Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Community Requests Ubisoft to Reintroduce Feature Found in Previous AC Titles

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla enthusiasts have launched a petition to encourage Ubisoft to integrate a New Game Plus (NG+) mode into the acclaimed 2020 title. Widely regarded as a revitalization of the Assassin’s Creed series, Valhalla transports players to a unique historical setting: Western Europe during the Viking Age. Offering an extensive gameplay experience, the game encompasses parts of Norway, England, and, through downloadable content, regions like Ireland, France, and even Asgard. With over 150 hours dedicated to quests and exploration, it successfully blends stealth and action elements, characteristic of the franchise.

Despite its achievements, Valhalla lacks a NG+ mode, a point of contention among players who are now rallying through a Change.org petition directed at Ubisoft and co-founder Yves Guillemot. The petition has garnered 454 signatures, reflecting the community’s discontent over the absence of this feature—especially since NG+ was a staple in previous Assassin’s Creed titles. Fans referenced a blog post from Ubisoft that confirmed the unlikelihood of NG+ coming to Valhalla, shortly before the release of the late 2022 update, The Last Chapter. In this post, Ubisoft hinted at potential implementations for such a feature.

Fans Unite for a New Game Plus Mode

A Frequently Expected Feature

The introduction of New Game Plus modes became a hallmark of the Assassin’s Creed series starting with Origins, released in 2017. This game marked a turning point for the franchise, shifting from stealth to a more action-oriented style, and significantly, it allowed players to transfer all character growth and gear to a fresh playthrough.

This functionality proved popular among players, as evidenced by comments on the Change.org petition. One contributor, using the name Austin, expressed frustration over the extensive grinding needed to unlock equipment and upgrades, stating that NG+ would allow for a stronger focus on narrative—a crucial element in a series renowned for its intricate storytelling.

Another user, Reginald, echoed the sentiment, questioning why Valhalla deviated from the NG+ trend set by Origins and Odyssey. In a surprising move, Ubisoft has since reintroduced NG+ with a post-launch update in Mirage, leaving players bewildered since Valhalla is the only recent entry that lacks this feature. However, there may be valid reasons behind this omission.

Fans Argue That NG+ Would Enhance Valhalla

Potential Reasons for the Absence

It is indeed perplexing that Valhalla stands out as the only recent game within the franchise to forgo a NG+ option. According to a blog post from Ubisoft, the absence is attributed to the game’s complexity, which they claim limits the avenues for a unique and rewarding replay experience. While it’s true that NG+ modes can vary in their execution, the core appeal remains: enthusiasts appreciate the ability to speed through initial gameplay using advanced gear, bypassing tedious side quests and challenging bosses.

A major challenge lies in the nature of the loot in Valhalla, much of which is exclusive to particular locations. This means that during a NG+ playthrough, players would repeatedly encounter the same treasures, potentially diminishing the excitement of exploration and progression.

Comment by u/RogueKnight1994 from discussion in assassinscreed

Although suggestions for solutions exist, such as randomizing loot or rewarding players with consumables instead, it appears that the way the game’s loot system is structured may hinder such implementations. Until Ubisoft addresses the concerns raised in the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla petition, the exact rationale behind the absence of NG+ remains uncertain.

References: Change.org, Ubisoft, carbonquibit/Reddit

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