It’s been known for some time that Ubisoft intends to release anotherAssassin’s Creedgame this year, but the company has been tightlipped concerning specifics. There is a discernible pattern of leaks leading to an official reveal with a release to follow in the fall for past games, though. As such, fans of the franchise find themselves in the ‘leaks’ part of the pattern, with anyone and everyone weighing in rumors and leaks. Enter:Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok.
Although the game itself is likely to revolve around vikings, much beyond that is more or less the low-hanging fruit. This includes the rumors of a male or femaleprotagonist named Jora, a ‘beserker’ mode, a return of the Brotherhood mechanic, a more prominent sailing system than past titles, and even the subtitle ofAssassin’s Creed Ragnarokitself. Perhaps one of the most interesting rumors is that the map is said to be double the size ofAssassin’s Creed Odyssey, making it the largest map in any game yet; however, imagining that is trying.
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok Could Have More Pieces of Eden Than Most Other AC Games
Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok Map Rumors
There’s no twoAC: Ragnarokrumors that list, detail for detail, the exact locations, but pulling them all together paints the pretty map above. Specific locations include York, London, Paris, and as far as out as Kiev (likely referring to the Kievan Rus once occupied by Vikings), while generally included areas are a huge chunk of England and Ireland, parts of Northern Europe, and Scandinavia. There’s no doubt that’s a lot of ground to cover, with Kiev to Scandinavia consisting of 1065 miles. If even portions of this rumor are true, then fans are indeed looking at a huge map rivalingAC Odyssey’s Greece.
One thing to consider, though, is whether these locations are explorable in-game, just part of a Viking raid activity, or just appear in flashes.The scale ofOdysseywould suggest that the former IS indeed possible, but the question is: would it be wise ofAssassin’s Creed Ragnarok?A story so widespread easily falls apart, though Ubisoft has demonstrated its ability to maintain consistency within this realm in the past, and there’s also gameplay to consider.
RELATED:What Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok Can Learn from the Witcher 3
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok
Black Flag’s introduction of piracy and sailing mechanics has not been topped since the franchise explored the Golden Age of Piracy, which is fitting enough. But that doesn’t meanOdysseywas shy about it, as fans would spend hours on the water, travel from place to place, and hopefully gather fast travel points along the way (lest they have to make frequent trips to the same place). Looking at the map above contains a fair amount of water as well, especially when players would need to travel from England to Scandinavia, Scandinavia to Northern Europe, or Northern Europe to Ireland.
At first glance, it doesn’t seem egregious, and there’s the exact question of how much water is involved. Yet that’s just it: it’s a strange question to consider when weighing the mechanics of anAssassin’s Creedgame. Too much water can definitely steer some players away, whereas it’s not like Ubisoft can just throw a giant bridge there and call it a day. As such, bigger’s not always better, and this is likely something Ubisoft has considered, regardless of these various leaks.
What to Expect from Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok’s Map
Gameplay and rumors aside, the most legitimate thing known aboutAssassin’s Creed Ragnarokis that it’s about Vikings. History shows this era ran from roughly 793 AD to 1066 AD, and the big historical moments may be foci in the game—insight that may just help temper expectations away from the water-filled map detailed above. Many do think that it will take place near the beginning of the Viking era, which makes sense as 793 AD marks the first Viking raid of Lindisfarne, England (whichOtso Bergreferences as potential in-game evidence).
Other notable raids during this time include Northumbia, Scotland, Ireland, York, and England (as a whole in 876 AD, settling there). This would easily tie in Denmark and Scandinavia as well, without being as overly expansive as the conglomerate ofAssassin’s Creed Ragnarokrumorswould suggest. If it did take place around 1000 AD, then there’s the American establishment to consider, as well as a plethora of other implications likeAltair’s brotherhoodand the changing times. The Kievan Rus was founded around 882 AD, and there’s a lot of debate regarding the presence of Vikings there still. In other words, the rumored Kiev isn’t impossible, but it’s likely easily avoided altogether. As such, that’s a lot less space that makes as much sense, framed within historical moments.
Given that the exact years are unknown, the early to mid 800s seems to be the prime time forAssassin’s Creed Ragnarokto explore. Rumors have mentionedRagnar Lothbroka time or two who was active during this exact time. Either way, until Ubisoft confirms something, the best thing fans can do is wait and see. Its map will likely be influenced by the historical moments incorporated to the story within the time frame of an active career or lifetime (as some games have done), but it is still worth its weight in salt for consideration.
Assassin’s Creed Ragnarokis rumored to be in development.
MORE:Assassin’s Creed Ragnarok, Elden Ring, and God of War 2 May All Share Similar themes
