Start with Assassin’s Creed Mirage if you want the most direct follow-up to Valhalla: it returns to Basim, the character whose earlier life is explored in Baghdad. Choose Assassin’s Creed Shadows for a completely new setting and two playable leads, or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey if what you really want is another huge, choice-driven historical RPG.
There is no objective single “best” game after Valhalla. The right pick depends on whether you value story continuity, stealth and investigation, a fresh setting, or the broadest adventure structure.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $61.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Assassin's Creed Valhalla - PlayStation 5 | $29.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Assassins Creed Mirage | $25.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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ASSASSIN'S CREED MIRAGE - DELUXE EDITION, PLAYSTATION 5 | $45.60 | Buy on Amazon |
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The short answer: which game should you play next?
Use this decision guide before looking at individual games:
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|---|---|---|
| Basim’s story and the clearest connection to Valhalla | Assassin’s Creed Mirage | Ubisoft describes Basim as a character from Valhalla and Mirage as the story of his origins. |
| Stealth, investigation and an earlier-series feel | Assassin’s Creed Mirage | Its official descriptions emphasize stealth and an investigation structure associated with the first game. |
| A new historical setting and two protagonists | Assassin’s Creed Shadows | You follow shinobi Naoe and historical samurai Yasuke in late Sengoku Japan. |
| Another very large RPG-style adventure | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | Ubisoft presents it as a massive Ancient Greece epic with a choice of Alexios or Kassandra and a player-commanded ship. |
That is a preference map, not a review ranking. The available evidence comes from Ubisoft’s own descriptions rather than independent comparative testing, so “best” here means best match for your priorities.
#1 Best Overall
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Why Valhalla makes the next choice difficult
Valhalla can leave players wanting very different things. Some want to stay with its modern storyline and characters. Others want another long historical journey with role-playing choices, while some are ready for a tighter stealth game that feels closer to the series’ early identity.
Those desires point to different entries. Mirage is the continuity pick because Basim is the bridge. Shadows changes both the period and the protagonists, making it a clean new starting point. Odyssey is the scale pick: it is the option in this group most clearly framed as another expansive RPG adventure rather than a continuation of Basim’s arc.
1. Assassin’s Creed Mirage: the best direct follow-up to Valhalla
How Basim connects the two games
Ubisoft’s series guide calls Basim the Master Assassin from Valhalla and says Mirage focuses on his origins. In its launch announcement, Ubisoft describes the game as following “a young Basim – from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” as he grows from a street thief into a Master Assassin. That makes Mirage the clearest narrative bridge, even though its main historical setting predates the events players experienced as Eivor.
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If your main question is “Which Assassin’s Creed has Basim?”, the answer is Mirage. You do not need to treat it as a conventional sequel that simply continues the final scene of Valhalla; it is an origin story that supplies context for a character you already know.
What its setting and structure promise
Mirage takes place in ninth-century Baghdad. Ubisoft emphasizes stealth, investigation and the Hidden Ones, with an investigation structure associated with the first Assassin’s Creed. That combination makes it a particularly strong choice if Valhalla’s enormous scope was less important to you than sneaking, gathering information and working through an assassination-focused narrative.
The setting also gives the game a different rhythm from a Viking-era saga. You are not choosing it for another northern campaign; you are choosing it to see Basim’s earlier life in a concentrated historical setting. The result is the most coherent next step for a player whose priority is character continuity rather than repeating the same map-and-campaign formula.
Who should choose Mirage
- Players who want Basim’s backstory before moving farther into the series.
- Players who prefer stealth and investigation to an even larger open-world commitment.
- Players who want a historical location that is clearly different from ninth-century England and Norway.
- Players who are curious about the Hidden Ones and the series’ earlier stealth-oriented identity.
Current platforms and update note
Ubisoft currently lists Mirage for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Ubisoft Connect, Amazon Luna, Epic Games, Steam and compatible iOS devices. The official page also describes the Valley of Memory major update, including a new AlUla region and a Basim story arc. Platform support and update availability can vary by region and can change, so check the listing for your device before buying: Ubisoft’s official Mirage page.
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows: the best fresh start after Valhalla
Two protagonists, one major setting change
Shadows leaves the Viking world behind for late Sengoku Japan. Its story interweaves Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical samurai. That dual-protagonist structure is the defining reason to pick it over Mirage: you are not following Basim’s past, but experiencing the same historical conflict through two distinct identities and approaches.
Choose Shadows when “after Valhalla” means you want a new place, new leads and a different cultural and political backdrop. It is also the obvious option if the appeal of Valhalla was historical immersion but you do not want another game tied directly to its characters.
When its change of direction is an advantage
A new setting can be more valuable than direct continuity. Because Naoe and Yasuke are separate from Eivor and Basim, you can approach Shadows without needing to remember every plot thread from Valhalla. The game is suitable for returning players who want the next major historical chapter and for newcomers who simply want to begin with Japan.
Rank #2
- Viking Warrior Experience: Step into the role of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider driven by tales of battle and glory, as you lead your clan from the harsh shores of Norway to the rich lands of England's Dark Ages
- Epic Raiding Gameplay: Launch devastating raids on Saxon troops and fortresses, gathering resources and wealth to strengthen your clan while carving your path through a beautifully realized open world
- Settlement Building: Establish and expand your own Viking settlement, constructing buildings, recruiting new clan members, and customizing your growing community to create a thriving home for your people
- Political Power Dynamics: Forge strategic alliances with various kingdoms and factions across England, making critical decisions that shape your influence and determine your clan's future in a land torn by conflict
- PlayStation 5 Optimized: Experience enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and immersive gameplay designed specifically for PlayStation 5 hardware, bringing the Viking Age to life with stunning visual fidelity
It is also the strongest recommendation for readers who want two lead characters rather than one. That distinction is more meaningful than a simple “new map” label: your interest may be in how a shinobi’s identity and a samurai’s identity shape the same broader story.
Platforms currently listed by Ubisoft
Ubisoft’s current Shadows page lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac computers with Apple silicon, Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna and Ubisoft+. Availability, subscription inclusion and store terms are volatile; verify the regional page before purchase.
The page also points to a Piggyback Complete Official Guide. The source establishes that Ubisoft references the guide, but not its current price, stock, edition, retailer availability or any affiliate arrangement. Treat it as an optional reference, not a required part of the game.
3. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: the choice for another enormous RPG adventure
What makes it different from Mirage and Shadows
Ubisoft’s series guide describes Odyssey as a massive Ancient Greece epic. You choose between siblings Alexios and Kassandra and command a ship. Those details make it the clearest fit for a player asking, “What should I play if I want another huge RPG after Valhalla?”
Odyssey is not the Basim continuation. Its value is scale and role-playing choice: a large historical journey in a different era, with a selectable protagonist and a ship-based component. If you are looking for a direct story handoff from Eivor or Basim, pick Mirage instead.
Who should choose Odyssey
- Players who enjoyed spending dozens of hours in a broad historical world.
- Players who want to select Alexios or Kassandra as the central character.
- Players who like the idea of commanding a ship as part of the adventure.
- Players who want Ancient Greece rather than Baghdad, Japan or the Viking-era setting.
The trade-off is focus. The available Ubisoft description supports its size and RPG framing, but it does not establish that it is superior to the other games. Select it because you want that structure, not because a universal ranking says it is number one.
How the three games compare by priority
| Priority | Mirage | Shadows | Odyssey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story link to Valhalla | Strongest: Basim’s origins | New protagonists | Separate historical story |
| Historical setting | Ninth-century Baghdad | Late Sengoku Japan | Ancient Greece |
| Lead structure | Basim | Naoe and Yasuke | Alexios or Kassandra |
| Best-supported reason to buy | Stealth and investigation | Fresh setting and dual leads | Large RPG-style adventure |
| Choose it if you want | Continuity and an earlier-series feel | A clean break from Viking-era characters | Scale, choice and a commandable ship |
This table is meant to prevent a common mistake: choosing a game because it is the newest or most familiar name rather than because its structure matches what you enjoyed. None of these descriptions proves a universal quality order. They identify different reasons to continue.
How to choose in under a minute
Choose continuity over novelty
Pick Mirage if your first thought is, “I want to know what Basim was like before Valhalla.” It is the only recommendation here built around an established character connection.
Choose stealth over scale
Pick Mirage if you want stealth and investigation to be central. Ubisoft’s description specifically highlights those qualities, making it the safer choice for players who miss the series’ earlier stealth emphasis.
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Pick Shadows if your priority is late Sengoku Japan and the contrast between Naoe and Yasuke. It gives you the strongest break from the characters and setting of Valhalla.
Rank #3
- Discover a tightly crafted, narrative-driven action-adventure experience that follows the transformation of a defiant young man into a refined Master Assassin.
- Journey to Alamut, the legendary home of the Assassins who laid the founda
- Experience a modern take on the iconic features and gameplay that have defined a franchise for 15 years as you parkour seamlessly through the city and stealthily take down targets with more visceral assassinations than ever before.
Choose the largest RPG-style commitment
Pick Odyssey if you want a massive Ancient Greece adventure, protagonist choice and a player-commanded ship. This is the closest match for someone seeking another broad role-playing journey rather than a compact character origin.
Do you need to play them in a particular order?
No strict order is required for this recommendation. Mirage gains the most from having met Basim in Valhalla, because its premise is explicitly his earlier life. Shadows introduces Naoe and Yasuke in a different period, while Odyssey follows Alexios or Kassandra in Ancient Greece. Those settings and protagonists make either game a self-contained alternative for someone who simply wants another historical entry.
If you are deciding based on story memory, play Mirage immediately after Valhalla. If you are deciding based on fatigue with one era, jump to Shadows. If you are deciding based on hours of role-playing content and a ship-centered component, choose Odyssey regardless of the other two.
Using the Animus Hub to organize the games
Ubisoft says the Animus Hub is integrated into Shadows, not offered as a separate launcher. According to Ubisoft’s explanation, it can launch owned and installed copies of Mirage, Valhalla, Odyssey and Origins. That can be useful if you are returning to the series and want one in-game entry point instead of switching between separate shortcuts.
The Hub does not appear to grant ownership or free access. The games must be owned and installed, and players with physical versions are prompted to insert the disc. Read the full explanation at Ubisoft’s Animus Hub announcement.
Practical buying and installation checklist
- Identify your platform first. Check the official page for the exact console, PC store or mobile device you use.
- Check your region. Store listings, subscription access and updates can differ by country.
- Decide whether you need continuity. If yes, select Mirage; if not, compare the setting and scale of Shadows and Odyssey.
- Confirm the edition and ownership method. This matters especially if you plan to launch a game through the Animus Hub.
- For physical copies, keep the disc available. Ubisoft says the Hub can require the disc even when the game is launched from that interface.
- Verify current update and subscription status. The Valley of Memory update, Ubisoft+ inclusion and platform listings are changeable details.
What can change after you decide
Availability is not a permanent feature of a recommendation. Ubisoft’s pages currently list different combinations of consoles, PC storefronts, cloud services and mobile support. A game may appear on a service in one region and not another, and subscription catalogs can change without altering the game’s story or setting. Check the store attached to your account, not only a general platform list.
The same caution applies to updates and physical products. Mirage’s page describes the Valley of Memory update and its AlUla region, but update timing and access can depend on platform and region. Ubisoft points to the Shadows Complete Official Guide, but a mention does not confirm a current price, print edition or retailer stock. Treat a guide as optional and verify those details yourself before spending extra money.
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The Basim path
Play Valhalla, then Mirage. This path keeps the character connection intact while moving from Basim’s known role to his origins in ninth-century Baghdad.
The stealth-reset path
Play Mirage next, regardless of whether you finish every Valhalla activity. Choose this route when your priority is investigation and stealth rather than another sprawling campaign.
The new-era path
Move from Valhalla to Shadows when you want a new historical setting and two protagonists. This is the cleanest way to stay with major historical adventures without following Basim.
Rank #4
- Discover a tightly crafted, narrative-driven action-adventure experience that follows the transformation of a defiant young man into a refined Master Assassin.
- Journey to Alamut, the legendary home of the Assassins who laid the foundations of the Creed in this heartfelt homage to the game that started it all.
- Experience a modern take on the iconic features and gameplay that have defined a franchise for 15 years as you parkour seamlessly through the city and stealthily take down targets with more visceral assassinations than ever before.
- Explore an incredibly dense and vibrant city whose inhabitants react to your every move, and uncover the secrets of four unique districts as you venture through the Golden Age of Baghdad.
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription.
The big-RPG path
Move to Odyssey when you want another massive journey and do not mind leaving the characters and period of Valhalla behind. Its Ancient Greece setting, sibling choice and ship support that specific appetite.
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Final recommendation
For most Valhalla players, start with Mirage: it is the only option here that directly develops a familiar character, and Ubisoft explicitly positions it as Basim’s origin story. Choose Shadows instead for the biggest change in setting and protagonists. Choose Odyssey when the feature you are really chasing is another large-scale RPG adventure. Check the official regional store pages immediately before purchase because platforms, updates and subscription availability can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I play Assassin’s Creed Mirage after Valhalla?
Yes, if you want the clearest story connection. Ubisoft identifies Basim as a character from Valhalla and presents Mirage as his origin story in ninth-century Baghdad. Choose Shadows or Odyssey instead if continuity is less important than a new setting or a larger RPG structure.
Which Assassin’s Creed game has Basim?
Basim appears in Valhalla, and Mirage explores his earlier life as he develops from a street thief into a Master Assassin. Mirage is therefore the Basim-focused choice after Valhalla.
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows a direct sequel to Valhalla?
No. Shadows moves to late Sengoku Japan and follows shinobi Naoe and historical samurai Yasuke. It is a fresh historical setting rather than a continuation of Eivor or Basim’s story.
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Which game is best if I want another huge RPG after Valhalla?
Choose Odyssey. Ubisoft describes it as a massive Ancient Greece epic with a choice between Alexios and Kassandra and a player-commanded ship. It fits the scale-and-choice preference better than Mirage’s stealth focus.
Do I need to own the games to use the Animus Hub?
Yes. Ubisoft says the Hub is integrated into Shadows and can launch owned and installed copies of Mirage, Valhalla, Odyssey and Origins. It is not described as granting free ownership; physical editions may require the disc.
What platforms support Mirage and Shadows?
Ubisoft currently lists Mirage on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox Series X|S/One, Ubisoft Connect, Amazon Luna, Epic Games, Steam and compatible iOS devices. Shadows is listed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Apple-silicon Mac, Windows PC storefronts, Amazon Luna and Ubisoft+. Regional availability can differ.
Is the Shadows Complete Official Guide required?
No. Ubisoft references a Piggyback Complete Official Guide, but it is an optional reference item. Current price, stock, edition and retailer availability should be checked separately.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Bottom Line
Best direct follow-up: Assassin’s Creed Mirage for Basim, stealth and ninth-century Baghdad. Best fresh setting: Assassin’s Creed Shadows for Naoe, Yasuke and late Sengoku Japan. Best huge RPG alternative: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey for Ancient Greece, protagonist choice and a commandable ship.
Quick Recap
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