For a while, it has been rumored on places like Reddit that the next Assassin’s Creed game would see players adorning the role of a Viking set in “Denmark, southern Sweden and Norway and parts of Ireland and England.”  AKA the regions Norse Pirates known as Vikings were active in. Equally the term “Viking” was used in various regions and by various scholars to refer to the entirety of the Norse people, but applicably in technical terms, an actual Viking was either a pirate or mercenary, or often both.

From 4chan we have what is potentially the complete set of achievements for the game. Though, according to the posting on Gamer Leaks, it’s now being called Assassin’s Creed Valhalla rather than Ragnarok as previously believed. Through development, it has been called Project Viking, but names floating around for its release title have ranged from Ragnorok to Kingdom to now Valhalla.

The first major feature is the game’s 13 chapter length. That will take players from the Siege of Paris in 845 to the various regions of Denmark and Sweden known as the Norselands. Going all the way to England as referenced by at least two achievements. “William” and “Second Siege” both referring to the 1066 Viking invasion that ultimately sat William the Conqueror as the new King of the Isle.

Arguably what will be the most controversial element of the game will be the visitation to the land of Khazar where players will be inducted into something in chapter 7. Setting aside the modern controversy of the genetic lineage of the Jewish people and their ties to this nation, it isn’t one with a very good reputation. Essentially its people were unruly, vulgar, and generally unpleasant. To such a degree their King ordered the forced conversion to Judaism to curb the problem.

Unfortunately, it did not have the desired effect as the nation remained for simplicity’s sake warmongering jackasses. To such a degree they would lend their army out to other groups going to war and would encourage others into going to war. Inevitably the various nations had enough of the Khazars’ behavior and destroyed the Kingdom in 964-965. Raising interesting questions about the lifespan of the main protagonist or if we will be playing a single protagonist.

Historically the nation does have another significance that could come into play in Valhalla. That of being one of the first people to make use of crude oil. In fact, it was one of the gifts they offered Marco Polo who refused citing its toxic and unpleasant nature. Combined with Italy already having olive oil that performed the exact same functions and cleaner.

Akin to actual history Valhalla appears to be pitting Viking against Templar. The Norse people were very opposed to the spreading influence of the Southern empires and religions typically associated with the Templar in the Assassin’s Creed series. It would make practical sense for them to be protagonists rather than antagonists in the series lore.

Interestingly, the normally atheistic series appears to be adding runes, the ability to freeze enemies, mythical places, and gods. With the anti-religious stance of the branding, the long called for reboot might not be a bad idea. Especially given the devs reportedly need to consult the Wikia to even know what is going on in their own series.

Series lore aside, the game looks to give you the full Viking experience. Featuring raids, town sacking and even active battles that will not require your participation. Players will be able to earn the favor of Kings in multiple lands or their ire accruing them an impressive bounty.

Settlement management has me the most excited as it is one of my favorite features in gaming. A conqueror needs land to his name and Valhalla appears to give you just that. How complex the settlement advancement is a mystery, but it isn’t the series first iteration of such a feature.

Project Viking appears to be delivering an impressive set of features that may have it rivaling Black Flag as many fans favorite game. Whether that be enough to draw players who have burned out or have no interest in the Assassin’s Creed franchise itself will be seen.