What is the Next Game After Valhalla? Exploring the Future of the Assassin's Creed Series

Just finished my latest playthrough of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and while Eivor's saga in England was a captivating journey filled with Norse mythology and brutal combat, a question naturally popped into my head: what's next for the venerable Assassin's Creed franchise? It’s a question many fans, myself included, have been pondering. After the massive scale and deep dive into Viking culture that Valhalla offered, the anticipation for the subsequent installment is palpable. What direction will Ubisoft steer this iconic series? Will it continue the RPG-heavy approach, or will it revert to its stealthier roots? Let's dive deep into the rumors, leaks, and educated guesses surrounding the next major Assassin's Creed title.

Unraveling the Mystery: What is the Next Game After Valhalla?

The most immediate and widely anticipated answer to "What is the next game after Valhalla?" is Assassin's Creed Mirage. This title has been officially announced and is slated for release in October 2026. Unlike the sprawling RPG epics that preceded it, Mirage is positioned as a more focused, stealth-centric experience, harkening back to the series' origins. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, it will star Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Valhalla, during his formative years as a street thief turned Assassin. This shift in design philosophy is a significant departure and one that has generated considerable excitement among long-time fans who have been yearning for a return to classic stealth gameplay.

The Strategic Shift: A Return to Roots with Assassin's Creed Mirage

Ubisoft's decision to develop Assassin's Creed Mirage as a more condensed, stealth-focused title appears to be a direct response to feedback from the community. The last few entries, particularly Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, embraced a more open-world RPG structure, featuring vast maps, extensive skill trees, and lengthy questlines. While these games found success, a segment of the fanbase felt that the core stealth mechanics and the distinct feel of earlier Assassin's Creed titles had been diluted. Mirage aims to rectify this by emphasizing parkour, social stealth, and assassinations in a more tightly crafted urban environment. This is a crucial strategic pivot, and its success could redefine the future direction of the franchise.

Basim's Journey: A Closer Look at Assassin's Creed Mirage

Assassin's Creed Mirage promises to tell the origin story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a master Assassin who becomes entangled with the Order of the Hidden Ones in 9th-century Baghdad. Players will witness his transformation from a street thief into a skilled assassin, learning the tenets and skills that will shape his future. The setting of Baghdad during the Golden Age of Islam is particularly intriguing. This era was a hub of knowledge, trade, and culture, offering a rich tapestry for the game's narrative and world-building. Expect a vibrant cityscape filled with bustling markets, intricate architecture, and hidden alleys, all perfect for the classic Assassin's Creed stealth gameplay.

One of the key promises for Mirage is a refined parkour system. Ubisoft has stated their intention to make traversal more fluid and engaging, allowing players to navigate the urban environment with grace and speed. This includes intricate climbable surfaces and a focus on seamless movement through the densely populated city. Social stealth will also be a prominent feature, encouraging players to blend in with crowds and use their surroundings to their advantage to remain undetected. The assassination mechanics are expected to be more visceral and impactful, with a greater emphasis on precision and planning.

In terms of gameplay length, Mirage is reportedly much shorter than its predecessors, aiming for a 15-20 hour experience. This more focused scope allows for a deeper exploration of its setting and a more concentrated narrative. This is a welcome change for players who may have felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of recent Assassin's Creed titles. It also allows the development team to hone in on specific gameplay elements without the pressure of filling hundreds of hours of content. This return to a more measured, narrative-driven experience is something many fans have been eagerly anticipating.

Beyond Mirage: What Lies Further Down the Assassin's Creed Timeline?

While Mirage is the next confirmed title, the question of what comes after that is where speculation truly begins. Ubisoft has outlined a multi-year roadmap for the Assassin's Creed franchise, indicating a commitment to evolving the series. It's widely believed that the future of Assassin's Creed lies in a more interconnected and potentially live-service model, spearheaded by the "Assassin's Creed Infinity" project. This concept, first hinted at in earlier reports, is envisioned as a central hub that will connect various future Assassin's Creed experiences, potentially spanning different time periods and locations.

Assassin's Creed Infinity: A New Era for the Franchise?

The idea of "Assassin's Creed Infinity" suggests a platform rather than a single game. This platform could host standalone campaigns set in new historical periods, perhaps even offering smaller, more focused experiences alongside larger, more expansive entries. Imagine being able to jump between a feudal Japan setting, a game focused on the American Revolution, or even something entirely new, all within a unified framework. This approach could allow Ubisoft to cater to a wider range of player preferences, offering both classic stealth adventures and the more open-world RPG experiences that have proven popular in recent years.

The potential benefits of an "Infinity" platform are numerous. It could allow for more frequent content releases, keeping players engaged with the franchise over a longer period. It also opens up possibilities for cross-title narratives and shared lore, creating a richer, more cohesive universe. However, concerns about live-service elements, such as potential microtransactions or a constant need for online connectivity, are also valid and will need to be addressed by Ubisoft to ensure a positive player experience.

Rumors and Speculation: Codename Red and Codename Hexe

Whispers and leaks have pointed towards two major future projects, codenamed Assassin's Creed Codename Red and Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe. While official details are scarce, these codenames represent the likely next major installments after Mirage, potentially within the Infinity framework.

Codename Red has been heavily rumored to be set in feudal Japan. This is a setting that fans have clamored for for years, and it presents a wealth of opportunities for compelling gameplay and storytelling. Imagine mastering the art of the katana, utilizing stealthy ninja techniques, and navigating the intricate social hierarchies of samurai culture. The potential for unique assassination methods, stealth mechanics inspired by Japanese folklore, and a visually stunning world is immense. Early reports suggest that Codename Red will lean more towards the RPG elements of recent titles, offering a vast open world and deep progression systems, though it's possible it could also incorporate elements from Mirage's refined stealth focus.

Codename Hexe, on the other hand, is shrouded in even more mystery. Rumors suggest a darker, potentially more occult-themed setting, with some speculation pointing towards witch trials or a similarly unsettling historical period. This could be an opportunity for Ubisoft to explore a different facet of the Assassin's Creed universe, delving into the more mysterious and supernatural elements that have always been a part of the lore. If Hexe indeed ventures into darker territory, it could offer a stark contrast to the historical accuracy and grounded narratives of previous games, providing a fresh and potentially unsettling experience.

It's crucial to remember that these are codenames and rumors. Until Ubisoft makes official announcements, these remain speculative. However, the sheer volume and consistency of these leaks suggest that these projects are indeed in development and represent significant future directions for the Assassin's Creed series.

The Evolution of Gameplay: From Stealth to RPG and Back?

The Assassin's Creed franchise has undergone a significant evolution in its gameplay mechanics. What began as a series heavily focused on stealth, parkour, and historical immersion has, in recent years, embraced more RPG elements. This shift, initiated with Assassin's Creed Origins, introduced leveling systems, gear progression, and a greater emphasis on combat. Odyssey and Valhalla doubled down on this approach, offering massive worlds and deep customization options, sometimes at the expense of the stealth gameplay that defined the series' early identity.

The RPG Experiment: Successes and Criticisms

The RPG-style approach has undeniably brought new players to the franchise and kept existing ones engaged with its expansive content. The ability to build your character, explore vast open worlds, and engage in satisfying combat has been a major draw. However, this evolution hasn't been without its critics. Many long-time fans miss the emphasis on precise stealth assassinations, the intricate social stealth mechanics, and the feeling of being an unseen phantom. The sheer scale of recent games has also led to criticisms of bloat and repetitive content.

Mirage's Promise: Reclaiming the Stealth Fantasy

This is precisely where Assassin's Creed Mirage aims to make its mark. By deliberately stepping away from the sprawling RPG format, it seeks to recapture the essence of what made the early Assassin's Creed games so compelling. The focus on a single, meticulously crafted city like Baghdad, with a more contained narrative and a renewed emphasis on stealth, is a significant gamble but one that could pay off handsomely. If Mirage successfully delivers a polished, stealth-driven experience that resonates with fans, it could signal a new direction for future standalone Assassin's Creed titles, even within the broader Infinity platform.

The Historical Settings: A Constant in the Franchise

One of the most enduring aspects of the Assassin's Creed series has always been its commitment to exploring diverse historical periods. From the Third Crusade to Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Viking-age England, Ubisoft has consistently delivered richly detailed and immersive historical worlds. This dedication to historical tourism is a cornerstone of the franchise's appeal.

Past Settings and Their Impact

The Crusades (Assassin's Creed 1): Introduced the core concepts of the Creed, stealth, and parkour in the Holy Land.
Renaissance Italy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations): Defined the Ezio Auditore trilogy, expanding on gameplay and narrative depth in iconic cities like Florence and Rome.
Colonial America (Assassin's Creed III): Explored the American Revolution with a new protagonist and improved combat systems.
Pirate Era Caribbean (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag): Revolutionized naval combat and offered a vast, explorable ocean.
French Revolution (Assassin's Creed Unity): Presented a detailed, albeit initially buggy, rendition of Paris.
Victorian London (Assassin's Creed Syndicate): Introduced dual protagonists and a focus on industrial-era London.
Ancient Egypt (Assassin's Creed Origins): Ushered in the RPG era with a massive open world and a revamped combat system.
Ancient Greece (Assassin's Creed Odyssey): Further expanded the RPG elements with a vast map, dialogue choices, and mythological elements.
Viking Age England (Assassin's Creed Valhalla): Delivered a sprawling saga of conquest and exploration with a focus on Norse culture.

Future Settings: Japan, Middle East, and Beyond

As mentioned, Codename Red is heavily rumored to be set in feudal Japan, a highly anticipated setting. Assassin's Creed Mirage takes us back to 9th-century Baghdad, a fascinating period in Islamic history. The potential for Assassin's Creed Infinity to host games in various other settings, such as those hinted at in rumors or entirely new eras, remains a tantalizing prospect. The possibilities are nearly endless, and each new setting offers Ubisoft a chance to craft a unique world, introduce new cultures, and weave compelling narratives within the overarching Assassin-Templar conflict.

Consider the potential of settings like:

Feudal Japan: As discussed with Codename Red, this setting offers unparalleled opportunities for stealth, samurai combat, and ninja espionage.
Ancient Rome (Imperial Era): A return to a Roman setting, but this time during the height of the Empire, could offer a grander scale and more political intrigue.
The Ottoman Empire: A rich historical period with intricate architecture and complex political landscapes.
Pre-Columbian Americas: Exploring civilizations like the Maya or Aztec could offer unique gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals.
Medieval Europe (different regions): While we've touched upon parts of Europe, exploring other regions or timeframes within medieval history could be fascinating.

The key is that each new historical period allows for the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, new social structures to exploit for stealth, and new cultural nuances to explore, all while maintaining the core fantasy of being an Assassin.

The Interconnectivity of Assassin's Creed Infinity

The concept of "Assassin's Creed Infinity" is perhaps the most significant indicator of the franchise's future direction. It signifies a move towards a more unified and potentially persistent universe for the series. This isn't just about releasing individual games; it's about building a platform that can house and connect multiple experiences.

What Infinity Could Mean for Players

Imagine a scenario where Assassin's Creed Infinity acts as a central launcher, allowing players to access different Assassin's Creed titles, some of which might be full-scale RPGs, while others could be smaller, more focused stealth experiences like Mirage. There could be recurring characters, shared lore developments, and even cross-game events or challenges. This could create a much deeper and more interconnected narrative experience across the entire franchise.

For instance:

A player could start with Mirage, experiencing Basim's origin story.
Then, they could transition to Codename Red (feudal Japan) within the same platform.
A future DLC or standalone game within Infinity could then pick up Basim's story years later, directly referencing events or characters from both Mirage and Red.

This interconnectedness could foster a stronger sense of a shared universe and encourage players to engage with multiple entries in the series. It also allows Ubisoft to experiment with different game formats and historical periods without them feeling entirely disconnected from the main franchise.

Potential Challenges and Opportunities

The "Infinity" concept also presents challenges. Ubisoft will need to ensure that each experience remains distinct and compelling while also feeling cohesive within the larger framework. There's also the risk of over-monetization or a "live service" model that could detract from the traditional Assassin's Creed experience. However, the opportunities are immense. A well-executed "Infinity" platform could redefine how players engage with long-running franchises, offering a dynamic and evolving world that continues to surprise and delight for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Next Assassin's Creed Game

What is the confirmed next game after Assassin's Creed Valhalla?

The confirmed next game after Assassin's Creed Valhalla is Assassin's Creed Mirage. This title is set to launch in October 2026 and will serve as a narrative bridge, focusing on the early years of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character prominently featured in Valhalla. Mirage is designed to be a more classic Assassin's Creed experience, emphasizing stealth, parkour, and a condensed, narrative-driven adventure in 9th-century Baghdad. It represents a deliberate departure from the sprawling RPG format of its immediate predecessors.

The development of Mirage is being led by Ubisoft Bordeaux, a studio that has contributed significantly to previous Assassin's Creed titles. Their focus for this game is on refining the core mechanics that many fans fell in love with in the earlier installments. This includes intricate level design to facilitate fluid parkour, sophisticated social stealth mechanics for blending into crowds and using the environment for cover, and a more impactful assassination system. The historical setting of Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate is being meticulously researched to create an authentic and immersive environment, brimming with opportunities for stealth and exploration. Unlike the massive scale of Valhalla, Mirage is intended to be a more focused and contained experience, aiming for a playtime that allows for a deep dive into its narrative and gameplay without feeling overwhelming.

Will future Assassin's Creed games continue the RPG elements from Valhalla and Odyssey?

This is a nuanced question, and the answer likely lies in the evolving structure of the franchise. While Assassin's Creed Mirage is explicitly moving away from the heavy RPG elements, the future roadmap for Assassin's Creed, particularly under the umbrella of the rumored "Assassin's Creed Infinity" platform, suggests a more varied approach. It's highly probable that the series will continue to feature expansive, RPG-heavy titles alongside more focused, stealth-oriented experiences.

Ubisoft has recognized the success and appeal of the RPG formula introduced with Origins and continued in Odyssey and Valhalla. These games offered vast open worlds, deep progression systems, and extensive questlines that resonated with a large segment of the player base. Therefore, it would be shortsighted to abandon this successful model entirely. Instead, the strategy appears to be one of diversification. Think of "Infinity" as a central hub that can house different types of Assassin's Creed games. We might see titles that are more akin to Valhalla in scope and gameplay, while others, like Mirage, will cater to those yearning for a return to the series' roots. This allows Ubisoft to serve different player preferences and explore various historical settings and gameplay styles without sacrificing the core identity of the franchise.

The codenames like Codename Red (rumored to be set in feudal Japan) have often been associated with more open-world RPG experiences, suggesting that these larger, more ambitious titles will still be part of the future. However, the success of Mirage in delivering a classic stealth experience could also influence how future games are designed, perhaps leading to a more balanced integration of RPG mechanics with core stealth gameplay, rather than an overwhelming focus on one over the other. The key takeaway is that the franchise is likely not choosing one direction but embracing multiple paths simultaneously.

What historical periods are rumored for future Assassin's Creed games?

The most persistent and widely discussed rumor for a future Assassin's Creed title is a setting in feudal Japan, often associated with the codename Codename Red. This is a setting that has been a top request from fans for years, and it offers immense potential for unique gameplay mechanics, such as samurai sword combat, ninja stealth techniques, and exploration of a rich, culturally distinct historical period. Early indications suggest this might be a more expansive, RPG-style title, similar in scope to Valhalla or Odyssey, but tailored to the specific nuances of Japanese history and culture.

Beyond Japan, the codename Codename Hexe has surfaced, with speculation suggesting a darker, more occult-themed setting. This could potentially involve periods of witch trials or other historically unsettling eras, offering a departure from the more straightforward historical settings and delving into the more mysterious and supernatural aspects of the Assassin's Creed lore. If this rumor holds true, it would represent a bold new direction for the series, exploring themes and aesthetics not previously seen in such depth.

Furthermore, the "Assassin's Creed Infinity" concept implies a platform that could host a variety of experiences across numerous historical periods. While specific details are scarce, the potential for Ubisoft to revisit or explore entirely new eras is significant. This could include revisiting Ancient Rome during its imperial peak, delving into the vast and complex Ottoman Empire, exploring the rich civilizations of the pre-Columbian Americas (such as the Aztec or Maya empires), or even revisiting different regions and timeframes within Medieval Europe. The franchise's strength lies in its ability to bring history to life, and the possibilities for future settings are, in theory, vast and exciting.

It is important to reiterate that these are based on rumors and leaks. Official confirmation from Ubisoft will be required to solidify these details. However, the consistency of these rumors suggests that Ubisoft is actively exploring these directions for the future of the Assassin's Creed franchise.

How will Assassin's Creed Infinity affect the series?

"Assassin's Creed Infinity" is envisioned not as a single game, but as a central platform or hub that will connect various future Assassin's Creed experiences. This marks a significant shift in how the franchise might be structured and delivered to players. Instead of individual, self-contained titles released years apart, Infinity could act as a unifying nexus from which players can access different games, campaigns, and potentially even expansions set in diverse historical periods and locations.

The potential implications of this model are far-reaching. Firstly, it could lead to a more consistent stream of content. Instead of waiting for a massive, all-encompassing sequel, players might experience a more staggered release of new stories, settings, and gameplay modules within the Infinity framework. This could keep the franchise feeling fresh and relevant for longer periods. Secondly, Infinity opens the door for greater narrative cohesion and interconnectedness. Stories and characters could potentially span across different games hosted on the platform, creating a richer, more intricate lore that rewards players for engaging with multiple entries. Imagine a side character from one historical setting appearing in a meaningful capacity in another, or a plot thread originating in one game concluding in a later release on the same platform.

Thirdly, this modular approach allows Ubisoft to cater to different player preferences more effectively. They can develop large-scale RPG experiences that fans of Valhalla and Odyssey enjoy, while simultaneously producing smaller, more focused stealth adventures like Mirage, all accessible through the same Infinity hub. This flexibility is a significant advantage in a diverse gaming market. However, there are also potential drawbacks. The success of Infinity hinges on Ubisoft's ability to manage this complex ecosystem effectively. There are concerns about the potential for overly aggressive monetization strategies often associated with live-service models, or the risk of the core Assassin's Creed identity becoming diluted if not handled carefully. The emphasis on interconnectivity also needs to be managed in a way that doesn't alienate players who prefer to jump into a single, complete experience without needing to follow a sprawling, multi-game narrative.

Ultimately, "Assassin's Creed Infinity" represents Ubisoft's ambition to evolve the franchise into a more dynamic and enduring entity, adapting to the changing landscape of the gaming industry while attempting to satisfy both new and long-standing fans of the series.

Will Basim's story continue after Assassin's Creed Mirage?

Given that Assassin's Creed Mirage is explicitly designed to tell the origin story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, it is highly probable that his narrative will continue beyond this installment. Basim was a significant character in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and his story there was left with considerable room for future development. Mirage serves as a prequel, detailing his transformation into the skilled Assassin we met in Valhalla. This setup naturally lends itself to further exploration of his character arc and his role within the Brotherhood and the ongoing conflict with the Templars.

The rumored structure of "Assassin's Creed Infinity" further supports this possibility. If Infinity is a platform designed to host interconnected experiences, then characters like Basim, whose story has already spanned two major titles and is now getting a dedicated origin story, are prime candidates for continued involvement. Future games or expansions within the Infinity framework could pick up Basim's story years after the events of Mirage, potentially tying into the events of Valhalla more directly or even exploring his future endeavors. This approach would allow Ubisoft to build a more personal and enduring connection with players through recurring characters, making the overarching narrative of the Assassin's Creed universe feel more alive and interconnected.

The specific details of how Basim's story might continue are, of course, speculative at this stage. However, the investment Ubisoft is making in his origin with Mirage strongly suggests that he is intended to be a key figure in the future of the franchise. Whether this continuation comes in the form of a direct sequel to Mirage, a role in another title within the Infinity ecosystem, or even a narrative thread woven through multiple future games remains to be seen. What is clear is that Mirage is not likely to be the final chapter for Basim; rather, it is a crucial starting point.

The Anticipation for What Comes After Valhalla

The journey from Valhalla to whatever comes next in the Assassin's Creed universe is one filled with excitement and a healthy dose of speculation. Assassin's Creed Mirage represents a clear, immediate answer to the question of what is next after Valhalla, offering a refreshing return to the series' stealthy roots. However, looking beyond Mirage, the whispers of "Assassin's Creed Infinity," Codename Red, and Codename Hexe paint a picture of a franchise that is not only continuing but evolving. Ubisoft seems poised to offer a more diverse portfolio of Assassin's Creed experiences, catering to a wider range of tastes while potentially weaving a more interconnected narrative tapestry.

As a long-time fan, I find this multi-faceted approach incredibly promising. The ability to revisit classic stealth gameplay with Mirage, while knowing that larger, RPG-style adventures in intriguing new settings like feudal Japan are also on the horizon, offers the best of both worlds. The success of Mirage will undoubtedly be a crucial indicator of how Ubisoft balances these different design philosophies moving forward. Will it be a resounding success that solidifies the return to classic stealth, or will it be a stepping stone towards a more integrated approach where RPG and stealth elements are more fluidly blended in future titles? Only time will tell, but the journey ahead for the Creed is looking more diverse and exciting than ever.

The key takeaway is that the question "What is the next game after Valhalla?" has a clear, immediate answer in Mirage. But the subsequent questions about the long-term direction of the franchise are even more intriguing, suggesting a future filled with varied experiences, potentially unified under the ambitious banner of "Assassin's Creed Infinity." The coming years will undoubtedly be a pivotal period for one of gaming's most enduring franchises.