In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, there are four secret weapons made by the mysterious Isu that make for potent additions to Eivor's arsenal. In the series' lore, the Isu were a technologically advanced humanoid race that thrived thousands of years before the first known human civilizations. Though largely wiped out, some Isu still linger on throughout the Assassin's Creed games. More importantly, their works survived in the form of the Pieces of Eden and other notable items containing their power.
Each of Valhalla's secret weapons is a direct representation or allusion to mythological counterparts, like Thor's Mjölnir. Each Isu weapon has three rune slots and complements a specific playstyle. While players may want to obtain all four, they'll likely find that one suits them better than the others. Here's where to find Mjölnir, Excalibur, Gungnir, and Nodens' Arc in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Updated on October 14, 2023, by Ajay Aravind: Assasins Creed Mirage is the latest installment in the beloved franchise, having been released on October 5, 2023. That said, fans still enjoy playing and replaying AC Valhalla. The Isu reigned over the planet until the Great Catastrophe, following which this progressive species soon dwindled into nothingness. However, humanity owes the Isu everything, as they would not have existed without Project Anthropos. Those playing Valhalla can access four major Isu weapons, each of which has different attributes. As such, we've updated this feature with some more information about the AC Valhalla's Isu weapons.
Don Thor's Armor To Get Mjölnir In Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Mjölnir is the iconic hammer used by Thor, the thunder god in Norse mythology. While mainly employed as a weapon, it can also bring blessings down upon the deserving. There have been many references to Mjölnir over the last thousand years, including the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda. This hammer has most frequently been seen in the Marvel comic books and cinematic universe, where it is wielded by Thor himself. The story of Marvel's version of the hammer remains essentially the same; forged by Eitri, it comes into being as a result of Loki's machinations.
In AC Valhalla, an Isu named Thor uses Mjölnir, although the nature of the hammer remains the same. Along with the Æsir, Thor perishes in the Great Catastrophe, an event that's also remembered as Ragnarök (for obvious reasons). Eivor Varinsdottir is the first person in thousands of years to come across the hammer in Norway.
Mjölnir can only be obtained when the player is wearing a full set of Thor's armor. The first three pieces of the collection are received after defeating the Daughters of Lerion, then another can be found by using their daggers in a crypt near the Yare River. The final piece is a reward from Hytham after delivering every Order of the Ancients medallion obtained by assassinating its cult members. Hytham can be found within the Hidden Ones' Bureau at Ravensthorpe.
Once assembled, the player needs to head to Hordafylke in Norway. Mjölnir will be located near the region's northernmost reaches. However, it won't budge unless players have the full set of Thor's armor equipped beforehand.
The famous hammer has a chance to stun enemies nearby with every swing the player takes, 33 percent with a normal hit and guaranteed with finishers. It synergizes great with Thor's armor set, as it offers a speed increase after stunning an enemy and increasing the stun damage performed. Players should consider it an extra reward for all the legwork involved.
Obtaining Excalibur In Valhalla Means Hunting Zealots
Excalibur is probably the best-known weapon in Western European folklore, although its origins are relatively parochial. As King Arthur's legendary sword, Excalibur may or may not have magical powers — this depends on the source being referenced. However, this sword is meant to legitimize one man as the true ruler of Britain, making Excalibur the same as the Sword in the Stone. Interestingly, while the Lady of the Lake also offers Arthur a sword, this weapon isn't meant to be Excalibur. That said, many myths record both swords under the same name.
In AC Valhalla, Excalibur is a Sword of Eden forged by Hephaestus, an Isu scientist who confusingly shares his name with the Greek god of craftsmanship, blacksmithing, and metallurgy. Also referred to as Caladfwlch, Excalibur was originally created during the War of Unification before it was relocated to England. The sword has a somewhat detailed history in Assassin's Creed lore until it finally reaches the hands of Eivor Varinsdottir.
Players searching for the legendary sword Excalibur in Valhalla must first locate the 11 Treasure of Britain tablets sprawled across the map. Eight can be obtained in specific locations, while three more elusive tablets are on the persons of various Zealots. The first eight tablets can be tucked away in out-of-reach places or throughout caves and labyrinths. Grimes Graves, Santlache Mine, an Old Cellar in Essexe, Wiccan's Cave, Deoraby Spar Cavern, Red Lichen Cavern, and Wocig all hold a tablet obtainable after completing a short puzzle.
With eight obtained in these locations, only the three guarded by Zealots remain. Hrothgar, Heike, and Woden can be found haunting the main roads of their favored region. They don't stay in one place, and may require a little bit of exploration before crossing paths with the player. Hrothgar is in Suthsexe, Heike is in Essexe, and Woden is located in Cent.
With all 11 Treasure of Britain tablets, players can head to the northern parts of Hamtunscire and search out a cave. Deeper within the cavern lies a large pool of water with a submerged hidden passage. After emerging and proceeding through the next cave section, players will come across a former campsite belonging to Arthur and receptacles for the treasures they've collected. Once placed, the sword can be pulled from its stone. Excalibur blinds foes whenever performing a heavy finisher or landing a critical hit that can blind enemies.
Find Odin's Spear Gungnir During Eivor's "A Brother's Keeper" Quest
As Thor's father, Odin used to be one of the most celebrated deities, in both Norse Mythology and North European pagan religion. Just like Mjölnir is permanently associated with Thor, Odin is known for carrying a deadly spear called Gungnir. This weapon has several attributes, but one of them stands out: Gungnir never misses the target, no matter how the spear is thrown. The Prose Edda further states that Odin will be wielding Gungnir when he marches to Ragnarök, further showcasing this spear's relevance. Excluding the Marvel comic books, a significant reference to Gungnir comes in Der Ring des Nibelungen, Richard Wagner's iconic opera cycle.
According to AC Valhalla lore, Ivaldi is known to have forged the Spear of Eden Gungnir. This reference syncs with the original Norse mythology, which implies that Gungnir was created by the Sons of Ivaldi. An Isu character named Odin not only exists in Valhalla, but he's also reincarnated as Eivor Varinsdottir in 847 CE.
Odin's legendary spear, Gungnir, can only be obtained after reaching a certain point in Assassin's Creed Valhalla's story. The weapon is first obtainable during the quest "A Brother's Keeper," but players may return to the location if they missed Gungnir the first time around. During the quest, Eivor ends up in Hordafylke back in Norway. After following another character into a cave, the NPC will turn right at a fork in the path, but players should take a left here. There's a crack in the wall from which the spear's glowing aura can be spotted. After squeezing through the gap, players can claim Odin's weapon for themselves.
Gungnir has a forcefield surrounding it that extends the effective reach of the weapon. It's also no slouch before considering the range bonus, as it has incredible attack power and stun potential. The aura effect of the weapon can be seen both in and out of combat, making it one of the most visually impressive weapons in the game.
Equip Excalibur To Find Nodens' Arc In Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Nodens is one of the more interesting deities to be referenced in AC Valhalla, and not just because of his Celtic roots. Almost nothing is known about this god of healing and hunting, as a few artifacts imply that he was associated with canines. The Roman equivalent of Bodens is Mars, the Roman god of war who takes on a healer's mantle in Celtic folklore. J.R.R. Tolkien studied Nodens through various inscriptions, drawing a link to Nuada Airgetlám, the ruler of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Further, Tolkien academics believe that Nodens' mythology played a critical part in the author's writings. This Celtic god can also be found in H.P. Lovecraft's work, but he's not nearly as malevolent as entities like Cthulhu.
The Nodens' Arc is a bow that doesn't exist anywhere except AC Valhalla; this weapon has no confirmed equivalent in any mythology. Further, the game's lore doesn't mention exactly who created this bow, either. That said, there are two ways to obtain Nodens' Arc: one fast, easy, and underhanded method, and another legitimate but work-intensive option.
The easier of the two options involves a glitch. Southeast of Brunson Turret in Eurvicscire, there's a large lake with a small craggy island located within. The island has an iron ore deposit that cannot be broken; the player must go to town regardless, unload some fury into the unbreakable rock, and then make a manual save. Reload the save; if it works, players will find the bow in their inventory. Some players report having more luck exiting the game entirely before reloading or attempting multiple times.
The legitimate way to obtain Nodens' Arc follows almost the exact same path except for one minor difference: the player must have Excalibur equipped at sunset. With King Arthur's legendary sword in their possession, players will be able to crumble the ore deposit and obtain the prized bow. In addition to performing as one of the best bows in-game, Nodens' Arc increases damage in proportion to how far away the target is, making it perfect for players building a character who specializes in long-range attacks.