Why Assassin's Creed Valhalla Is Still a Top PS5 Game in 2024
In an era dominated by live-service multiplayer hits, a surprising titan from the PlayStation 5’s launch continues to command a massive amount of player attention. Years after its release, the sprawling single-player adventure Assassin’s Creed Valhalla reportedly remains one of the most-played titles on the entire platform.
While online behemoths like Fortnite understandably capture the multiplayer crown, the enduring legacy of this 2020 open-world saga speaks volumes about the power of a deep, content-rich, and immaculately supported solo experience.
The Unending Viking Saga: A World Built for Longevity
The most straightforward reason for Assassin's Creed Valhalla's incredible playtime is its sheer, breathtaking scale. From the moment players leave the snowy shores of Norway for the green fields of Anglo-Saxon England, the game reveals a map of staggering size, packed with activities, mysteries, and wealth to uncover.
- Massive Main Campaign: The core story of establishing the Raven Clan's place in England is a monumental undertaking in itself, often taking players between 50 and 60 hours to complete. This is significantly longer than the main campaigns of many other AAA titles.
- A Completionist's Dream: For players who venture off the beaten path, the game easily offers over 140 hours of content. This includes conquering all territories, hunting down every member of the Order of the Ancients, and exploring mythological realms like Asgard and Jotunheim.
- Engaging World Design: Unlike some open worlds that can feel empty, 9th-century England is brimming with "World Events" (short, memorable side-quests), legendary animals to hunt, and puzzles to solve. This density encourages exploration and ensures that every hour spent in the world feels rewarding.
This colossal amount of built-in content means a single purchase provides a gaming experience that can last for months, securing a permanent spot on many players' PS5 hard drives.
Beyond Launch: A Masterclass in Post-Release Support
While the base game was huge, its lifespan was significantly extended by one of the most robust post-launch roadmaps ever seen for a single-player title. Instead of releasing the game and moving on, the development team consistently gave players new reasons to return to Eivor's world, keeping the experience fresh and exciting long after the credits rolled.
This support came in two major forms: paid expansions and free content updates.
Major Story Expansions:
- Wrath of the Druids: This first major DLC took players to the shores of Ireland, introducing a new map, storyline, and gameplay mechanics centered on Gaelic mythology.
- The Siege of Paris: Eivor's journey continued in Francia, allowing players to participate in one of the most famous sieges in Viking history, complete with new infiltration-style missions.
- Dawn of Ragnarök: The largest and most ambitious expansion transformed the experience, putting players in the role of Odin for a 35+ hour adventure in the dwarven realm of Svartalfheim.
Free Content for All Players:
The game also received numerous free updates, including seasonal festivals, new game modes like River Raids and the roguelite-inspired Forgotten Saga, and educational Discovery Tours. This constant stream of new activities ensured the community remained engaged and that even players who didn't purchase the DLC had new adventures waiting for them.
The Power of Next-Gen and Platform Accessibility
As a cross-generation title available at the PS5’s launch, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla served as a crucial early showcase for the new hardware. It offered a stunning 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames-per-second, along with lightning-fast load times thanks to the console's custom SSD. For many early adopters, it was one of the first games that truly felt "next-gen," solidifying its place as a must-play title for the new console.
More recently, the game's inclusion in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscription tiers has given it a massive second wind. This move put the epic adventure into the hands of millions of subscribers at no extra cost, introducing a whole new wave of players to the Viking saga. This accessibility model is key to a game’s long-term health, ensuring that a steady flow of newcomers are constantly starting their journey and contributing to the overall playtime statistics. The result is a game that is just as relevant today as it was on launch day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla the most-played single-player game on PS5?
A: While Sony rarely releases official, all-time rankings, the sheer volume of content, extensive post-launch support, and inclusion in the PlayStation Plus catalog mean Valhalla has sustained a massive and highly engaged player base since 2020, making it a definitive contender for one of the most-played single-player titles on the console.
Q: How long does it take to beat Assassin's Creed Valhalla?
A: The main story alone takes approximately 60 hours. However, for players looking to complete all side quests, expansions, and collectibles, the total playtime can easily exceed 150 hours.
Q: Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla a good game for new PS5 owners?
A: Absolutely. It’s an excellent showcase of the PS5's graphical capabilities and fast loading times. Its availability on the PlayStation Plus Extra tier makes it an incredible value for anyone looking for a deep, long-lasting single-player adventure to dive into.