While the Assassin’s Creed series needed a little time to find its footing as far as its gameplay was concerned, it has always hit the ball right out of the park where the level design is concerned. Every map in the series has looked superb for its time, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has only furthered this legacy.
The game, which was the largest one to date in the franchise at its release, boasted all the popular locations in the Greek world. However, simply listing landmarks does not do the level design justice. Players have consistently preferred certain locations based on aesthetic quality and the diversity in the setting.
Updated September 29, 2022, by Patrick Armstrong: The Assassin’s Creed series is a globetrotting one. The franchise has covered numerous locations, cultures, and time periods over its lengthy run, giving players the chance to step into enormous and beautiful worlds and soak up the sights whenever they get weary of killing. Odyssey continues this trend, and the game arguably offers some of the most breathtaking locations in the entire series. From its temples and tombs to its towns and cities, Assassin's Creed Odyssey has no shortage of beautiful and awe-inspiring locations. Many of these are easy to get to, while a few take extra effort to reach. Either way, the player is always rewarded with an unforgettable sight.
18 The Sanctuary Of Delphi
Nestled among the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the Sanctuary of Delphi is home to the Temple of Apollo within which the people of Greece sought an audience with the Pythia. The golds and copper tones of the foliage melt seamlessly into the gray of the surrounding rock, letting the Sanctuary exude a subtle, calming aura.
While the Temple with its white stone and many columns is one of the Sanctuary’s most impressive sights, the rising half-circle of the Greek theater has a splendor all its own, especially when seen from above. In all, the Sanctuary of Delphi mixes overt architectural splendor with the quieter sights of homes and businesses, giving it a bit of everything for tourists who need a break from developing their skills.
17 The Acropolis Of Akrokorinth
The Acropolis of Akrokorinth is situated on a great hill and is the site of the city’s Temple of Aphrodite. Overlooking the city and the sea, the Acropolis is a sight to behold, especially at night. Nestled behind fortified walls and seated at the apex of the hill, the Temple is quite a sight from the outside, but it’s equally impressive from within.
Inside the Temple, the player finds detailed frescoes, and their detail is one of this area’s most impressive features. The stone looks appropriately weathered, and the paint, despite being faded and scuffed in places, captures the art of the period and manages to tell a simple but effective story. It’s as easy to get lost staring at the frescoes within as it is to get lost staring at the sea beyond, which is enough for the Acropolis to rank amongst the game’s greatest sights.
16 Delos Island
The Aegean Sea has a splendor all of its own, and the Island of Delos, located within the Aegean, shares that beauty. Though its sister island of Mykonos may be the better known of the Silver Islands, Delos has beautiful sights of its own to offer, even if one isn't looking for fish.
While the island has tremendous religious significance, it’s incredible on a mundane level as well, thanks to its white sand beaches, wind-chewed cliffs, and pristine water. Whether one is walking among the trees by the shore or climbing up to the mold-encrusted ruins, Delos Island is a varied and engaging environment that begs to be explored and admired.
15 Snake Temple
This curious location appears fairly early in the Demi-god's journey. It appears to be a ruined temple or building which isn't out of place across Greece. However, this weird thing also has a bunch of cultists hanging around. Oh, and there's a giant snake bone carcass scattered throughout the site.
Located in the Valley of the Snake in Phokis, the snake is a reference to one that Apollo killed. Ubisoft has confirmed this while talking about Delphi and the Oracle's original name: Pytho (like Python).
14 Erymanthos Peaks
Located in the region of Achaia, the Erymanthos Peaks can sometimes be overlooked by players for one reason. It is the home of the toughest boss fight in the form of the Erymanthian boar. Due to this match-up, many justify skipping the visually breathtaking location.
But it’s worth a revisit to this area once the boar is dealt with -- specifically the foothills of these peaks. Here, players can find lush green vistas and even meadows that cover the mountains and accompanying valleys. Out of the many landscapes in the game, this area might be the most vibrant.
13 Gortyn Waterfall
Fans of the MCU’s Black Panther know the significance and power that waterfalls represent. In fact, this waterfall bears a striking resemblance to the one seen in the aforementioned movie. Not only that, but fighters are also seen here battling the same way as was shown in the film.
It’s a great place to visit in its own right as well, as the waterfall overlooks the city of Gortyn and is situated by the side of the Temple of Demeter. Making a leap of faith from the bronze-hued pools and into the water below is quite a sight to behold.
12 White Crystal Hills In Lokris
After some time playing the game and traversing the many areas, the player would be inclined to not be so wowed by most of the surroundings. But this is an area that always gets people interested. Here, there’s an instant feeling of awe that comes from the vast fields of salt.
The area covers the hills and banks that are rich with salt with workers seen going about their duties to pick the salt. Nobody can resist the urge to walk on this ground and the view is exceptional when looking down from higher ground.
11 Atlantis
Within the game, players have the chance to visit the gateway to Atlantis halfway through the story. This would’ve easily been the greatest location in all the Assassin’s Creed games had players had the option of venturing in. However, the DLC THe Fate of Atlantis makes it possible for players to explore the sunken city of legend.
Although players couldn't originally enter it, the console room of sorts that provides knowledge of the Pieces of Eden is awe-inspiring enough. An enormous simulation of the city can be seen in the grand hall and it helps that the blue tinge makes everything seem mystical and ethereal.
10 Statue Of Athena (Athens)
Odyssey is a game full of statues of gods, goddesses, men, and animals alike. But one of the best to behold (and climb) is the statue of Athena. In the real world, this statue has stood outside the Parthenon in Athens on the Akropolis since around 500 BCE.
Not only is it a fantastic location for history buffs, but it also provides a great view of the city from its zenith. Kassandra/Alexios can see the markets, temples, and people from Athena's perspective.
9 Spring of Peirene
Near to the Temple of Aphrodite in the area known as Akrokorinth, this section has its own mythology in real life. As such, it appears that the developers gave extra care to its presentation. While Aphrodite’s Temple might be a more distinct sight, this spring is a more sanguine one.
It’s the place players want to go to for a pick-me-up as the surroundings are covered with beautiful flowers and an air of tranquility. The place’s setting is the closest people can come to a place in the game where a light breeze could be felt by the serenity it evokes.
8 Theater of Dionysos
The remarkable quality of this location is just how closely it resembles its real-life counterpart. The Theater of Dionysos, which can be visited in actuality if one has the means, still stands around the same way as was shown in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
In the game, players could find characters like Sokrates hanging around while many side missions are also conducted here. It’s truly one of the more breathtaking architectural works with more than two thousand years on display. The fine crafting of the area makes it one of the most highly visited locations in the game.
7 The Statue Of Zeus (Kephallonia)
Though there are many beautiful places in the game, many players found a fondness for the starting area of Kefalonia. It might get a bad rep in the game, but there are some truly lovely places on the island. The Statue of Zeus throwing a lightning bolt is one such spot.
It is one of the first major places where the player character can sync up with their hawk companion. But it also features some divisive artistic aspects of classic Greek stonework.
6 Lalaia
Fans of the Spring of Peirene are guaranteed to enjoy this lovely spot, too. Lalaia is an entire village for the player to visit where the gorgeous plant life brings together the scenic setting. After indulging in so many cities in the game, it’s also one of the best places to cool off.
Making it even more impressive is how Lalaia is nestled within a valley. This brings with it the chance to gaze at the village from one of the higher peaks of the mountain and choose the best-looking spot to hang out.
5 Mykonos City
More of a blend of a city and a village, this place in Mykonos is one area that is busy and happening. The view arriving from the sea itself tells a story of interesting things waiting to happen. Just as in real-life, Mykonos City boasts a scenic view to envy.
The main attraction is the Temple of Artemis which stands as a beacon for travelers. However, it is the surrounding areas are where one ventures to gain side missions and really take in the sights of the city.
4 Forest Islands
These islands span a variety of islands in the Greek world, but they all have a common theme attached to them: forests. Unlike some other areas that had a tree or two here and there, the Forest Islands housed them in abundance.
The trees in these places are so rich in quantity that a green tint floats around the neighboring environments. Traveling within the Forest Islands provides a 360-degree view of the beauty of nature, and it’s very hard to top something impossible to manufacture.
3 Knossos Palace
Players will remember Knossos Palace for three things: the kid whose father died in the labyrinth, the Minotaur, and its beautiful ruins. Though the exterior of the labyrinth may be crumbling, the artistry of the buildings still stands out. The entrance to the labyrinth also inspires simultaneous appreciation and trepidation in players.
After all, a giant hole in the ground with two giant minotaur statues holding axes and pointing downward isn't exactly welcoming. But it's a fantastically crafted area worthy of exploration.
2 Snow Mountain In Taygetos
Almost every person who has played Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has no clue that they can walk into a snowy area and overlook what seems like the entire Greek world. The snowy mountain is a seldom-visited site that is easily the greatest peak in the game. So much so that the main character even remarks that the peak was the most magnificent spot to visit.
It is located to the south of the mountain range found in Taygetos; climbing to it is a long process. However, it pays off well as snow slowly starts making its appearance until the player finds themselves in a beautiful landscape filled with ice that has incredible clouds and landscapes.
1 Lesbos
Lesbos is technically a part of the Forest Islands, but it is not a traditionally "beautiful" part of it. Specifically, players enjoyed the Petrified Valley near the town of Eresos. Not only did it develop an extremely creepy ambiance, but it was also the lair of the Gorgon Medusa.
This location provides a lovely juxtaposition of beauty vs. malice or life vs. non-life. It's difficult to say "death" because there are shrubs and insects in the valley just as there are people there (they are just petrified). More so than almost any other location in the game, this location perfectly captures the visual metaphors that stand out as a motif in the game.