The 1.1.2 update for Assassin's Creed Valhalla dropped just over a week ago, bringing bug fixes, game improvements, and new features to Ubisoft's action-RPG. One of the biggest additions in the update was the River Raids game mode, which is part of the Yule Season content. This means it's free for all Assassin's Creed Valhalla players, and is accessible after downloading 1.1.2.
The River Raids update brings an entirely new way for players to loot, pillage, and plunder in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The replayable game mode takes place across three new areas of England, as Eivor and their crew of Jomsvikings take a longship deep into enemy territory.
Getting Started
To begin the River Raids game mode, players will first need to meet Vagn, a new arrival in Ravensthorpe. Vagn is a raider in search of riches, riches that he's willing to share with Ravensthorpe if Eivor will build him a longship dock. After the building is complete, players will be able to conduct their first River Raid alongside Vagn and his crew.
River Raids are a little like dungeons in other games, they're more challenging than regular raids but also give better loot. Players should be careful however, because if Eivor dies during a River Raid then all the rewards that have been earned will be lost.
Before embarking on a River Raid, players must pick a number of Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Jomsvikings to accompany them. These warriors will fight alongside Eivor at the various stops along the river, and players will have to take care in looking after them.
Along the River
Once players begin a River Raid they'll find themselves on an enclosed map with several raiding opportunities. These range from small villages to large encampments protected by Assassin's Creed Valhalla's toughest enemies. Players can instruct their Jomsvikings to attack these settlements, defeating the occupants and allowing Eivor to scoop up any loot. Each attack on a settlement will increase the River Alert Gauge, causing more reinforcements to be present at the next settlement.
Eivor will need to rely on the Jomsvikings as the amount of enemies increases, and make sure they're equipped with enough Rations. Rations are healing items that Jomsvikings will use automatically when their health is low. Rations can also be used to revive a downed Jomsviking, but Eivor must reach them quickly to do so. Players can find Rations as loot in Assassin's Creed Valhalla's River Raids, allowing them to maintain their stock.
Players can check how a River Raid is going at any point by opening the River Raid Status page. This page displays the River Alert Gauge and the cargo counter, showing how many Foreign Supplies have been collected, and how full the longship's cargo hold is. Players will also be able to check the health of their Jomsvikings, and see how many rations each is carrying.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.