Welcome to your guide to all we know about Assassin's Creed: Origins! I had a lot of fun keeping track of all the new info leading into the Syndicate launch with the guide last time, so it felt right to bring it back once again. I will endeavour to update this as new details emerge. Hopefully this is of help to new forum visitors, or those simply seeking to know some finer details about the title.
AC website: assassinscreed.ubisoft.com
These links are helpful as well if you want to just head to a certain section.
World- www.assassinscreed.com/egypt
Combat- www.assassinscreed.com/combat
Quests- www.assassinscreed.com/quests
Game Info- www.assassinscreed.com/gameinfo
Note: I have placed story details behind a spoiler tag, so view at your own risk. Please also bear in mind that the game remains in development, therefore any and all details can change prior to the game's release.
[Last Updated: August 26th 2017]
Release Information
The game is intending to release on October 27th 2017 - for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
The Protagonists
The main hero is an Egyptian called Bayek, a male Medjay - whom were Nubian mercenaries well known as protectors of the community, akin to a Sheriff of the time period.
Bayek is a play on words of the original hieroglyphic word for Falcon/Vulture.
Bayek is in his 30s when we first meet him. He is already a highly skilled fighter from the outset.
Bayek is described as intense, but not a brooding personality.
Bayek has a wife called Aya, who is playable on certain missions.
Bayek and Aya are not the only playable characters. How many others/whom/gender are all currently unknown.
The Open World of Egypt
We will visit Egypt in the Ptolemaic era, with the rise and reign of Cleopatra VII. The game starts in 49 BC.
The landscape will feature pyramids, temples, sand dunes, mountains, cliffs, swamps, oases, salt formations, and of course the Nile river.
There is a full day to night cycle.
There is dynamic weather which includes sandstorms and rain.
There is an overheat system within the desert, that can bring on hallucinations.
The cities of Memphis and Alexandria are both present in the game. The Alexandria Lighthouse and Library, as well as the Sphinx are all explorable.
Others areas confirmed in the playable area include Giza, Siwa, Euhemeria, Faiyoum, and Lake Moeris.
The environment has been designed in a way that Bayek can traverse and climb anywhere that is visible.
It is possible to go underwater in both the Nile and lakes, and it is possible to find sunken ships, treasures, or hidden ruins.
Wild animals such as lions, crocodiles and hippos roam the land, and will attack each other - or the player.
Boss enemies are present throughout the game to challenge and reward skilled players.
Tombs are present and explorable for treasure.
There is a gladiator arena to engage in battles for glory, which can unlock outfits and other rewards.
There are stargazing puzzles, where you must fit shapes to the stars of the night sky.
You can visit shops for various items: Blacksmiths (shields and weapons), Weavers (Outfits), Bazaars (Rare items and Mystery Crates).
There will be no time anomalies. (Rifts)
Rival factions can be found fighting in the world. These include Rebels, Ptolemies, and Bandits.
Ability points can be gained from steles hidden around the open world.
Vultures will consume the bodies of defeated enemies if left long enough.
Combat
The game features a brand new combat system, which is primarily hit box driven. Switching between melee and ranged is intended to be seamless.
Due to new AI systems, enemies will no longer wait for their turn in circles around the player, and will attack more unpredictably.
Health will regenerate outside of combat. A skill unlock allows healing in combat too.
There is a target lock on button.
Targets can be marked whilst aiming the bow.
There is a dodge (roll) button.
Attacks can be blocked with your shield, which has an active toggle. Arrows can be removed from your shield to restock your own ammo, via a skill unlock.
Attacks are now triggered by the right side shoulder and trigger buttons on a controller.
There is a charged heavy attack, unlocked via a skill.
There is no stamina bar.
There is an adrenaline gauge that fills as you fight. Once full, a powerful attack can be used by pressing both buttons.
Combos can be achieved by chaining attacks, but takes far more timing and precision than previous titles to promote skill.
Chain assassinations are possible.
Confirmed usable weaponry: Fists, Regular Swords, Sickle Swords, Heavy Swords, Dual Wield Daggers, Axes, Spears, Sceptres, Shields, Bows, Throwing Knives, Sleep Darts.
There are three bow types: Shotgun (Multiple arrows can be fired at once), Light (Quicker shots), Predator (Sniper).
Arrows can be lit on fire, and in turn start fires - such as by shooting roofs.
You can control the flight path of an arrow after firing, via a skill unlock.
A damage meter appears above enemies when using the bow, and will show how much damage will be made to specific areas.
Two melee weapons and two bows can equipped if specific skills are acquired. They can be switched between at any one time. Your inventory can carry an infinite number though.
Weapons cannot break.
Certains weapons offer "Heal On Kill" to keep yourself healed in longer fights.
It is possible to fight whilst underwater.
There are controllable ballistas throughout the world to unleash siege attacks on NPCs.
A Parry is a trainable skill unlock.
A Shield Charge attack can be acquired via a skill unlock.
A Fire Bomb is a trainable skill unlock.
A smoke screen skill can be acquired, which allows for a Smoke Bomb effect whilst in combat.
A Berserk skill can be acquired which turns an enemy against other NPCs.
A Flesh Decay ability allows you to poison a corpse, and spread the infection to nearby enemies.
There will be limited naval combat.
Senu will screech to warn of incoming enemies whilst in combat.
Stealth
A crouch button can be used to help move slowly and avoid detection.
The whistle returns.
The Hidden Blade returns.
You can hide within tall grass and bushes.
Running from enemies will no longer display a 'red danger zone', showing when you are clear of trouble.
It is possible to set fire to buildings and items, which will distract guards.
Corner assassinations are possible.
A soft cover system is present, but appears to be situation dependent.
There are no social specific mechanics, such as blend.
You can assassinate a guard on horseback.
You can throw barrels and vases to knock out, or distract enemies.
Arrows can be fired from within a haystack.
Navigation
The sprint button has been removed. Instead, Bayek will fully run when the analog stick is fully pressed in the forward direction.
In an attempt to make parkour more free flowing, there is now purely a 'parkour' button, and a 'drop down' button - either of which must be held.
Both horses and camels are rideable. They can be set to 'auto pilot' whilst you use your bow. You can call for your horse via a skill, or hijack from others. Chariots are also obtainable.
Boats and ships are boardable upon the Nile. Feluccas are sailable.
There is no longer a mini map, instead using an Elder Scrolls style rotating compass to find areas of interest.
A full detailed map is still available when pausing the game.
Viewpoints can be used to synchronize the map. They also offer fast travel options.
Bayek has a female pet Eagle called Senu, which can be used to scan the environment in a literal version of symbiotic Eagle Vision. She can detect objectives with a visual detection system.
Senu is fully controllable in terms of ascent, descent, boosting and hovering - and will tag NPCs for you as well as their paths with a skill upgrade, as well as other interactive objects.
There is a trainable skill that will allow Senu to stun enemies, and harrass them during combat.
An Animus Pulse can be used to reveal hidden details around you - such as chests.
It is possible to slide down slopes.
Torches have a dedicated (infinite) toggle for use in darkened areas, such as tombs. They can be thrown to the floor too.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer will not return for this title.
The game will feature "connected features", and the ability to compare yourself to other players via statistics.
Sound
Ambient sounds such as crickets, bird calls, and wind can be heard.
Ambient music appears to be present, though to what extent remains inconclusive.
The composer is Sarah Schachner, whom previously worked on Unity and Black Flag.
Game Systems
A hood toggle has been added to the pause menu.
Multiple save slots return for this title.
There are several different controller layouts to help find one suitable for you.
XP levels return. The cap is level 40 currently.
There is an ability graph, differing from a skill tree in that you can focus on improving different abilities that are not interlinked.
There are three main disciplines, Seer (shop upgrades, tools), Warrior (combat), and Hunter (stealth, bows).
There is a skill that allows you to tame animals, that will then follow you around.
It is possible to fast forward time by meditating, via a skill unlock.
Customization is back, with both individual elements and complete outfits. One features an Anubis style mask, as well as a Mummy inspired costume.
Statistics have been removed from clothing items, to encourage people to use the appearance they favour over utility.
Clothing has changeable colours, materials, and some extra visual effects (such as sand clouds) that can obtained from quests or vendors.
It has been implied that we can alter Bayek's beard length.
There is a full loot system with various quality item drops and crafting materials ranging from common, uncommon, rare and legendary variants. Looting is much faster than previous games.
There are no weight or space limitations to the inventory system.
Unwanted items can be deconstructed for materials, or sold to vendors.
Bayek has upgradeable equipment elements with statistics that can be improved with crafting materials; Breastplate (damage taken), Bracers (damage given), Stabilizers (bow skill), Pouches (ammo capacity), and Hidden Blade (effectiveness).
Weapons can be upgraded via crafting.
A level 10 Bayek cannot hidden blade assassinate a level 40 NPC without upgrading, due to the scaling of statistics. As such, 'one shotting' would be impossible if you are below level.
The world contains quests, many of which can be obtained from speaking to NPCs. There are Daily Quests.
Certain quests can be completed in different ways, such as sparing or killing an NPC. They will have no impact on the greater story though.
Some quests give vague descriptions of where to find targets, ensuring a degree of investigation to be needed.
NPCs have been provided full Day/Night script cycles, and will take time to travel, work, eat, sleep and even urinate through their days.
NPCs can be carried over your shoulder once more.
The Modern Day
The team acknowledges that "it is the glue that holds the franchise together".
The developers are not ready to talk details about the Modern Day, and may not prior to release.
The First Civilization (Isu)
There are "Juno Events" on the map. What they entail is currently unknown.
It has been suggested that the Pyramids were in fact Isu constructs.
An Apple of Eden is within the game.
A Sage might be present in Egypt. (see below)
Story Details (Potential Spoilers!)
Spoiler: Show
Ubisoft Club
A weapon reward is available for 30 Uplay points - The Sycamore.
You will be able to compare your statistics to other Uplay friends.
Development / Staff
Work began on Origins in January 2014.
It has been headed up by Ashraf Ismail as Game Director, whom was also behind Black Flag.
Brand Historian is Maxime Durand.
The Creative Director is Jean Guesdon.
The Art Director is Raphael Lacoste.
A Producer is Julien Laferriere.
The Lead Writer is Alain Mercieca.
Bayek is voiced by Abubakar Salim.
Miscellaneous
Legacy Outfits are back. Altair is already confirmed.
Senu will sometimes land on you whilst standing idle.
There is no companion app to the game.
Subtitles have a font size twice as large as the older games.
By preordering you gain access to the Pre Order Mission: "Secrets of the First Pyramids".
There will be a Season Pass for DLC. Two expansion packs, and equipment sets are confirmed to be coming.
There are four standard editions available; Standard, Deluxe, Gold, and Gold Steelbook. The Gold editions contain the Season Pass.
There are three collector editions available; Gods, Dawn of The Creed, and Dawn of The Creed Legendary.
Various merchandise will be available around launch including tie in books, figurines and collectibles.
Sources
[1] Game Informer Magazine - July 2017
[2] The official Assassin's Creed website and videos
[3] LoyalACFan AMA and Info Dump
[4] Loomer's E3 Interview with Ashraf Ismail
[5] Eurogamer Preview
[6] Ashraf Ismail Twitter Account
If I have missed anything, or something is wrong, or indeed if any new details emerge please do reply to let me know and I'll do my best to keep this updated. Please ensure you cite a source for confirmation of the information. Thanks!
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rememberOriginally Posted by Locopells Go to original post
nothing is true .. everything is permitted![]()
Thanks for all this. No doubt this thread'll grow exponentially post-Monday, which I can't wait for. Feel like a kid waiting on Santa Claus. Like a lot of other folks, I should be getting my physical copy of Game Informer in the next week or two, so I can join all those happy people salivating over pics.
One thing I hope we either see in the demo ourselves or the devs make mention of it Monday is how "alive" the world is. I know some devs have said as much, but by "alive" I'm hoping Ubi has taken a page from their own book, rather the WD2 team, and many of the NPCs act totally independent (or indifferent) to the actions of main character. Sure, we've seen stuff "happen" on Paris' streets and Roman marketplaces and whatnot, but what I'm talking about is a much more immersive world. WD2's San Francisco was perfect in that regard. Turned a random corner in the game in time to see the cops stop and question some woman then cuff her and start to lead her away. This caused another dude to run, which caused the cops to give chase, and the arrested lady turned heel and ran in the other direction. I love love love those types of moments in games, when I can just be a bystander. Hoping Origins is packed full of same.
p. 44 "Pouches increases the amount of knives and bombs you can carry."
Think this means throwing knives and bombs are back.
Killing the hippo resulted in hardened leather. My interpretation of that is crafting is back and you can use animal skins. However they are no longer as tied to a specific animal. You can likely get hardened leather from other animals as well. So probably a more in depth crafting system.
How are there bombs in 49BCE?Originally Posted by sushiglutton Go to original post