Common sense tells players that, if the DLC was released after the game, it should be completed after the main game. Many players, therefore, are mistakenly holding off on the adventures to Ireland and France.

Not so! Wrath of the Druids has a recommended starting level of 55 and Siege of Paris has a starting level of 200. Doing them late will make them too simple to be real challenges, and the levels gained here will be a great help when it comes to the final areas.

Checking the inventory screen for potential upgrades can go a long way in juicing up Eivor in the long run. Ubisoft's more streamlined system of armor and gear means that players can theoretically cling to many of the same armor pieces for long periods of time. Thus, it's a good idea to keep up with upgrades and close in on maxing out each piece of gear. Gather Iron Ore, Titanium, and Leather, which can be looted from small chests and around the environment. Focus on cloaks, torso armor, and helmets in particular.

Be sure to take occasional trips back to the settlement and talk to the blacksmith as well. He'll offer gear Enhancements, which expands the potential usefulness of each piece. Players will need Carbon, Nickel, and Tungsten Ingots. Bumping up armor to the Flawless or Mythical level can do wonders in strengthening Eivor, as they'll allow for far higher stats and added Rune slots.

Though players can obtain skills through the vast skill tree, it's also a good idea to scour the vast regions of England for Books of Knowledge. Though these will be hit and miss, some solid abilities can make a huge difference in the heat of battle. Pull up the map to pinpoint the yellow book icons, as these will mark the location of brand new abilities along with upgrades to old ones.

To streamline this process, players can seek out Cartographers, who are represented by question marks on the map. Through these NPCs, maps revealing more Book of Knowledge locations can be purchased.

One big mistake that players make is deciding beforehand what kind of weapon to use. They may decide on sticking with two hatchets simply because that's what they started with. Or they may decide on using strictly bows because of the role-playing element.

There's no harm in trying new things! This game is long, and it's even longer using inferior weapons. Slap on a large shield or a couple of daggers. The right weapons make the games smooth sailing.

Raids are both a fun and rewarding activity to engage in, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers ample opportunities to do so. This feature has recently become even more appealing with the distinct River Raid missions. These are permanent additions that allow Eivor to venture off the beaten path and provide greater challenges, along with unique wealth.

Raiding will not only hone one's game and grant more EXP, but it will also yield bounties of wealth. These goodies can be utilized in a number of ways, including being put towards armor and settlement upgrades. Players can find better gear and books of knowledge in the more lavish settlements as well.

Settlement upgrades tend to get overlooked quite a bit, being a somewhat tedious RTS mechanic in an otherwise action-packed game. Still, while it can feel chore-like at times, settlement upgrades can really make an impact over time.

Players can erect various new buildings, which means new side quests and activities like hunting and fishing. Not only this, but new buildings will provide various boosts when partaking in feasts. This allows Eivor to enjoy the fruits of their flourishing colony.

Much of the combat involves hacking, slicing, and dicing. However, there are plenty of moves in Eivor's arsenal to take advantage of. Fill each of the eight ability slots, and seek out offensive and defensive skills. Skills like Stomp, Chain Assassination, and Harpoon Impalement can keep the flow of battle smooth and offer a range of options. Perform assassinations, fire arrows, throw explosive objects. Do whatever it takes to gain an advantage.

Prolonged button-mashing may work on the weaker foes, but this one-dimensional approach can create problems, especially later on when opponents get far tougher. Having an array of different moves at one's disposal will make Eivor a versatile fighter. It also ensures crucial stamina doesn't drain too often.

Players looking to get the best ending won't live to see it unless they start with the best beginning. Many gamers, even experienced ones, take the role of Viking a bit too seriously as they charge headlong into battle, absorbing arrow blows and ballista fire along the way.

In open combat, the rest of the crew will provide a solid first line but they fall quickly without some supporting fire. This advice is even more important when going solo; there may be no way to get through a fort without provoking the enemy, but picking off as many as possible with sniper fire first is a sound strategy.

Nobody in an immersive game likes to tab out of their game, but a little research can go a long way. Players who upgrade the best weapons they have found so far will get some short-term benefits, sure, but they actually hurt themselves in the long run.

To max out a truly spectacular item, it takes incredibly rare resources. So rare that collecting every single one in the game's universe isn't enough in most cases. If once determining what kind of armor and weapon work the best, make sure to look online and see if there are any unattained upgrades for the weapon/armor piece of choice before improving anything.

Some damage is unavoidable, especially in those one-on-one boss fights. Upgrading rations is one way to deal with this. Just keep eating after every hit and hopefully whittle down the enemy before the snacks run out.

Usually, the issue here is managing the stamina mechanic. Players get locked into blocking because it is so easy to hold on to one button. The problem is that this drains stamina quickly and only absorbs a fraction of the damage. If possible, it's better to dodge, which mitigates all damage. Players can also parry instead, which costs barely any stamina.

Players who go for a full set of gear will be well-rewarded. Wearing a completed armor set yields a statistical advantage, but it also fulfills that role-playing desire to look awesome. Take Thor's armor (yes, it's available in the game) as an example.

This set, and others, only has one main-hand weapon. Don't feel the need to equip an offhand weapon, as it slows down the main-hand weapon and drains stamina. If an offhand weapon is equipped, make sure it is part of the combat (or blocking) rotation. Otherwise, it is best to leave the hand free. Shields can be useful when deflecting against powerful attacks, but in the heat of battle, it's usually best to utilize the speed and evasiveness that the offhand helps provide.

Synin is not as central to the plot and characters as the birds in the last few Assassin's Creed games, but he's arguably more important. Like in the other games, he's circling overhead, ready to scout ahead and mark targets.

Players might have access to the locations of every single artifact and treasure, but knowing where they are is only half of the battle. Most are locked off, underground, or trapped. Thankfully, Synin can see keys, underground passages, and additional treasures well before Eivor has to track them down in the middle of combat.