After 5 months since the initial launch of Assassins’ Creed Valhalla, its first major DLC/expansion Wrath of the Druids is finally around the corner. All set to release on May 13, 2021, you can expect a lot to come from this DLC. Thanks to Ubisoft, we got the opportunity to play it early, and here’s what we think about Wrath of the Druids.
Wrath of the Druids has surpassed my expectation and perfectly delivers on what was promised. Instead of having repetitive content, this DLC brings out a fresh experience – the vast land of Ireland to explore, cherish and make memories. However, there will be new enemies, bigger threats, and a brand new arc for you to complete in the storyline of Wrath of the Druids.
Let us first have a look into the storyline and see how did Eivor end up in Ireland. You will first meet ‘Azar’ a trader originally from the east but now settled in Ireland, who has brought his trades to Ravensthorpe along with a message from the King of Dublin. This message says that the King knows Eivor and wants him to journey to Ireland. Eivor denies the fact that he knows any king from Dublin, but soon Azar reveals that the king is the cousin of Eivor. This left Eivor surprised and he agrees to travel to Ireland where he finally meets Barid, the king of Dublin and cousin to Eivor. Barid’s family took Eivor’s family in for shelter during a plague when Eivor was still in his mother’s womb. Eivor was born in the care of Barid’s family and hence is indebted to them.
After spending some time in Ireland, Eivor realizes that in order to secure Barid’s throne, he needs to gain an alliance with the High King of Ireland – Flann Sinna. However, things aren’t as easy as it looks, since Flann Sinna does not trust Barid and hence, it will require great efforts for him to make an alliance. Along with that, a secret order is spread across the lands of Ireland called the ‘Children of Danu’ who intend to use dark magic and the power of the druids against Flann. A throne to secure, a debt to repay, an order to fight against, and an island to explore, Wrath of the Druids is surely the DLC you don’t want to miss out on.
Talking about what you actually get to do in this DLC, it’s somewhat similar to the original Valhalla Arc. Just like in the original story, you travel to different kingdoms, trying to gain an alliance. Similarly, you’ll be exploring Ireland, divided into 4 parts – Dublin, Connacht, Meath, and Ulster. You’ll be trying to increase the popularity of the King of Dublin as well as gaining the influence of Flann Sinha across Ireland. And the twist? Entire Ireland is home to the druids, who are dangerous and practice dark magic. You’ll also be facing a thick fog where you need to practice caution since the fog makes the druids stronger and more dangerous.
Lastly, you can also build multiple trade posts across Ireland and start the trade of different items, that you can use and increase the reputation of Dublin and get items. These trade posts are initially abandoned and filled with threats that you need to neutralize. Afterward, you have to obtain the deed for the trade posts through which you can build it back to do trade. Personally, they were fun to clear and build back up, but performing the trades may not interest you much.
In short, Wrath of the Druids is a worthwhile DLC for fans of Valhalla to sink their breaded axes to. It has a well-written storyline, amazing exploration, new armor sets, the return of pigeon coop for side quests, and much more. The combat feels as good as it had been, but you will see enemies with different weapons and fighting styles. And if you are in for Raids, you will have many opportunities for that as well – SKAL! Basically, it’s more of the same.
We had no regrets binging the DLC and had enjoyed every single minute. We really hope you have as much fun as we did! But, if you weren’t impressed with what Valhalla has to offer, Wrath of the Druids won’t do you any favors.
