Prologue: So It Begins
Welcome, Misthios, to the sun-drenched shores of Kephallonia! Your journey as a mercenary, or Misthios, begins here, a world away from the legendary battle of Thermopylae. This section will guide you through your first steps, introducing you to the core mechanics and the vibrant, dangerous world of Ancient Greece.
Initial Objectives & Exploration
Upon regaining control of your chosen hero (Alexios or Kassandra), you'll find yourself in the humble abode on the island of Kephallonia. Your first task is to speak with your adoptive father, Markos. He's usually found either inside the house or just outside, tending to his affairs. This conversation will set the stage for your initial quests and introduce you to the concept of debts – a recurring theme in your early adventures.
- Speak with Markos: Locate Markos and initiate the dialogue. Pay attention to the dialogue options; while many early choices don't have drastic consequences, they begin to shape your character's personality.
- Follow Markos: After your conversation, Markos will lead you on a short walk. This serves as a tutorial for basic movement and environmental interaction. Enjoy the scenic views of Kephallonia!
The First Debt: Drucilla
Markos, ever the entrepreneur (and often, the debtor), will task you with collecting a debt from Drucilla. This is your first real taste of combat and stealth in Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
- Head to Drucilla's Farm: Markos will point you in the general direction. Open your map (default key: M on PC, Touchpad on PS4, View button on Xbox One) and set a custom marker if you wish, though the quest marker will clearly guide you. Drucilla's farm is a short distance southwest of Markos's vineyard.
- Approach with Caution: As you near Drucilla's farm, you'll notice a small group of bandits. This is an excellent opportunity to practice stealth.
- Stealth Takedowns: Crouch (default key: C on PC, Left Stick press on console) and approach enemies from behind or from cover. A prompt will appear for a "Stealth Attack" or "Assassinate." This is often a one-hit kill on weaker enemies.
- Use the Environment: Tall grass provides excellent cover. Whistle (default key: G on PC, D-Pad Left on console) to lure individual enemies into your ambush.
- Engage the Bandits: If stealth fails, or if you prefer direct confrontation, engage the bandits in open combat.
- Basic Combat: Familiarize yourself with light attacks, heavy attacks, dodge, and parry. Dodging (default key: Alt on PC, Circle on PS4, B on Xbox One) is crucial for avoiding incoming damage. Parrying (default key: Q on PC, L1 + R1 on PS4, LB + RB on Xbox One) can stun enemies, opening them up for counter-attacks.
- Abilities: You'll have access to basic abilities like "Spartan Kick." Use these to control crowds or deal burst damage.
- Looting: After defeating the bandits, remember to loot their bodies. They often drop Drachmae (currency), crafting materials, and sometimes even new gear. Interact with the glowing loot icons.
- Confront Drucilla: Once the area is clear, find Drucilla. A short dialogue will ensue, and you'll have a choice to make regarding her debt. Your decision here has minor immediate impact but contributes to your character's reputation.
Return to Markos
With Drucilla's situation resolved, make your way back to Markos's vineyard. Another brief conversation will conclude the "So It Begins" quest and transition you into the next phase of your adventure, "Debt Collector."
- Fast Travel (Optional): While not strictly necessary for this short distance, remember that you can fast travel to previously discovered synchronization points (eagle icons on the map) or your ship once unlocked.
Congratulations, Misthios! You've taken your first steps into the vast and captivating world of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Prepare for many more challenges and epic tales!