You've Been Playing Assassin's Creed: Valhalla All Wrong

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is the 12th full game in the series since it debuted in 2007. If you've played an Assassin's Creed game before, many of the gameplay mechanics should be familiar: branching skill trees that let you choose between stealthy and aggressive play-styles, unlockable sync points that reveal the map, a bird companion who helps you scope out enemies and plan your attack, the ability to parkour on nearly everything — which includes the ability to accidentally jump off a 200 ft. building because that one railing actually wasn't parkour-able — and so on. 

But Valhalla has also added plenty of new features that even veteran players may need a little help figuring out. As always, there are some mechanics that the game doesn't explain very well, but can be game-changers if used properly. The game is also full of fun secrets that are easy to miss. 

Here are some tips to help you become the Viking scourge of the 9th century who also can't resist petting every four-legged friend they meet, just like you've always wanted to be. 

Like Assassins Creed: Odyssey, Valhalla involves hunting down a shadowy group of cultists and taking them out for big rewards. This time, you'll be locating and killing 30 members of the Order of the Ancients, along with 15 more "Zealots" who act as their enforcers. Killing one nets you a medallion that you can use to buy more abilities, but cultists and Zealots are some of the toughest enemies in the game. You'll most likely be severely under-leveled when you encounter them, especially early on. Attack a mounted Zealot head-on and you'll most likely get a face full of sword.

But one skill makes these fights much easier: Missile Reversal, which allows you to catch incoming enemy projectiles and throw them right back. Keep a Zealot at about middle-distance and they'll mostly throw spears at you. When they do, just tap L1 on PS4 or LB on Xbox and you'll fling it right back. Repeat about ten times and you'll take down a Zealot even several levels above you.

The Assassin's Creed games take full advantage of their historical setting, and Valhalla was no different. "Flyting" was a stylized insult competition common that was essentially Medieval England's version of "Yo Mama" jokes. In Valhalla, you'll encounter several NPCs who challenge Eivor to a Flyting contest. 

After you accept their challenge, you'll listen to their insult. Then you'll receive three options for possible responses. Your selection will be timed, and if you take too long to choose your comeback, you lose. Like a real insult battle, the best choice is the one that turns the tables on your opponent. If they diss your intelligence, don't say they have bad breath. Call them a dummy right back. 

Flyts are more than just a goofy side activity, however. Completing them boosts Eivor's charisma stat, which unlocks hidden dialogue options later in the game. You can use these to peacefully resolve some quests, if you're into that.