Assassin's Creed Valhalla - The Siege of Paris serves as a major expansion to the action-adventure RPG, transporting players to the war-torn lands of Francia during the Viking Age. In this DLC, you step back into the boots of Eivor, the Viking warrior, as they navigate political intrigue and brutal conflicts far from England's shores. Released in 2021, it builds on the base game's foundation of exploration, combat, and settlement management, introducing fresh challenges in a new historical setting.
Gameplay
The core gameplay revolves around open-world exploration and visceral combat, where Eivor dual-wields axes, swords, or other weapons against a range of foes. In The Siege of Paris, infiltration missions stand out, allowing multiple approaches to assassinate key targets, reminiscent of earlier entries in the series. Rat swarms add a chaotic element to battles, forcing quick adaptations in crowded fights. Raiding mechanics persist, with opportunities to lead assaults on fortified positions, gather resources, and strengthen alliances. Character progression ties into choices that affect story branches and gear upgrades, while the new Francia map offers diverse landscapes from rural villages to besieged cities.
Combat emphasizes timing and strategy, with abilities like adrenaline-fueled finishers and environmental interactions. Settlement growth from the base game carries over, influencing resource availability for the expansion's quests. Stealth plays a larger role here, with black box missions providing freedom in planning takedowns, though direct confrontation remains viable for aggressive playstyles.
Game Modes
This expansion focuses on single-player experiences, integrating seamlessly with the main campaign. The primary mode is the story-driven narrative, where you progress through a linear yet branching plot involving sieges and alliances. Side activities include rebel missions, which involve aiding local factions against oppressors, offering replayability through varied objectives like sabotage or escorts.
Exploration mode encourages free roaming across the new map, uncovering collectibles, mysteries, and optional encounters. There are no dedicated multiplayer options; everything centers on solo play, with the ability to revisit completed areas for completionist runs or resource farming.
Story and Setting
Set in 885 AD, the narrative follows Eivor to Francia at the invitation of Viking allies, leading to confrontations with King Charles the Fat and his forces. The plot explores themes of power, betrayal, and Viking expansion, with interactions among factions like the Franks and hidden groups. The open world depicts a vibrant yet conflict-ridden region, complete with historical landmarks and dynamic events.
Key mechanics involve building relationships with rebels, which unlock support during major battles, including the titular siege. The story spans around 10-15 hours for the main path, with additional time for side content.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of the base game seeking more content, this expansion delivers a solid extension with a compelling story and refined assassination mechanics. It earned a 75 average score on review aggregators, praised for its atmosphere and narrative but noted for some repetitive elements. As of 2026, the game remains supported through backward compatibility on PS5, with all updates included in digital versions.
It suits players who enjoy historical action RPGs with a mix of stealth and combat, especially if you appreciate choice-driven missions. If you've completed Valhalla and want to explore Francia's conflicts, it's a worthwhile addition, though newcomers might start with the main title first.
