Holiday 2020: 'Tis the Season for Assassin Nords

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla has the gaming world abuzz. In the latest trailer, We witness the newest assassin, Eivor, lead his clan into battle against England. It ends with Eivor embroiled in a battle against a massive templar, using his hidden blade at the last moment to strike.

Then, we got some short "gameplay" footage on the Xbox Series X trailer where it is also revealed that the game made it on to the list of Confirmed Games for the Xbox X Series Release. We got a vague release date at the end of it: Holiday 2020. So, while you're waiting for the next Assassin's Creed, check out some of these amazing Viking games and get brushed up on your Nordic lore!



10. Expeditions: Viking

Anyone looking for a classic RPG experience will find it in Expeditions: Viking. It's turn-based combat mixed with the lifestyle of Vikings. You are the freshly appointed Chieftan of your very own village. Customize your look, name, and character history. Then, gather your small clan and head off for a prospective better life in England.

Make choices like when to pillage or farm. Make peace with any of the three factions, or slaughter them all. Vikings were not only brutal warriors but savvy traders as well. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla will no doubt feature these same, less-discussed aspects of Viking culture. Might as well get a headstart with Expeditions: Viking.


9. Bad North

There are castle defender games, and then there is Bad North. The game is more like an island defender. It launched on Nintendo Switch and has since invaded all other consoles and mobile devices. Protect England from the invading Vikings in this real-time strategy title. Beautiful scenery combines with tactical thinking in Bad North. Select from different types of troops and prepare for invasion. Fend off the ever-present Vikings as levels get progressively more difficult.


8. Smite

Looking for something a bit more social? Smite might be the Viking fix you need! Check out this free-to-play, third-person MOBA if you're ready to clash against other gamers from all over the world. It's available on all major gaming systems, and PC.

Smite is a massive MOBA, with over 100 characters from 15 panthea. That includes Norse and Celtic. There's even an assassin class in the game! Each class comes with special abilities. Play as a god or goddess on a team with up to three other players. Start on one end of a closed map, invade the opposing team's side, and destroy their Titan.

And yes, indeed, Assassin's Creed hasn't seen any PvP for a while. However, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla could be bringing back the infamous "Cat and Mouse" PvP from Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Smite is for anyone that wants to brush up on their fighting skills.


7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls is so Viking in its spirit that they even have a race called The Nords. These hardy people hail from the cold parts of Tamriel, which is the main focus in Skyrim. The scenery, from endless log cabins in tiny villages and bushy snow-covered evergreens, no doubt invokes deep Midgardian vibes. Take another whirl as a dual-wielding ax toting Dragonborn while you wait to play as Eivor in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.


6. Viking: Battle for Asgard

Live out your wildest Viking fantasies in Viking: Battle for Asgard. Capture and train dragons to fight valiantly by your side. It's the story of a young warrior persuaded by the Norse goddess Freya to fight for her. Experience the fantastical side of Vikings in this game.

However, Viking: Battle for Asgard also offers brutal combat. Prepare for difficult battles and giant fights against gods, demi-gods, and monsters alike. It's not the historical fiction that Assassin's Creed: Valhalla will feature, but you'll have a great understanding of Norse mythos after checking out this Viking game.


5. The Banner Saga Series

This series, inspired by Viking culture, is dripping with Nordic themes. A great evil called the Dredge threatens humanity. These monsters want to destroy humans. The Banner Saga Series follows two characters and their stories.

Explore a world stuck in Twilight, like the Nordic end-times Ragnarok. Witness end-time events unfold and discover what lies within the creeping darkness in turn-based, classic RPG team-style combat.


4. Heroes of the Storm - The Lost Vikings

It's a classic that has been reborn by Blizzard Games. The Lost Vikings was inspired by the 8-bit puzzle game first released on SNES in 1993, Heroes of the Storm. Control three Viking characters, each with a unique ability. They're trying to find their way home in this Nordic fairy tale with single-player or co-op modes.

In single-player mode, control one Viking at a time. Swap and switch as needed based on the abilities of the Vikings. Complete levels by surviving enemies and environmental hazards. If you can get your hands on it, give it a look!


3. Jotun

This game is as much an artistic masterpiece as it is a Viking experience. Play as Thora, a Viking woman who died ingloriously. She must travel across Nordic realms, fighting nature elementals and proving her worth to the gods. Only then, can Thora enter Valhalla.

Explore and solve puzzles in this beautiful tale bursting with Norse beliefs. Take on Jotun if you're seeking out a game to familiarize yourself with the Nordic lore we'll be experiencing in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.


2. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Check out the trailer for Hellblade, and you immediately see Viking inspiration. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice tells the story of Senua, a Pict warrior sent on an epic journey. Face off against ghostly entities while helping Senua on her way to the Nordic realm of Helheim. This platformer, single-player game, is completely based in Norse culture. Witness their brutality and fragility in times of struggle.


1. God of War

Kratos has a new life since God of War III, now residing in ancient Norway. His life includes his young son Atreus. This time, Kratos faces threats from ancient Norse forces like Baldur, the brother of Thor, and Baldur's sons, Modi and Magni.

Everything in God of War (2018) is an homage to Vikings epic history, from the deep lore to the setting. Traverse the realm of Midgard. Explore snowy forests and icy fjords. Kratos no longer wields his trademark Chaos Blades. Instead, he's traded them for the Viking-inspired Leviathan Axe.

All of this makes God of War the top Viking game you've got to check out while we wait for Assassin's Creed: Valhalla's release in December 2020!


Ease the Wait with Great Titles

The coming months will bring us more information about Assassin's Creed: Valhalla. So far, we know that plenty of great features like settlements and Conquest Battles are returning. Like previous games, the story and side missions are structured in an open-world, non-linear way.

However, plenty of new things have been revealed. Dual-wielding shields will be an option along with nearly any discoverable weapon. Additionally, expect a broader set of enemy types compared to previous Assassin's Creed titles.

There's so much to look forward to with Assassin's Creed: Valhalla. Playing these top 10 Viking games in the meantime will help make the holiday season get here all the more quickly!