Does the modern day return in Assassin's Creed Valhalla?

Best answer: Yes, the modern-day sections return in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Layla, from Origins and Odyssey, will once again be the playable protagonist. Valhalla will allow people to play as Layla in the historical sections set in the past as well.

Past and present collide: Assassin's Creed Valhalla ($60 at Microsoft)

What's the modern-day story in Assassin's Creed Valhalla?

Assassin's Creed has a long history, but thankfully you don't need to play all of the games to understand what's happening in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

The modern-day story focuses on two warring factions: the Templars and Assassins, with the Templars working under the guise of a multinational conglomerate, Abstergo Industries. Both are searching for powerful artifacts known as Pieces of Eden, capable of bending the will of humanity.

In Assassin's Creed Origins and Odyssey, players stepped into the shoes of Layla Hassan; a former Abstergo employee turned Assassin affiliate. At the end of Odyssey, she found a Piece of Eden known as the Staff of Hermes, which will supposedly bring balance between the Assassins and Templars. Where the story goes from here is anyone's guess, but she'll likely be on the run from Abstergo, and she unlocks the power behind the Staff.

Will the modern-day be playable in Assassin's Creed Valhalla?

The modern-day will be playable in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. A first for the series, people will be able to play as Layla in the historical simulation of England in addition to the present day. Players can complete Animus Anomalies, where they'll need to pass a parkour challenge to unlock data.

What if I don't like the modern-day sections?

The modern-day has never been the most beloved aspect of the series, and it's clear that Ubisoft is trying to strike a balance for those that hate it and those that love it. It'll likely only take up a small fraction of the overall game, so if you hate it, you won't be forced to play for too long. Narrative Director Darby McDevitt even promises that fans will likely Layla after this game. And if you already like the modern-day, maybe you'll like it even more.

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Assassin's Creed Valhalla

$60 at Microsoft $60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy

The modern-day returns with a twist

The modern-day has been a contentious aspect of the Assassin's Creed series right from the beginning, but there's no denying its importance to the franchise. Valhalla attempts to make the modern-day story more palatable for players with new twists to get them excited.