PlayStation Plus 100-hour RPG lands huge free update with over 10 new features

PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy a massive 100-hour RPG at no extra cost, with a highly anticipated free update now adding tons of new gameplay features six years after its original launch in November 2020.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is one of the biggest games in Ubisoft's acclaimed series, and with its levelling system, branching storylines, and tons of side missions, it firmly belongs to the RPG era that began with 2017's Assassin's Creed Origins.

The highlight of ‘Assassin's Creed Valhalla Title Update 1.8.0’, which released on November 5, is the long-requested New Game+ mode, a feature fans have been calling for since the game launched.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla free update finally adds New Game+

With New Game+ finally arriving in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, players can start a new adventure while keeping their progression, weapons, and gear from their previous playthrough.

It's a popular feature in RPGs, so it's surprising that Ubisoft has taken six years to add it. Better late than never, as they say, and with the option of taking on an increased difficulty, there's even more reason to give Valhalla another go.

To unlock New Game+, players must first complete the 'Holy Day' quest in Hamtunscire. Thankfully, you won't have to finish absolutely everything in the game to access it.

What's included in the Assassin's Creed Valhalla free update?

• New Game+: Play through the story again while keeping your progression, with the difficulty increasing each time.
• Extended Progression Mode: A new optional mode that takes your gear, runes and masteries into account when calculating your overall Power score.
• New gear stash: You can now store unwanted gear and runes in Ravensthorpe, freeing up some much-needed inventory space.
• Rune Forge improvements: Upgrade your runes using silver or Mithril, with over 300 runes to engrave to give you even more customisation options.
• Divine gear upgrades: Divine-quality gear can now be upgraded to level 27 using Mithril, with Divine upgrades no longer requiring the Dawn of Ragnarök expansion.
• Free Naoe outfit: Get your hands on the Master Assassin Naoe outfit from Assassin's Creed Shadows at no extra cost.
• PS5 Pro improvements: Updated PSSR promises sharper 4K visuals, while Quality Mode now runs at 60fps by default.
• Low Energy Mode: A 30fps option for players on PS5 and PS5 Pro.
• Animus Hub integration: New synchronisation features that let players earn rewards through gameplay, along with two new achievements and additional character packs.
• General improvements: A selection of bug fixes, gameplay balancing changes, improvements to the in-game store and the return of pop-up news.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla Update 1.8.0 download sizes

The free Assassin's Creed Valhalla update is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC, but the download size varies depending on your platform.

• PlayStation 5: 5.26GB
• PlayStation 4: 13.42GB
• Xbox Series X|S: 15.02GB
• Xbox One: 13.8GB
• PC (Steam): 7.8GB
• PC (Ubisoft Connect): 12.27GB

Interestingly, the PS5 has the smallest download at just 5.26GB, compared to a hefty 15.02GB on Xbox Series X/S. Ubisoft hasn't explained why there's such a big difference, but it could be down to how each platform compresses files and handles updates.

READ MORE: 7 best Assassin’s Creed games to play if you’re new to the series

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is included with PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass

If you subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, you'll be pleased to know that Assassin's Creed Valhalla is included in the Game Catalogue at no extra cost.

The Viking RPG is also available through Xbox Game Pass, so whether you're a newcomer or a returning fan, you can jump into Eivor's adventure without having to purchase the game separately, provided you have an eligible subscription.

With New Game+ finally here, along with plenty of other improvements, there's arguably never been a better time to return to Assassin's Creed Valhalla.