Multiplayer: None (Primarily Single-Player with minor online social features)
Setting: Viking Age (873 CE) - Norway & Anglo-Saxon England (Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, Northumbria), Mythical Realms (Asgard, Jotunheim), Ireland (DLC), Francia (DLC)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia (discontinued), Amazon Luna
Unique Feature: Viking Raids & Settlement Building, Dual-Wielding Combat System, Extensive Skill Tree & Abilities, Exploration of Norse & Anglo-Saxon History/Mythology, Playable Male/Female Eivor with Shared Progression.
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Gameplay & Mechanics
Companions/Followers
Co-op Players (Online): Up to 3 other players can join the host's game in online co-op. They control their own Aiden characters with their respective progression. Teammates can revive each other, combine combat efforts, and assist in completing quests and exploring The City. Loot is generally instanced or shared fairly.
Human (Other Players' Aidens)
Story-Specific AI Companions (Temporary): During certain main story missions or side quests, key NPC characters will temporarily accompany Aiden, providing combat support and unique dialogue. They are AI-controlled and their presence is scripted for those specific mission segments. They are not persistent, commandable companions.
Human (Key NPCs like Lawan, Hakon)
Synin (Eivor's Raven): Eivor's raven companion, used for scouting from an aerial perspective (similar to Eagle Vision in previous AC games). Synin can spot enemies, identify points of interest, locate resources, track targets, and sometimes distract enemies. Not directly involved in combat but essential for reconnaissance.
Corvus corax (Raven)
Viking Crew (Jomsvikings for Raids & River Raids): Eivor leads a crew of Viking warriors (Jomsvikings) on their longship. During Raids on monasteries or settlements, the crew disembarks and fights alongside Eivor, helping to defeat enemies and open chests/doors. Players can customize their personal Jomsviking lieutenant, who can also be recruited by other players. For River Raids, a larger crew is assembled.
Human (Norse Warriors)
Story-Specific AI Companions (Sigurd, Basim, Ivarr, Ubba, etc.): During many main story quests and alliance arcs, key characters like Sigurd, Basim, or regional allies will temporarily join Eivor, fighting alongside them as AI-controlled companions. Their presence and combat abilities are scripted for those specific missions.
Human (Various)
Wolf Mount (Can be acquired): Besides horses, Eivor can acquire a wolf as a rideable mount through specific means (e.g., special editions, in-game store, or specific quests in DLCs like Dawn of Ragnarök). Functions similarly to a horse for traversal.
Canis lupus (Large Wolf)
Key Collectibles
Inhibitors (GRE Crates): Found in GRE Quarantine Buildings, Military Convoys, Airdrops, and other high-risk locations. Essential for upgrading Aiden's maximum Health and Stamina, which in turn unlocks access to higher-tier Combat and Parkour skills.
Mementos (Notes, Recordings, Dog Tags, Newspapers, etc.): Lore items scattered throughout Villedor that provide backstory about the world, The Fall, key characters, and the daily struggles of survivors. Found in buildings, safe zones, and quest locations.
Graffiti Tags (Street Art): Collectible pieces of street art created by various artists in The City. Often found in hard-to-reach parkour locations, requiring skilled traversal to find and collect.
Tapes (Music & Story): Audio tapes that can be played on Aiden's cassette player. Some are music tracks, while others contain story segments, interviews, or personal logs providing more lore.
Blueprints: Recipes for crafting weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), throwables, and arrows/bolts. Found in the world, as quest rewards, or purchased from Craftmasters.
Wealth (Ingots, Gear, Cargo, Books of Knowledge, Abilities): Marked by golden icons on the map. Ingots (Carbon, Nickel, Tungsten) are used for upgrading gear quality. Gear icons represent new weapons or armor pieces. Cargo is raw materials used for building and upgrading settlement buildings in Ravensthorpe. Books of Knowledge unlock or upgrade Eivor's special combat Abilities.
Mysteries (World Events, Flyting Duels, Offering Altars, Standing Stone Puzzles, Treasures of Britain, Legendary Animals, Lost Drengr, Daughters of Lerion, Fly Agaric Hallucination Challenges, Animus Anomalies): Marked by blue icons. These encompass a wide variety of side activities: World Events are short, often quirky, narrative encounters. Flyting is a Viking rap battle. Offering Altars require specific items. Standing Stones are environmental perspective puzzles. Treasures of Britain lead to powerful Isu artifacts. Legendary Animals are tough boss fights. Lost Drengr are duels against old Viking warriors. Daughters of Lerion are mystical boss fights. Fly Agaric challenges are hallucinatory puzzles. Animus Anomalies are platforming puzzles in a glitchy modern-day simulation.
Artifacts (Roman Artifacts, Cursed Symbols, Flying Papers, Rigsogur Fragments, Treasure Hoard Maps, Isu Data Fragments - in Anomalies): Marked by white icons. Roman Artifacts can be traded for settlement decorations. Cursed Symbols are small environmental puzzles that must be destroyed to lift a curse from an area. Flying Papers are parkour challenges to catch a moving collectible. Rigsogur Fragments tell parts of a Norse saga. Treasure Hoard Maps provide clues to hidden wealth.
Opal: A premium-like currency found in small quantities throughout the world or earned from Reda's daily/weekly contracts. Used to purchase unique cosmetic items or gear from Reda's shop.
Order of the Ancients Medallions / Clues: Dropped by defeated Order members or found as clues. Collecting medallions and clues helps Eivor identify and track down other members of the Order, ultimately leading to the Grand Maegester.
Key Themes
Post-Apocalypse
Zombie Outbreak
Survival
Moral Choices & Consequences
Faction Warfare
Parkour & Freedom of Movement
Hope vs. Despair
Humanity's Struggle
Infection & Transformation
Scavenging & Crafting
Viking Expansion & Raiding
Settlement Building & Community
Norse Mythology & Paganism vs. Christianity
The Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms
Fate & Destiny (Wyrd)
Honor & Glory
Political Intrigue
The Hidden Ones (Assassins) vs. Order of the Ancients (Templars)
The primary combat tools. Weapons have rarity tiers (Common to Artifact), durability, and can be enhanced with craftable mods (e.g., adding elemental damage like fire/shock, increasing impact, critical chance, or durability). Different weapon types have varying attack speeds, damage, and special properties (e.g., blunt weapons good against armor, slashing against unarmored).
Bows & Crossbows: Ranged (Silent, Precision)
Silent ranged weapons ideal for stealth and taking out enemies from a distance. Various arrow/bolt types can be crafted (standard, fire, shock, explosive, poison, UV). The PK Crossbow is a powerful late-game reward.
Boosters provide temporary enhancements to combat, parkour, health regeneration, or resistances. Medkits are essential for healing. Craftable using herbs and other resources.
UV Flashlight: Defensive Tool
An essential tool, especially at night. Its UV light weakens and repels Volatiles and other light-sensitive infected, creating temporary safe opportunities. Can be upgraded for intensity and duration.
Firearms (Limited): Ranged (Ballistic - Rare)
While the game is primarily melee-focused due to ammo scarcity in The City, some limited firearms like makeshift pistols or shotguns (e.g., 'Boomstick') can be found or crafted, but ammo is extremely rare and they are generally less sustainable than melee or bows.
Iconic Viking weaponry. Bearded Axes are typically one-handed and fast. Dane Axes are powerful two-handed weapons with wide swings. Eivor can dual-wield axes or combine them with shields or other one-handed weapons.
Hammers (one or two-handed) deal significant stun and blunt damage, effective against armored foes. Flails are flexible weapons that can bypass shields to some extent.
Spears: Two-Handed Melee (Reach)
Long-reaching weapons ideal for keeping enemies at bay and performing thrusting or sweeping attacks. Good for crowd control.
Daggers: One-Handed Melee (Fast, Stealth)
Very fast attacking weapons, excellent for quick combos, applying status effects, or stealth takedowns. Can be dual-wielded for rapid attacks.
Shields (Light Shield, Heavy Shield): Defensive / Offensive (Off-Hand)
Used for blocking, parrying, and shield bashing. Light shields are quicker for parrying, while heavy shields offer better protection and can stagger enemies more easily. Can be equipped in the off-hand when dual-wielding or with a one-handed weapon.
Hunter Bows are versatile for mid-range. Light Bows offer rapid fire at shorter ranges. Predator Bows are for long-range sniping, allowing manual aiming and zoom. Various arrow types available (standard, fire, poison, explosive).
Powerful, named weapons often tied to Norse or Arthurian legends, possessing unique perks and visual effects. Typically acquired through completing difficult challenges, mysteries, or DLC content.
Hidden Blade: Stealth Melee (Assassination)
The iconic Assassin weapon, worn by Eivor on top of the wrist (Viking style). Used for stealth assassinations. Can be upgraded to perform chain assassinations or advanced assassinations on tougher targets.
Armor / Gear Sets
Gear Pieces (Head, Chest, Gloves, Bracers, Pants, Shoes): Players equip six pieces of gear, each belonging to a specific class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) that provides bonuses tailored to that playstyle (e.g., Tank gear offers more damage resistance, Brawler gear more melee damage). Gear has rarity tiers (Common to Artifact) and provides stats like armor, damage resistance, and specific perks (e.g., +% damage at night, reduced stamina cost for parkour). Gear can be found, bought, or earned as quest rewards.
Cosmetic Outfits (Transmog): A transmogrification system allows players to change the appearance of their equipped gear to look like any other gear piece they have collected, without altering its stats. Many full cosmetic outfits are also available through events, DLC, or store purchases.
Armor Sets (Helm, Torso, Cloak, Bracers, Pants - Raven, Bear, Wolf Aligned): Eivor can equip five pieces of armor. Each piece provides defensive stats (Armor, Light Resistance, Heavy Resistance, Evasion) and belongs to one of three alignments: Raven (stealth/assassination focus), Bear (melee combat/durability focus), or Wolf (ranged combat/utility focus). Equipping multiple pieces from the same set often grants set bonuses that enhance the aligned playstyle. Armor is color-coded by quality (Fine to Mythical) and can be upgraded to improve stats and unlock rune slots.
Runes (Weapon & Armor): Enhancements that can be socketed into weapons and armor pieces with available slots. Provide various passive bonuses like increased critical chance, attack speed, elemental damage, health, armor, or resistance to specific damage types.
Cosmetic Customization (Tattoos, Hairstyles, Beard Styles, Warpaint, Ship & Settlement Decorations): Extensive cosmetic customization options for Eivor (tattoos, hair, beard, warpaint), their longship (hull, sail, shields, figurehead, tailpiece), and their settlement Ravensthorpe (various decorative items). These are primarily visual and do not offer direct stat bonuses, though some settlement decorations might provide minor passive buffs to feasts.
Transmogrification (Change Appearance): A system allowing players to change the visual appearance of any equipped weapon or armor piece to look like any other item of the same type that they have previously collected, while retaining the stats of the originally equipped item. This is done at the blacksmith in Ravensthorpe.
Outfits/Customization
Gear Sets (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger): Players equip six pieces of gear (Head, Torso, Gloves, Wrists, Legs, Feet). Each piece belongs to a class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) providing specific gameplay bonuses (e.g., damage reduction, melee damage, healing effectiveness, ranged damage). Gear has visual variety based on its class, rarity, and faction origin (PK, Survivor, Renegade aesthetic). A transmog system allows players to change equipped gear's appearance to any owned style.
Cosmetic Outfits & Skins: Full cosmetic outfits that change Aiden's entire appearance without affecting stats are available through game progression, events, DLC, or store purchases (e.g., Nightrunner outfit, Peacekeeper outfit, various themed bundles).
Weapon Charms: Small cosmetic charms that can be attached to melee weapons for personalization.
Armor Sets (Raven, Bear, Wolf Aligned): Eivor can equip five pieces of armor: Helmet, Torso, Cloak, Bracers, and Pants. Each piece is aligned with one of three skill tree philosophies: Raven (stealth, assassination), Bear (melee combat, brawling), or Wolf (archery, utility). Equipping multiple pieces from the same set (e.g., Hidden Ones' Set, Thegn's Set, Huntsman Set) provides synergistic set bonuses. Armor can be upgraded in quality (Fine to Mythical) and enhanced with runes.
Cosmetic Customization (Tattoos, Hairstyles, Beard Styles, Warpaint): Eivor's appearance can be heavily customized. Tattoo designs can be collected and applied at the tattoo shop in Ravensthorpe. Various hairstyles and beard styles (which can be changed and grow) are available. Warpaint can also be applied.
Transmogrification (Change Appearance): Players can change the visual appearance of any equipped armor piece or weapon to look like any other item of the same type they have collected, while retaining the stats of the originally equipped item. This is done via the blacksmith Gunnar in Ravensthorpe.
Longship Customization: Eivor's longship, the 'Nottfeigr' (or player-named), can be customized with different hull paints, sail designs, shields displayed along the sides, figureheads, and tailpieces. These are primarily cosmetic and unlocked through purchase, exploration, or as rewards.
Raven Customization (Synin): Eivor's raven companion, Synin, can have its appearance changed with different cosmetic skins unlocked through challenges or store purchases.
Settlement Decorations (Ravensthorpe): Players can find or purchase various decorative items to place around their settlement of Ravensthorpe, personalizing its appearance. Some specific decorations are tied to seasonal festivals or completing certain activities.
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Progression & Upgrades
Skills & Progression
Aiden has two main skill trees: Combat (unlocking new melee moves, weapon proficiency, and toughness) and Parkour (unlocking advanced traversal abilities like wall runs, slides, and improved jumps). Skill points are earned by performing combat actions and parkour maneuvers respectively. Inhibitors, found in GRE containers, are used to upgrade Health and Stamina, which also gate access to higher-tier skills. Crafting allows Aiden to create weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), and throwable items using scavenged resources. Blueprints for crafting are found or earned.
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World & Exploration
World & Level Design
The City of Villedor is significantly larger than Harran from the first game, divided into two main districts: Old Villedor (a more classic European-style area with smaller buildings, easier for early parkour) and the Central Loop (a modern downtown area with skyscrapers, requiring advanced parkour tools like the grappling hook and paraglider). There are also surrounding areas, GRE Quarantines, and Dark Hollows. The map is dense with verticality, encouraging rooftop traversal.
The game features a vast open world encompassing large swathes of England (Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, Northumbria, etc.) and parts of Norway. Additionally, players can visit mythical realms like Asgard and Jotunheim through vision quests. DLCs added Ireland ('Wrath of the Druids') and Francia ('The Siege of Paris'). The total landmass is significant, with diverse biomes including rolling hills, dense forests, marshlands, snowy mountains, and fortified cities like Lunden (London), Jorvik (York), and Wincestre (Winchester). Map size estimations for England alone are often cited as over 120-140 sq km, with other regions adding substantial area.
Playable Vehicles
Paraglider: Personal Traversal Gear (Aerial)
An essential tool unlocked progression, allowing Aiden to glide from high places, cover large distances quickly, and navigate the verticality of the Central Loop. Can be upgraded for better maneuverability and features like a UV light attachment.
Grappling Hook: Personal Traversal Gear (Utility)
A versatile tool used to swing across gaps, pull Aiden towards anchor points, and aid in climbing. It functions more like a physics-based swing rather than a point-and-zip line in some games. Upgradable for range and functionality.
Traversal on Foot (Parkour): Player Locomotion
The primary mode of movement. Dying Light 2 features an advanced and fluid parkour system, allowing Aiden to run, jump, climb, slide, wall-run, and use various environmental elements to navigate The City's rooftops and streets with agility.
Longship ('Nottfeigr' / Player Named): Primary Watercraft / Mobile Base for Raids
Eivor's Viking longship, used for navigating rivers and seas in England and Norway. Essential for initiating Raids on monasteries and settlements. Can be customized with different hull paints, sails, shields, figureheads, and tailpieces. The crew can sing sea shanties during travel.
Horse Mounts (Various Breeds/Skins): Primary Land Traversal
Eivor's primary means of land travel. Various horse breeds and cosmetic skins can be acquired from stables in Ravensthorpe or other settlements. Horses can be taught new skills (like swimming) by upgrading the stable. Can be called with a whistle.
Wolf Mount (Unlockable/Store): Alternate Land Traversal
A large wolf that Eivor can use as a mount. Functions similarly to a horse but with a different aesthetic. Often available through special editions, in-game store, or specific DLC content (like in Dawn of Ragnarök).
Small Boats / Rowboats: Minor Watercraft
Smaller boats found along rivers and coasts, useful for short-distance water travel or reaching areas inaccessible by longship.
Fast Travel (Synchronization Points & Docks): Map Traversal Mechanic
Eivor can synchronize high points (typically church towers or ancient ruins) to reveal map details and unlock them as fast travel locations. Docks for the longship also serve as fast travel points.
Hostile, Howlers alert other infected to Aiden's presence.
Rats & Crows: Rodentia / Corvidae
Ambient wildlife, can sometimes indicate nearby loot or danger, generally non-hostile but can be startled.
Deer (Mentioned/Implied in hunting for resources, but not live interactive animals typically): Cervidae
Primarily a source for crafting resources (leather, bones) through looting or specific contexts rather than live hunting encounters in the city.
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Story & Characters
Main Characters
Aiden Caldwell: Protagonist (Pilgrim)
An infected survivor with exceptional parkour and combat abilities. He travels to The City searching for his sister, Mia, from whom he was separated during GRE experiments as a child. Aiden is resourceful, determined, and his choices shape the fate of Villedor.
Lawan: Ally / Potential Romantic Interest
A strong, independent, and cynical survivor in The City, driven by a desire for revenge against Colonel Waltz. She becomes a crucial ally to Aiden and is skilled in combat and parkour. Voiced and motion-captured by Rosario Dawson.
Hakon: Ally / Nightrunner
An experienced Nightrunner who helps Aiden navigate The City early in his journey. He is knowledgeable about survival and the city's factions but has his own hidden agenda and complex allegiances.
Colonel Lucas Waltz: Main Antagonist (Former GRE Scientist / Renegade Leader)
A brilliant but ruthless scientist formerly with the GRE, now the leader of the Renegades. He is obsessed with finding a cure for his own condition and is connected to Aiden and Mia's past experiments. He possesses superhuman abilities due to self-experimentation.
Frank Marwey: Supporting Character / Former Nightrunner Leader
The former leader of the Nightrunners, now a disillusioned and alcoholic owner of the Fish Eye Canteen. He possesses valuable information and contacts within The City.
Major Jack Matt: Faction Leader (Peacekeepers)
The stern and militaristic commander of the Peacekeepers in the Central Loop. He seeks to impose order and security through strict control and military might.
Sophie: Faction Figure (Survivors - Old Villedor)
A key figure among the Survivors in the Bazaar in Old Villedor, trying to protect her community. Her brother, Barney, often causes trouble.
Carl: Faction Figure (Survivors - Central Loop)
One of the leaders of the Survivors faction operating from the PK Floating Fortress in the Central Loop, advocating for a more communal and less authoritarian approach.
Various other supporting characters: Quest Givers, Faction Members, Survivors
Numerous other characters populate The City, offering quests, information, and representing the diverse struggles of those living in the post-apocalypse.
The player-customizable protagonist (male or female options, voice acting changes accordingly). A fierce and respected Viking warrior who leads their clan from Norway to England to build a new home. Eivor is also revealed to be a reincarnation of Odin (Havi) and grapples with this divine connection throughout the story.
Eivor's ambitious and charismatic adoptive older brother, and the Jarl of their clan. He believes himself to be descended from the gods and seeks glory and a divine destiny, which often puts him at odds with Eivor and leads to conflict.
Basim Ibn Ishaq / Loki: Ally (Initially) / Antagonist / Hidden One Master
A Master Hidden One from Constantinople who travels to Norway with Sigurd. He mentors Eivor in the ways of the Hidden Ones and their conflict with the Order of the Ancients. His true identity as a reincarnation of the Norse god Loki is a major plot reveal, making him a complex antagonist with his own agenda.
Layla Hassan (Modern Day Protagonist): Modern Day Protagonist / Assassin
The modern-day protagonist using the Animus to relive Eivor's memories. Her story arc from previous games continues as she seeks to prevent another global catastrophe, interacting with other modern-day Assassins like Shaun Hastings and Rebecca Crane.
King Alfred the Great of Wessex: Antagonist / Historical Figure
The king of Wessex, the last major Saxon kingdom resisting Viking incursions. A pious, intelligent, and cunning ruler who also operates in the shadows as the Grand Maegester of the Order of the Ancients in England.
Sigurd's wife and the chief strategist for the Raven Clan in Ravensthorpe. Eivor consults with her at the Alliance Map to pledge to different regions in England. A potential romantic interest for Eivor.
Valka: Ally / Raven Clan Seer
The Raven Clan's seer (völva). She provides Eivor with potions that induce visions, allowing them to experience mythological events in Asgard and Jotunheim as Havi (Odin).
Hytham: Ally / Hidden One Apprentice
Basim's young apprentice in the Hidden Ones. He tasks Eivor with hunting down and eliminating members of the Order of the Ancients throughout England, managing the Hidden Ones Bureau in Ravensthorpe.
Various kings, ealdormen, jarls, and thegns Eivor interacts with and forms alliances with (or deposes) across the different shires of England. Their individual storylines form the regional story arcs.
Fulke: Antagonist / Order of the Ancients Agent
A sadistic and fanatical agent of the Order of the Ancients who plays a key role in Sigurd's capture and torment, believing him to be a divine being.
The Builder (Asgard Vision): Antagonist (Mythological)
A Jotun (giant) who tricks the Aesir gods in Asgard, encountered during Eivor's vision quests as Havi.
Example Missions
Main Story Quests (Aiden's Search for Mia)
A series of narrative-driven missions that follow Aiden Caldwell's journey to find his sister Mia, unravel his past with the GRE experiments, and navigate the faction conflicts within Villedor. These missions involve critical choices that shape the city and its inhabitants.
Side Quests (Citizen Requests & Stories)
Numerous optional quests given by various NPCs throughout The City. These offer diverse scenarios, from helping survivors with personal problems and investigating mysteries to undertaking dangerous tasks for factions or individuals. They provide XP, rewards, and further insight into the world.
Key missions where Aiden must secure and assign control of vital city infrastructure (Water Towers, Electrical Stations) to either the Peacekeepers or the Survivors. This choice permanently alters the zone, adding faction-specific parkour aids (e.g., PK traps, Survivor ziplines/airbags) and changing NPC presence.
GRE Anomaly Fights (Revenants)
Night-time boss encounters against powerful, unique infected called Revenants found at specific GRE Anomaly sites. Defeating them rewards Combat XP, valuable loot, and often Inhibitors.
GRE Quarantine Buildings & Dark Hollows
Daytime-infested or night-time high-risk indoor locations that contain valuable loot, crafting materials, and Inhibitors. GRE Quarantines are multi-level challenges, while Dark Hollows are smaller but often guarded by Volatiles at night.
Windmills & Metro Stations (Safe Zone Activation)
Activate windmills by completing parkour challenges to power them up, creating new Survivor safe zones. Clear out infected and restore power to Metro Stations to unlock them as fast travel points and larger safe zones.
Airdrops & Military Convoys
Locate and loot valuable supplies from GRE airdrops (often on rooftops or in dangerous areas) and abandoned military convoys. These contain high-tier gear, crafting parts, and Inhibitors.
Parkour Challenges & Combat Challenges
Timed challenges that test Aiden's parkour skills (reaching checkpoints within a time limit) or combat abilities (defeating waves of enemies). Award medals and XP based on performance.
Story DLC Missions (e.g., 'Bloody Ties')
Self-contained narrative expansions with new storylines, characters, locations, and rewards. 'Bloody Ties' focuses on a brutal arena tournament.
Main Story Arcs (Norway, England Pledges, Asgard/Jotunheim Visions, Order of the Ancients Hunt, Modern Day)
The overarching narrative divided into several major arcs: Eivor's departure from Norway, establishing Ravensthorpe and forging alliances by pledging to various shires in England (each a self-contained regional storyline), experiencing mythological sagas as Havi in Asgard and Jotunheim, systematically hunting down members of the Order of the Ancients, and Layla Hassan's modern-day investigation into Isu mysteries and a looming global threat.
Raids
Lead Eivor's Viking crew on longship raids against monasteries, encampments, and fortresses along rivers in England to pillage Raw Materials and Supplies needed for upgrading the Ravensthorpe settlement. Involves combat and breaking open chests/doors with crew assistance.
Assaults (Large Scale Battles)
Major story-driven battles where Eivor and their allies (often from pledged regions) lay siege to large enemy fortresses or defend against significant attacks. These involve multiple stages, siege weapons, and fighting alongside numerous AI combatants.
World Events (Mysteries)
Short, often quirky, self-contained narrative encounters found throughout the world. These can range from helping a child find their pet, to resolving a dispute between villagers, or participating in a bizarre local custom. They offer XP and a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people.
Flyting Duels (Mysteries)
Engage in a battle of wits and rhyming insults with various NPCs. Winning requires choosing the correct responses that match the opponent's rhythm and theme, increasing Eivor's Charisma (which unlocks unique dialogue options).
Offering Altars (Mysteries)
Find altars that require a specific offering (e.g., a certain number of fish, animal parts, or silver) to appease local spirits or fulfill a request. Completing these rewards skill points.
Standing Stone Puzzles (Mysteries)
Environmental puzzles where Eivor must find the correct vantage point to align symbols carved on standing stones, revealing a larger pattern. Rewards skill points.
Treasures of Britain (Mysteries)
Explore dangerous, puzzle-filled Isu (First Civilization) vaults hidden across England to collect mysterious tablets. Collecting all of them unlocks the legendary weapon Excalibur.
Legendary Animal Hunts (Mysteries)
Track and defeat exceptionally powerful and unique animals found in specific locations. Rewards include XP, resources, and a trophy for the longhouse in Ravensthorpe.
Lost Drengr (Mysteries)
Challenge and defeat six legendary Viking warriors, former members of Ragnar Lothbrok's army, who seek a glorious death in battle. Each is a difficult duel.
Daughters of Lerion (Mysteries)
Defeat three powerful and mystical sisters who guard pieces of Thor's armor set. Each is a challenging boss fight with unique magical abilities.
Fly Agaric Hallucination Challenges (Mysteries)
Consume Fly Agaric mushrooms to enter a hallucinatory state and solve a short environmental puzzle or complete a bizarre task. Rewards skill points.
Animus Anomalies (Mysteries)
Modern-day data fragments manifested as glitched platforming puzzles in the historical simulation. Eivor (controlled by Layla) must navigate these unstable structures to retrieve Isu data. Rewards lore.
River Raids (Repeatable Game Mode)
A separate repeatable game mode where Eivor leads their Jomsvikings on raids along various rivers to find new gear, resources, and Books of Knowledge. Features unique river maps and upgradable Jomsviking barracks.
Tombs of the Fallen (Free DLC)
Explore hidden Isu tombs filled with environmental puzzles and platforming challenges to uncover powerful artifacts and lore.
DLC Story Campaigns (Wrath of the Druids, The Siege of Paris, Dawn of Ragnarök)
Major expansions with their own main questlines, new regions (Ireland, Francia, Svartalfheim), characters, enemies, gear, and abilities.
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Multiplayer
Multiplayer Details
Features a 4-player online cooperative mode, allowing players to experience the entire main story campaign and most side activities together. Players can join a host's game, and progression is largely tied to the host, though players retain their character progression and inventory. Co-op enhances combat and exploration with team tactics.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is primarily a single-player experience. It does not feature traditional cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes. Some online elements exist, such as sharing photos, avenging fallen players (community Jomsvikings), and the River Raids mode which allows recruiting other players' Jomsvikings for your crew.
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Editions & DLC
Available Editions
Available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions. Deluxe Edition included digital artbook, soundtrack, exclusive weapon charms, wallpapers, comic, and the first story DLC ('Bloody Ties'). Ultimate Edition included all Deluxe content, plus the second story DLC (yet to be released as of mid-2024), 2h Night XP Boost, crafting items, and two more outfit/weapon skin packs. A Collector's Edition with physical items was also available.
Available in Standard, Gold (includes Season Pass), Ultimate (Gold content + Ultimate Pack with Berserker items, settlement pack, runes), and Collector's Edition (Ultimate content + Eivor statue, SteelBook, art prints, soundtrack, certificate). A Ragnarök Edition included the base game and the 'Dawn of Ragnarök' expansion. The Complete Edition bundles the base game and all major expansions.
Post-Launch Content / DLC
Techland has committed to 5+ years of post-launch support. The first story DLC, 'Bloody Ties' (arena combat themed), has been released. A second major story DLC is planned. Numerous free updates have added new content, features (like transmog, new parkour challenges, graphics options), seasonal events, and cosmetic packs (Chapter Agents, skin bundles).
Valhalla received extensive post-launch support. This includes two major paid story expansions: 'Wrath of the Druids' (set in Ireland) and 'The Siege of Paris' (set in Francia). A third large expansion, 'Dawn of Ragnarök,' (mythological focus, playing as Odin/Havi) was also released. Numerous free updates added content like River Raids, Mastery Challenges, Tombs of the Fallen, seasonal festivals (Yule, Ostara, Sigrblot, Oskoreia), New Game+, transmog, and 'The Last Chapter' (a free story epilogue).
help_outline
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dying Light 2 a direct sequel to the first Dying Light? A: Yes, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is set approximately 20 years after the events of the original Dying Light and its 'The Following' expansion. While it features a new protagonist (Aiden) and setting (The City of Villedor), it exists in the same universe and references past events and characters like Spike.
Q: How important are choices in Dying Light 2? A: Choices are a significant gameplay mechanic. Aiden's decisions during main quests and some side quests can have major consequences, affecting faction control over city districts (which changes the environment with faction-specific parkour tools or traps), the fate of characters, and the overall narrative outcome. The game features multiple ending variations.
Q: What is the Day/Night cycle like? A: The Day/Night cycle is a core feature. Daytime is generally safer for exploration and completing objectives, with fewer aggressive infected. Night-time is extremely dangerous, with more powerful infected like Volatiles roaming the streets. However, night offers increased XP gain and access to specific locations (like Dark Hollows and Forsaken Stores) that contain valuable loot but are heavily infested during the day.
Q: How does the infection mechanic work for Aiden? A: Aiden is infected with the Harran Virus. He wears a biomarker that tracks his immunity levels. When in darkness or away from UV light sources for too long, his immunity drops, and if it reaches zero, he will turn into a Viral. Players must manage this by using UV lamps, UV shrooms, inhibitors, or returning to safe zones before turning.
Q: Are there firearms in Dying Light 2? A: The base game is heavily focused on melee combat and bows due to a story premise that firearms and ammunition became extremely scarce after The Fall. While some makeshift firearms like the 'Boomstick' (a craftable shotgun) exist, and more traditional firearms were added in later updates (like the 'Firearms Update' in early 2024), melee remains the primary combat style.
Q: Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla a traditional Assassin's Creed game? A: Valhalla blends traditional Assassin's Creed elements (stealth, assassinations with the Hidden Blade, conflict between Hidden Ones/Order of the Ancients, modern-day story) with significant action RPG mechanics (skill trees, gear upgrades, dialogue choices, large open world, settlement building). It leans more into the RPG aspects than earlier titles in the series.
Q: Can I play as a male or female Eivor? A: Yes, players can choose to play as either a male Eivor (Varinsson) or a female Eivor (Varinsdottir). The story and dialogue are largely the same for both, with voice acting being the primary difference. Players can also let the Animus choose, which sometimes switches between them at key moments (canonically, Eivor is female).
Q: What is Ravensthorpe, and how does settlement building work? A: Ravensthorpe is the Viking settlement Eivor establishes in England. Players can upgrade the settlement by constructing various buildings (e.g., blacksmith, barracks, trading post, hunter's hut, seer's hut, museum) using resources gathered from raids. Each building provides new services, quests, characters, or passive benefits for Eivor and their clan.
Q: Are there choices and consequences in Valhalla? A: Yes, Valhalla features numerous dialogue choices and decisions during quests that can impact character relationships, the outcome of regional story arcs, alliances, and even aspects of the main story's ending. Some choices have more significant long-term consequences than others.
Q: What are the Asgard and Jotunheim sequences? A: These are vision quests where Eivor, through Valka's potions, experiences events from Norse mythology as Havi (another name for Odin). These sequences feature unique mythical environments, characters (like Thor, Loki, Freya, Tyr), and storylines that tie into the Isu lore and Eivor's own destiny.
Q: Does Valhalla have naval combat like previous AC games? A: While Eivor has a longship for river and sea travel and for initiating raids, direct ship-to-ship naval combat with cannons and complex maneuvers (like in Black Flag or Odyssey) is not a primary feature. The longship is mainly for transport, raiding party deployment, and navigating waterways. Limited ranged combat from the ship is possible.
build
Technical Details
Graphics & Visual Fidelity
Powered by Techland's C-Engine, the game showcases a detailed and dilapidated urban environment. It features advanced lighting, dense geometry, volumetric fog, and detailed character/infected models. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity but also being very demanding.
Powered by AnvilNext 2.0, Valhalla showcases detailed and expansive environments, from the fjords of Norway to the rolling hills and forests of England, and the mythical realms. It features impressive lighting, weather effects, and detailed character models. The game's art style captures the rugged beauty of the Viking Age and the distinct cultures of Norse and Anglo-Saxon societies.
Audio & Soundtrack
Original score composed by Olivier Deriviere, featuring a dynamic system that adapts the music to gameplay intensity and player actions (e.g., during parkour sequences or intense combat). Sound design emphasizes visceral melee impacts, distinct infected vocalizations, and the atmospheric tension of night-time exploration. The Biomarker's ticking sound adds to the infection mechanic's urgency.
Original score composed by Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik (of Wardruna). The music blends epic orchestral themes with authentic Norse folk instrumentation and vocals, creating a powerful and atmospheric soundscape. Features Viking chants, sea shanties sung by Eivor's crew, and ambient tracks reflecting the different regions. Sound design includes visceral combat sounds, distinct weapon effects, and immersive environmental audio.
User Interface (UI/UX)
First-person HUD displaying health, stamina, infection timer (biomarker), equipped weapon/tool, and objective markers. A compass aids navigation. Crafting and inventory menus are accessible. Skill trees are visually represented. The day-night cycle and infection status are prominent UI elements.
Features a customizable HUD with health, adrenaline, stamina, and equipped abilities/tools. A compass with objective markers aids navigation. The world map is extensive with filters for activities and collectibles. Menus for inventory, skills, abilities, quests, and settlement management are accessible. Eagle Vision (Odin's Sight) highlights enemies, loot, and points of interest.
Accessibility Options
Offers a range of accessibility options: customizable controls (key remapping on PC), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, options to change QTEs from taps to holds, aim assist, adjustable FOV (PC), motion blur toggle, head bob toggle, and various audio/visual cues.
Offers a wide range of accessibility options, including extensive control remapping, subtitle and caption customization (size, background, speaker names), options for QTEs (hold vs. tap), aim assist options, colorblind modes, options to reduce camera motion/screen effects, audio cues for important events, and adjustable text/icon sizes.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 3080 Mobile or RTX 4080 Mobile would provide a more stable high RT experience.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 4050 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile would be significantly better for RT.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile (8GB) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile (High TGP) will provide excellent 1080p High performance.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB SSD (Current total size larger)
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, No Ray Tracing)(High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p/60FPS without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range to high-end laptop CPUs.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/60FPS High without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM crucial.
RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: SSD strongly recommended.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M. **An RTX 3060 Mobile (High TGP) or RTX 4060 Mobile is a good target for 1080p High 60FPS.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile (6GB) / RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB). **An RTX 3060 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile (High TGP) is a good target for 1080p High.**
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB SSD (Current total size larger)
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Newer i5/Ryzen 5 H-series recommended.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is absolute minimum.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: HDD is absolute minimum, expect long load times.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-9100 or AMD Ryzen 3 2300X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 560 (4GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500M. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be a much better entry point for stable 1080p Low/Medium.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile (4GB) / GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB). **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be a much better entry point for stable 1080p Low/Medium.**
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB HDD (SSD Recommended for base game, current total size larger)
1440p (QHD/2K) - High RT (1440p ~60 FPS, High RT Preset with DLSS/FSR Performance)(Ray Tracing High Preset, DLSS/FSR Performance)
CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Top-tier laptop CPUs.
GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS with High RT.
GPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop GPUs needed. 12GB+ VRAM essential.
RAM: 32GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-11700K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (12GB) / RTX 4070 Ti (12GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4090 Mobile would be better. Even then, fine-tuning settings and upscaling will be essential.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
—
1440p (QHD/2K) - Very High (1440p ~60 FPS, Very High Preset)(Very High Preset)
CPU: CPU for 1440p/60FPS Very High.
CPU (Laptop): High-end laptop CPU.
GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS Very High.
GPU (Laptop): High-end laptop GPUs. 8GB+ VRAM critical.
RAM: 16GB RAM essential.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 3080 Mobile or RTX 4080 Mobile would be better for consistent 1440p Very High/Ultra performance.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB NVMe SSD (Current total size larger)
CPU: Desktop CPU for 4K/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs absolute necessity.
GPU: Top-tier desktop GPU for attempting 4K/60FPS with RT, heavily reliant on upscaling.
GPU (Laptop): The absolute best laptop GPU available, and will still struggle without aggressive upscaling and optimized RT settings.
RAM: 32GB RAM essential.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Achieving stable 4K/60FPS with high ray tracing settings on a laptop is extremely challenging. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be required for a more comfortable experience at this level. (Highly Speculative)**
layersRAM: 32 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
—
2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultra (2160p/4K ~30 FPS, Ultra High Preset)(Ultra High Preset)
CPU: CPU for attempting 4K/30FPS Ultra.
CPU (Laptop): Top-tier laptop CPUs.
GPU: Desktop GPU for 4K Ultra at 30FPS.
GPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop GPUs. 10GB+ VRAM highly recommended.
RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB highly recommended for 4K Ultra.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-10980HK / AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS or better. **Modern flagship Intel/AMD HX series (e.g., 13900HX, 7945HX).**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Mobile (10GB/16GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4080 Mobile/RTX 4090 Mobile would be needed for higher FPS or more stable 4K. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (RTX 50-series) would target smoother 4K Ultra.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 50 GB NVMe SSD (Current total size larger)
save Overall Storage
Spec: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Note: An NVMe SSD is recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and fast loading. Type: SSD
Spec: Approx. 130 GB for base game + all DLCs (SSD Recommended). Base game around 70-80GB. Note: An NVMe SSD is highly recommended for the best experience, minimizing load times and improving asset streaming. Type: SSD
desktop_windows Operating System
Spec: Windows 7 (No longer officially supported post-launch updates), Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and best performance.
Spec: Windows 10 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
gamepad DirectX Version
Spec: DirectX 11 (DirectX 12 recommended for ray tracing and potentially better performance on compatible hardware) Explanation: DX11 is minimum, DX12 offers advanced features.
Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required.
info_outline Other Game Notes
Official system requirements from Techland. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense city areas), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical. **Dying Light 2 is a demanding title, especially with ray tracing enabled. High-end laptop hardware is necessary for higher settings and resolutions.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Game Name: Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Official PC system requirements from Ubisoft. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense settlements or large battles), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a demanding title, especially at higher resolutions or with maxed-out settings due to its large, detailed world.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during raids and exploration.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for NPC simulation, large-scale battles, and world streaming.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions may require mods or specific game updates). DLSS support is not native but might be possible via mods on PC for some users.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: World Details, Clutter, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, Screen Space Reflections, Character Texture Quality, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game offers an adaptive quality setting.
Game Name: Assassin Creed Valhalla
build Optimization Details
Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions may require mods or specific game updates). DLSS support is not native but might be possible via mods on PC for some users.
Key Settings Impact: World Details, Clutter, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, Screen Space Reflections, Character Texture Quality, and Anti-Aliasing heavily impact performance. The game offers an adaptive quality setting.
laptop Laptop Considerations
G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance during raids and exploration.
C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for NPC simulation, large-scale battles, and world streaming.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
info_outline
Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements.
Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc.
Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.