The Best Games Featuring Vikings

Highlights

Viking-themed games like Jotun offer unique hand-drawn visuals and engage players in Norse mythology’s darkest aspects.
The Banner Saga
trilogy features tough decisions and tactical combat, drawing players into a richly detailed world with unique visuals.
Valheim
, a survival sandbox indie hit, may not be as visually impressive as other Viking games, but its impact and fun gameplay are undeniable.

As a passionate gamer with an unquenchable thirst for immersive experiences that transport me to new worlds and let me live out my wildest fantasies, I have had the pleasure of diving deep into the captivating realms of Viking-themed video games. My life has been enriched by these digital adventures, allowing me to explore the myths, legends, and rich history of this fascinating culture.

The age of Vikings has always been a popular destination in media, and gaming is no exception. With plenty of recognizable hallmarks, close connections to myths and divine presences, and the natural ruthlessness and brutality of such tales, Viking stories have fascinated audiences of all ages. Classic heroes standing strong against all odds, familiar themes of survival, deception, and revenge, the calming atmosphere of snow and desolation with the promise of unseen riches from upcoming raids, and the adventure of traveling to new lands have all attracted massive followings for Viking games across various genres.

Over the last few years, there’s been a surge in popularity for games with a Viking theme, such as “God of War” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” These influential titles have paved the way for smaller studios to create their own Viking-themed games. Notable examples include the indie sensation “Valheim.” Although we haven’t seen many big-budget games join this trend yet, let’s explore some top-notch Viking games released within the last decade that are sure to captivate fans.

6 Jotun

A Hand-Drawn Norse Quest To Regain Lost Honor

In the game “Jotun” developed by Thunder Lotus Games, you assume the role of Thora, a brave Viking woman who has been kept out of Valhalla. To restore her tarnished reputation, she needs to vanquish numerous giants scattered across various realms. This indie creation, filled with dedication and passion, boasts an exclusive hand-drawn aesthetic and exceptional art direction. As an action-adventure game steeped in Norse mythology, “Jotun” fearlessly draws players into its darkest corners.

In Jotun, players embark on an epic voyage through each of the Nine Realms, encountering vast landscapes and formidable adversaries. To amplify the thrill, Thora unleashes divine abilities during combat. While some may argue that the gameplay is repetitive, Jotun primarily excels in delivering a captivating narrative.

5 The Banner Saga

An Atmospheric, Story-Driven Journey With Tough Decisions And Tactical Combat

For anyone captivated by Vikings and seeking games with depth and thoughtfulness, The Banner Saga trilogy created by Stoic Studio is an excellent choice. This collection, steeped in Scandinavian influences, offers tactical turn-based battles, plentiful dialogue, and challenging decision-making that molds the narrative of each playthrough. As players encounter a myriad of well-developed characters, their allegiance or enmity will be determined, making every interaction significant. With an intriguing lore, distinctive world, and emotional storylines, some surprising plot twists may leave players with feelings of profound sadness.

An additional noteworthy aspect of The Banner Saga is its distinctive visual design, reminiscent of hand-drawn animated movies. The excellent music complements this style, intensifying the game’s captivating narrative and immersing players in a legendary journey brimming with challenging encounters and battles for their people’s survival.

4 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

An Immersive And Personal Story Told From A Unique Perspective

In an exceptional display by Ninja Theory, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice offers a distinctive Viking game experience. The intriguing narrative unfolds as Senua grapples with mental illness, blurring the lines between reality, deities, myths, emotions, and her inner torment. Players will struggle to discern truth from Senua’s trauma as she navigates this complex world. Moreover, the game delves deep into Norse mythology, reinterpreting legends and accurately portraying the era’s environment, lifestyle, and pressing concerns.

In the second installment of Senua’s saga, Hellblade 2, though not as captivating and unified as the first, it offers a valuable continuation to Senua’s journey. It delves deeper into unexplored themes and introduces new characters for her to engage with. The Norse and mythological elements are more prominent in this sequel, as Senua ventures into her adversary’s territory, encountering unexpected allies and confronting colossal giants. Furthermore, Hellblade 2 showcases some of the most impressive visual effects in video games yet, making it a must-play experience for its graphics alone.

3 God Of War (2018)

Kratos Feels Like A Perfect Fit For The Scandinavian Pantheon Of Gods

In 2018, God of War, produced by Santa Monica Studio, astonishingly surpassed Red Dead Redemption 2 to win Game of the Year. This is an impressive feat considering the high acclaim for the latter. The unexpected move of situating Kratos within the Norse gods’ realm led to a remarkable climax. The game offers not only a profound and moving narrative for its iconic hero, but also transports players into the rich Viking milieu in an engaging way.

The second installment, named Ragnarök, maintains the Scandinavian theme but with less balance. It mixes up beloved scenes and characters while keeping the action fast-paced. Key experiences include battling Thor, assuming the role of young Loki, initiating Ragnarök, and overpowering Odin the All-Father. These games have been a hit among Viking enthusiasts lately and are highly suggested for most gamers.

2 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Possibly The Most Immersive Recreation Of The Viking Lifestyle

In an engaging and simple manner, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla outshines God of War by providing a comprehensive Viking adventure. This game goes above and beyond with its expansive offerings, giving players an unprecedented experience that embodies the Viking world in its entirety. Unlike typical Assassin’s Creed games, Valhalla is predominantly an action-RPG set in the Viking era. Players can delve into vast territories such as Norway, England, Francia, Ireland, and Vinland. They have the freedom to raid fortifications, unearth sprawling cities, and interact with significant historical figures like Ivarr the Boneless, Harald Fairhair, and Aelfred the Great, to name a few.

Instead of just adding to the experience, Valhalla provides a fresh viewpoint by letting gamers experience Scandinavian myths from Odin’s perspective rather than in God of War Ragnarök. Players have the opportunity to discover nine legendary realms, including Asgard and Nidavellir, and confront epic Norse creatures such as Suttungr and Fenrir. The expansiveness and grandeur of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla set it apart, making it a must-have for players seeking an immersive Viking action-RPG adventure that can easily engross hundreds of hours of their time.

1 Valheim

Survival Sandbox Indie Hit With Loads Of Fun

At first glance, Valheim may not have the same level of depth or visual grandeur as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla or God of War, but it matches their epic stature in terms of influence. This popular game on Steam, which has garnered a large following, provides a cooperative survival experience with a Nordic flavor. Set in a purgatory generated procedurally and influenced by Viking culture, players must scavenge resources, construct ships and homes, forge weapons, hunt, raid, endure, and conquer to create their own legendary saga worthy of the bravest warriors.

Three years after its Early Access release, Valheim remains a work in progress with potential for increased fame once fully launched. However, this game is already refined and engaging, as shown during its successful debut in 2021. The team behind Valheim continues to add content updates, making it feel nearly complete while continuously enhancing the experience.

2024-07-29 16:33