry Primal
Far Cry Primaltakes the historical setting just a wee bit pastValhalla’s, to say the least, but its fast-paced action and open-ended exploration would likely have a similar feeling toValhalla’svoyage-centered gameplay. InPrimal,players control a stone-age neanderthal possessing predatory agility and bear-like strength; the same way the Vikings inValhallahave brutal man-crushing abilities but also boast the sneakiness of a cat.
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Far Crygames are amazing games to play when anticipating upcomingAssassin’s Creedtitles in general, really. The map exploration, side quests and activities, and so on appeal to the very same instincts.
4Hitman
When waiting for a game about assassins, why not spend some time playing as the most iconic video game hitman to pass the time? TheHitmanseries follows Agent 47; A saboteur, an infiltrator, and an artist. He’s like a sculptor who crafts theperfect killto eliminate a highly-secured VIP. Playing as Agent 47, players don disguises, earn the trust of their target, sabotage key areas, and lure victims into well-placed traps; whether it be poisoning their drink or programming a billion-dollar operation machine to butcher the insides of a patient. The methodical and careful approach of theHitmangames is somethingAssassin’s Creedplayers could gleefully spend hours on, creatively crafting the perfect kill.
3For Honor
Another game by Ubisoft,For Honorclashes together different ancient military units of different civilizations to take part in nerve-wrackingly intense duels and glorious battles of epic proportions. In this game, valiant Knights of the European dark ages collide with Japanese samurai, Norse vikings, and Chinese warriors.For Honoris the ultimate melting pot of medieval warfare. Each faction has four playable classes, and each class has its own different specializations. This makesFor Honora really diverse medieval battle RPG built around an intuitive-yet-deep combat systemAssassin’s Creedfans will love.
2God Of War
God Of Waris the latest action-adventure game in its titular franchise, this time drawing directly on Norse mythology. The rest of the game’s basis will be largely familiar to fans of the series — players follow Kratos on his conquest of slaying gods and mythological beasts, as per usual.
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Kratos is a brutal and menacing demigod whose attacks leave a lasting impact on both the player and definitely on his enemies. On top of that, it also boasts a beautiful father-son journey through the realm of Midgard.God Of Warchecks all the primary boxes for stuff prospectiveValhallafans are hoping for:Norse mythology,stunning graphics, and bloody combat.
1Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
The obvious game to play when waiting for a highly anticipated release would be the game that came before it.Odysseytakes place in ancient Greece and possesses some of the finest graphics a Ubisoft game has ever come out with. With the many varied weapons inOdyssey,the combat is a huge step from previousAssassin’s Creedgames, making it the franchise’s biggest improvement.Odysseyis also theAssassin’s Creedgame most similar to the upcomingValhallawith its varied dialogue selection, the option to play as male or female, and an entirely interactive world and storyline. Not to mention that withValhallajust around the corner, a digital copy ofOdysseycould likely be bought for a huge discount.
