This is a sprawling Role-playing Adventure game, released in late 2020, available across major current and last-generation platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Players step into the boots of Eivor, a formidable Viking raider driven from Norway by conflict and scarcity in the ninth century. The core experience centers on leading your clan across the treacherous North Sea to establish a new home in the fractured kingdoms of England during the Dark Ages. Success requires more than just survival; it demands the building of a lasting settlement and the accumulation of significant political influence to secure a legendary future.

The Viking Experience: Setting and Atmosphere

The game immerses players in a dynamic and historically rich open world. The atmosphere balances the brutal realities of Viking warfare and exploration with the majesty of the English landscape. As Eivor, your journey involves navigating complex relationships with the native Saxon populations, including resistance from figures like King Aelfred of Wessex, who views the Norse settlers as threats to his vision of a unified, civilized England. The narrative focuses on the difficult choices required to ensure the survival and prosperity of your clan against overwhelming odds.

Core Gameplay Mechanics: Raiding and Settlement Growth

The primary gameplay loop is built around exploration, raiding, and settlement development. A significant feature is the combat system, which has been revamped to emphasize the ruthless fighting style of Viking warriors, notably featuring the ability to dual-wield weapons, allowing for varied and aggressive engagements against a wide array of enemy types.

Raiding and Resource Acquisition

A central activity involves leading longship raids on select Saxon locations to secure vital resources and riches necessary for upgrading your settlement and supporting your growing community. These raids are high-stakes endeavors that directly feed into your long-term strategic goals.

Settlement Building and Political Power

Beyond combat, players actively develop their own settlement, which serves as the hub for Eivor’s clan. Growing this base of operations is intrinsically linked to gaining political leverage and unlocking new capabilities necessary to carve out a permanent place in England.

What makes this game unique in the RPG genre?

The unique appeal lies in the seamless integration of large-scale open-world exploration with the specific cultural fantasy of leading a Viking clan. It blends traditional action-adventure elements with deep RPG progression systems, all set against the backdrop of a pivotal historical era. The focus shifts from purely stealth-based infiltration to more overt, large-scale conflict and community management.

What additional content is available for extended play?

For players seeking to extend their time in the Dark Ages, the main game is supported by substantial additional content. There are three major Expansions and three additional DLCs available to explore further storylines and regions beyond the initial map.