It is an action RPG developed by Ubisoft Quebec and released in October 2018. Set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War (431–422 BC), the game immerses players in a beautifully detailed open-world environment.
Players take on the role of either Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries on a quest to uncover their family’s lost legacy while navigating the complex political and mythical landscape of the ancient world.
What sets Odyssey apart is its emphasis on choice. Players can shape the outcome of their journey through branching storylines, dialogues, and decisions that impact both personal relationships and the fate of the world.
Whether engaging in epic naval battles, exploring ancient ruins, or seeking out mythical creatures, Odyssey offers a truly vast experience filled with action, adventure, and discovery.
The game’s deep exploration, rich combat mechanics, and interactive world-building have earned it a special place in the hearts of Assassin’s Creed fans. With engaging storytelling and a dynamic environment, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey remains a standout title in the RPG genre.
Development and Release of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
The development of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey began shortly after the release of Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017. Ubisoft Quebec wanted to expand upon the open-world experience introduced in Origins, crafting a more intricate and expansive game world, and allowing players to have more agency in shaping their character’s journey.
As with Origins, Odyssey was developed with a focus on realism, and the team conducted extensive research into Ancient Greek culture, geography, and history to create an immersive experience. The result is a world that feels alive with rich storytelling, historical events, and characters that make the player’s decisions feel impactful.
Looking for more RPG experiences after Odyssey? Consider exploring Nioh 2, a similarly expansive world that pairs choice-based gameplay with an engaging narrative.
Upon release, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey received widespread praise for its vast open world, combat mechanics, and branching narrative. While some critics pointed to repetitive side activities, the game’s core design and its historical setting resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
Storyline and Setting of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Set against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey follows the journey of a mercenary, either Alexios or Kassandra, who seeks to uncover the truth behind their family’s tragic past. Born to the Spartan warrior Nikolaos and an unknown mother, the player’s character was cast out as a child and separated from their sibling.
As they progress through the story, they are drawn into larger conflicts involving gods, legendary figures, and powerful political factions, all while seeking vengeance and uncovering their mysterious heritage. Along the way, players must decide who to trust and how to balance loyalty to their family with the demands of their profession as a mercenary.
With the rich historical context and a cast of compelling characters, the game’s narrative adds layers of depth to its action and exploration, giving players multiple ways to experience the story based on their decisions.
Game Modes of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey centers around its single-player campaign, it offers multiple modes and options that cater to various playstyles:
- Story Mode: The primary mode where players experience the main storyline and engage in side quests that flesh out the world of Ancient Greece.
- Mercenary Mode: Players can face off against increasingly difficult mercenaries, some of whom are unique characters with their own backstories and skill sets. Defeating these mercenaries rewards the player with unique items and resources.
- Naval Combat: This mode allows players to sail the Aegean Sea, engaging in naval warfare and piracy. Players can upgrade their ships, recruit crew members, and participate in large-scale battles that shape the balance of power in Greece.
- New Game Plus: After completing the game, players can start a fresh playthrough with all of their abilities, gear, and progression from the first playthrough. This mode offers an opportunity to explore different dialogue choices and character paths.
If you’re a fan of open-world exploration and action, Saints Row might provide a similarly rich and immersive experience with a focus on storytelling and exploration.
Gameplay Mechanics of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
At its heart, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an action RPG that emphasizes exploration, combat, and role-playing elements. Here are the key mechanics that make the game stand out:
- Combat: The game offers a flexible combat system that allows players to engage in both close-range and ranged combat. Players can switch between various weapons and abilities, tailoring their playstyle to their preferences. Combat is fluid and fast-paced, with an emphasis on dodging, parrying, and using special abilities to take down enemies.
- Character Customization: Players can develop their mercenary’s abilities through a skill tree that includes archery, combat, and stealth skills. Additionally, the game offers customization in terms of armor and weapons, allowing for greater personalization.
- Exploration: The open world of Ancient Greece is vast, with cities, temples, forests, and oceans to explore. Players can freely roam the world, uncovering new quests, locations, and challenges.
- Ship Battles: Naval warfare plays a significant role in Odyssey. Players can command their own ship, recruit crew members, and take part in naval battles. The ship can be upgraded with better weapons, sails, and abilities, making naval combat an integral part of the game.
Beginner Tips and Tricks
If you’re new to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, here are some tips to get you started:
- Focus on Main Story Missions First: While side quests are rewarding, the main story provides valuable context and experience to help you level up faster.
- Upgrade Your Ship: Naval combat is vital, so make sure to upgrade your ship early. Stronger ships make exploring the seas safer and more enjoyable.
- Experiment with Abilities: The game offers multiple skill trees. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different builds to see what best suits your playstyle.
- Collect Resources: Resources are essential for crafting and upgrading gear. Be sure to collect herbs, wood, and ore to ensure your character remains well-equipped.
Important Features of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Several standout elements contribute to what makes Odyssey an unforgettable entry in the franchise. Below are the key highlights that define its gameplay and appeal:
1) Epic Open World
The scale of the game’s open world is truly awe-inspiring, covering a wide swath of the Greek archipelago. From sun-drenched islands and towering cliffs to lush forests and ancient ruins, each area is packed with detail and historical influence. The dynamic environments and lively NPCs create a setting that feels both authentic and filled with hidden surprises waiting to be uncovered.
2) Branching Narrative and Choices
One of the most defining features of Odyssey is its deep narrative structure that responds to player choices. Conversations and major decisions impact not only individual missions but also the overarching story, relationships, and faction dynamics. This approach gives players real agency, allowing for multiple endings and a personalized journey through ancient Greece.
3) Naval Warfare and Exploration
Returning to the roots of sea-based gameplay, Odyssey places a strong emphasis on maritime adventure. Players can upgrade and command their own ship, the Adrestia, engage in real-time naval battles, and discover remote islands and treasures scattered across the Aegean. It adds a layer of freedom and unpredictability to exploration.
4) Immersive Combat System
Combat in Odyssey is fluid, responsive, and heavily influenced by role-playing elements. Players can mix melee, ranged, and stealth attacks, while also unlocking special abilities like Spartan kicks or explosive arrows. As enemies scale in difficulty, mastery of combat mechanics becomes both rewarding and essential.
5) Character Customization and Role-playing
Whether you play as Alexios or Kassandra, Odyssey allows you to shape your character through gear, dialogue, and ability choices. The progression system is robust, with branching skills and a wide variety of armor sets and weapons that affect both stats and appearance. It ensures that every playthrough can reflect a unique playstyle.
Advanced Tips for Mastery
To master Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, consider these advanced strategies:
- Master the Skill Trees: Maximize your effectiveness by focusing on one or two skill trees that complement each other, such as Warrior and Assassin for a hybrid combat style.
- Use the Environment: In combat, use the environment to your advantage. Whether it’s climbing higher ground for archery or triggering environmental traps, knowing your surroundings can make a huge difference.
- Engage with the Mercenary System: Don’t ignore the mercenaries you encounter. Defeating them will reward you with valuable loot and experience points.
Why Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Stands Out
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise. It combines a rich and diverse open world with an engaging, choice-driven narrative that gives players a real sense of agency.
Whether you’re exploring the ruins of Ancient Greece, battling on the high seas, or shaping your character’s destiny through meaningful decisions, the game delivers a comprehensive and thrilling experience.
Despite facing some criticism for its length and repetitive elements, Odyssey remains an unforgettable journey and a true achievement in the action RPG genre. The game’s stunning world, flexible combat system, and historical depth ensure that it continues to captivate players.
System Requirements
To play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey on PC, your system should meet the following minimum requirements:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 280X
- Storage: 50 GB available space
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an expansive and unforgettable journey through ancient Greece, offering an unparalleled mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling.
Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan, this game provides hours of immersive gameplay that will captivate your attention and keep you coming back for more.