Prologue: The Beginning

Welcome, Raven Clan warrior, to the frigid lands of Norway and the very genesis of Eivor's saga. This section of our comprehensive Assassin's Creed Valhalla guide will walk you through the game's opening hours, from Eivor's tumultuous childhood to the pivotal moments that set the stage for your epic journey to England. We'll cover the initial quests, introduce you to key characters, and highlight important mechanics you'll encounter right from the start.

The prologue serves as a crucial tutorial, gently easing you into Valhalla's combat, exploration, and narrative style. Pay close attention to the environmental storytelling and character interactions, as they lay the groundwork for the complex relationships and overarching themes that define Eivor's destiny. By the end of this section, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the harsh beauty of Norway and understand the motivations driving Eivor's quest for glory and a new home.

This initial chapter is not just about learning the ropes; it's about forging Eivor's identity and understanding the deep-seated loyalties and rivalries that will shape your adventure. We'll ensure you don't miss any crucial details or hidden lore as you embark on this foundational part of the game.

The prologue of Assassin's Creed Valhalla begins with a powerful flashback to Eivor's childhood, immediately immersing you in the brutal realities of Viking life. Your first objective is to escape the attacking clan. Follow your father, Rosta, and mother, Varin, through the burning village. This sequence is largely cinematic but introduces you to basic movement and environmental interaction. After the tragic events, you'll find yourself as a young Eivor, leading to the game's first playable combat sequence.

Quest: A Fateful Encounter

Follow Sigurd: After the initial cutscenes, you'll be reunited with your foster brother, Sigurd. Follow him through the snowy landscape. This segment introduces you to basic traversal and the stunning Norwegian environment.
Reach the Hunting Grounds: Sigurd will lead you to a hunting area. Here, you'll learn the fundamentals of stealth and ranged combat. Use your bow to hunt deer and other small game. Aim for headshots for quick kills and more resources.
First Combat Tutorial: You'll soon encounter a pack of wolves. This is your first real combat encounter. Pay attention to the on-screen prompts for light attacks, heavy attacks, dodges, and parries. Mastering the parry (L1/LB) is crucial for later encounters.
Discover the Hidden One's Bureau: Following the wolf encounter, you'll stumble upon an ancient ruin. Explore it with Sigurd. This is where you'll find your first piece of gear and a glimpse into the larger conflict of the Assassin's Creed universe.

Tips for the Prologue:

Loot Everything: From the very beginning, make it a habit to loot all chests, baskets, and defeated enemies. Resources like iron, leather, and rations are vital for upgrading gear and healing.
Practice Parrying: The combat system in Valhalla heavily rewards parrying. Spend some time in early encounters getting the timing down. A successful parry stuns enemies, opening them up for a devastating Runic Attack.
Explore Off the Beaten Path: Even in the prologue, there are small secrets and resources to find if you venture slightly away from the main objective marker.

The Feast of the Raven Clan

Following your return to Fornburg, you'll participate in a celebratory feast. This section is primarily narrative-driven, focusing on character introductions and establishing relationships within the Raven Clan. You'll meet key figures like King Styrbjorn and the Oracle, Valka. Pay attention to the dialogue, as it often foreshadows future events and reveals important lore about the world and its inhabitants.

During the feast, you'll have a few dialogue choices. While these specific choices in the prologue don't have immediate, drastic consequences on the main narrative, they can subtly influence how certain characters perceive Eivor. For instance, choosing to be more aggressive or diplomatic can slightly alter the tone of subsequent interactions. Enjoy the atmosphere and soak in the rich Viking culture presented here.