The Assassin's Creed franchise has been around for quite some time, but it has found a way to keep itself fresh. Most of the early games focused on exploring the world's history and adding the Assassin vs. Templar narrative. However, ever since the release of Assassin's Creed Origins, Ubisoft has been exploring a new formula for Assassin's Creed. In its last three games, players have gotten the chance to dive into the theological aspects of the cultures in question.
In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the player gets the chance to follow Eivor during the Vikings' expansion across England. Aside from dealing with conflicts with Anglo-Saxon England, Eivor comes to close contact with the Nordic gods through a seer and an elixir. The connection between Eivor and Odin is no small part of the plot of Assassin's Cree: Valhalla. There is no denying that Nordic mythology played a huge part in the game and is one of the reasons it made this installment so attractive. It only makes sense if Ubisoft considered Hinduism next.
Isu Deities
So far, players have seen the Egyptian, Greek, and Nordic deities in Assassin's Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, respectively. Given the success of these installments, maybe it is time for Ubisoft to consider delving into Hinduism for its next game. This would not be the first time Assassin's Creed sets place in India, as Assassin's Creed Chronicles (India) did explore the Asian country. Still, it might be time to have a full title dedicated to Hindu mythology.
If Ubisoft were to set the next game in India, there is definitely a lot of interesting mythology to dive into. Just like it happens with the religions explored in previous Assassin's Creed titles, Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with several deities that have impressive stories. All of these religions also have in common the fact that they closely intertwine with the history of the culture which practices it. In that sense, an Assassin's Creed title based on Hinduism could keep the historical-theological bond the latest games have been exploring.
Depending on the type of Hinduism considered, the game could include figures like Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganesha. Just as it happens with Assassin's Creed Valhalla, each of these deities has a personality and a symbolism that sets them apart. The game could easily tackle Hindu mythology as a series of backstories tied to the game's main character.
Festivities Like AC Valhalla
Another important part of Assassin's Creed Valhalla are the special events released as updates. The game offered additional content each season that was related to the Nordic festivities. For instance, Assassin's Creed Valhalla players got a chance to celebrate Ostara and try out new quests which included decorating Raventhorpse for the occasion.
With a title based on Hinduism, fans could also get the opportunity to explore seasonal content related to the religion's festivities in Assassin's Creed. The game could offer an update for festivities such as Pongal which happens in mid-January and is a popular harvest festival to celebrate that days start gradually increasing. In other words, Pongal is the celebration of the end of the winter solstice.
Just as it happens with Ostara, Pongal lasts several days which could make for a great season event. Players could also get the chance to decorate for the festivities, while also doing side quests. Additionally, there could be events for other important Hindu festivals such as Bhogi or Ugadi.
How a Hindu inspired Assassin's Creed would fit the series
Earlier this year, someone who claimed to be an insider from Ubisoft posted a picture which seemed like an Assassin's Creed map of India. Sure enough, this post stirred up the game's fanbase.
The creator of the post allegedly leaked information about the upcoming title of the franchise which would be set in India. According to this person, the new Assassin's Creed would have a female main character, and it would involve other areas such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. Although the information in the post has not been confirmed, it did seem to grab the attention of some fans, meaning that releasing an Assassin's Creed game set in India might not be such a bad idea.
Even more, the comic book Assassin's Creed Brahman actually takes place in India so Ubisoft might use the story as a starting point. Thanks to Assassin's Creed Brahman, Ubisoft would not have to start from scratch if it decided to create a game set in India. Following the game's lore, it would be fundamental to connect the story to the Isu. In Assassin's Creed lore, the Isu are a more advanced form of life that came before humans, and they could easily be tied into the game.
Furthermore, it would not be so difficult to connect the previous Assassin's Creed installments if there was a new title set in India. For one, Assassins are based on a Syrian sect called the Hashasheens, so maybe Ubisoft could find a way to connect the narrative of the Order of Assassins to India. Additionally, the historic aspect of India is not so far removed from Europe. It would be reasonable to tie Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Valhalla to an Indian story still based on the friction between Assassins and Templars.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.