Let’s be real for a second—every once in a while, a game comes along that doesn’t just give you hours of fun, but totally transports you. It wraps you in its world, makes you care about the characters, and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. That’s exactly what Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does. It’s not just a video game—it’s a cinematic journey back in time to one of the most iconic and fascinating periods in history: Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War.
Now, if you’ve ever fantasized about walking the streets of Athens, charging into battle alongside Spartan warriors, or sailing the Aegean Sea under a golden sunset, Odyssey checks all those boxes—and then some. Whether you’re an RPG junkie, a fan of Greek mythology, or just someone who loves a game that gives you freedom of choice, this title delivers a complete package.
Released in 2018 as part of Ubisoft’s long-running and beloved Assassin’s Creed franchise, Odyssey marks a major shift in the series. It’s no longer just about stealth kills and historical backdrops. This game throws you into an open-world RPG that lets you carve your own path, shape your own story, and live out your personal legend.
And what makes it truly unforgettable? You don’t just play a character—you become them. With a deep narrative, choice-driven gameplay, stunning environments, and fluid combat mechanics, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey goes above and beyond the standard adventure game. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and honestly, it might just be one of the best entries the franchise has ever seen.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why this game is an absolute must-play, explore its standout features, and show you why it’s still incredibly relevant years after its release. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the series, buckle up—because your odyssey starts now.
Step into the Sandals of a Spartan Hero in This RPG Adventure Classic
Imagine this: you’re standing at the edge of a craggy cliff, the Aegean Sea stretching endlessly beneath you, the Spartan cape on your back catching the wind as the sun sets over the ancient world. You’re not just a soldier, not just a mercenary—you’re a descendant of King Leonidas, and your journey is just beginning.
That’s the kind of epic setup Assassin’s Creed Odyssey throws you into, and it wastes no time making you feel like the star of your own Greek legend.
At the heart of Odyssey lies a personal, emotionally charged tale. You start as either Alexios or Kassandra, two siblings who were cast out of their Spartan homeland after a tragic and mysterious family betrayal. Banished and left to fend for themselves, they’ve grown up as mercenaries—survivors. But their fate is about to change, and that transformation from outcast to hero is what defines the experience.
Right from the opening hours, you’re thrown into a conflict much larger than yourself: the Peloponnesian War, a brutal clash between the militaristic Spartans and the democratic Athenians. As you navigate this war-torn landscape, your humble mercenary begins to evolve—uncovering deep family secrets, encountering legendary figures, and slowly carving out a reputation that echoes across the land. You’re not just participating in history—you’re shaping it.
And the beauty is, you get to choose how that story unfolds. Odyssey introduces a dynamic choice-based narrative system that adds serious weight to your decisions. Will you show mercy or mete out justice? Will you form alliances or burn bridges? Will you pursue romance, revenge, or redemption? The world reacts to you. NPCs remember your choices, and quests unfold in different ways depending on how you play.
This is the first time in the Assassin’s Creed series where you feel like the architect of your own fate. That classic RPG structure—dialogue trees, moral dilemmas, and branching storylines—adds a whole new layer to the franchise’s formula. It’s no longer just about syncing memories or staying hidden in the shadows. Now, it’s about who you become through your actions.
And don’t forget the romance options. Whether you’re into heartfelt connections or casual flings, Odyssey gives you the freedom to pursue relationships throughout your journey. It’s a refreshing, human touch that adds even more depth to your character’s story.
What’s really impressive is how all this character-building doesn’t get in the way of the action—it enhances it. Your choices influence who lives, who dies, and what kind of legacy you leave behind. It’s storytelling with weight, grounded in one of the most dramatic periods in human history.
So when you lace up those Spartan sandals, know this: you’re not just playing a role. You’re writing your own myth—step by step, battle by battle, decision by decision.
In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, you’re not a passenger—you’re the hero steering the ship. And trust me, it’s one heck of a ride.
The Rich and Layered Storyline That Makes Odyssey Unforgettable
Every great RPG has that one thing that keeps you glued to the screen for hours on end—and for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, it’s the story. This isn’t your average “good guy vs. bad guy” narrative. It’s a deep, emotionally complex journey filled with family drama, ancient prophecies, historical intrigue, and just enough mythology to make you feel like a demigod in training.
The story kicks off in 431 BC, right at the height of the Peloponnesian War, a brutal and drawn-out conflict between the two superpowers of the time: Sparta and Athens. But while the setting gives the game its scale and tension, the story’s emotional heartbeat is something much more personal.
You begin as a misfit mercenary—either Kassandra or Alexios—living on the island of Kephallonia. Your life is simple: taking odd jobs, chasing coin, and surviving day by day. But everything changes when a seemingly routine bounty mission sets off a chain of events that forces you to confront your forgotten heritage, mysterious bloodline, and shattered family.
Turns out, you’re not just any mercenary. You’re the grandchild of King Leonidas himself, and you’re tied to a secret so massive, it could shake the foundation of the known world.
What follows is an odyssey in every sense of the word—an epic, sprawling adventure that sends you across the Greek world, from legendary cities like Athens and Sparta, to eerie ruins, sunken temples, and mystical islands. Along the way, you’ll uncover conspiracies, battle shadowy cults (hello, Cult of Kosmos), and rub shoulders with some of history’s greatest minds like Socrates, Hippocrates, Herodotus, and Pericles.
But what truly makes Odyssey’s story special is how personal and flexible it feels. This isn’t a linear tale where you’re just watching events unfold. Thanks to the game’s robust dialogue system, every major decision is in your hands. Choose compassion, or choose bloodshed. Save a character’s life, or let them fall. Romance a stranger, or walk away. These choices don’t just affect your character—they shape the entire narrative.
And get this—there are multiple endings. Depending on your actions, different characters may live or die, your family may reunite or be lost forever, and the outcome of your legacy will change. That level of narrative depth is rare, even among the best RPGs out there.
The game also blends historical realism with mythological flair, and it does it in a way that feels seamless. You might spend one quest debating philosophy with Socrates, and the next tracking down legendary creatures like Medusa or the Minotaur. These mythical elements aren’t just tossed in for fun—they’re cleverly woven into the larger mystery surrounding your origins and the ancient artifact you carry: the Spear of Leonidas.
And let’s not forget about the modern-day storyline—a tradition in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While Odyssey focuses heavily on the past, there are still present-day sequences involving Layla Hassan, who’s diving into your character’s memories using the Animus. These moments tie Odyssey into the broader Assassin’s Creed universe and add an extra layer of mystery to everything you’re experiencing in Ancient Greece.
In short, the story in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is rich, flexible, and unforgettable. It’s not just about fighting or exploring—it’s about uncovering who you are, deciding who you want to be, and confronting what you’re willing to sacrifice to shape your destiny.
If you’re the kind of player who loves a story that evolves with your choices, that surprises you, and that gives you characters you genuinely care about—then buckle up. Because Odyssey’s story will pull you in and never let go.
Explore the Stunning Open World of Ancient Greece Like Never Before
Okay, so gameplay and story are solid—but let’s talk about the eye candy. Ancient Greece has never looked this good.
We’re talking about a vast, detailed open world spanning snowy mountains, sun-drenched islands, dense forests, and glittering seas. From the golden city of Athens to the raw military pride of Sparta, each region feels unique. It’s like the world itself is a character in your story.
Odyssey’s map is massive, but not in a way that feels bloated or aimless. Whether you’re parkouring through temple ruins or diving into the Aegean for treasure, every inch of the world feels hand-crafted.
Oh, and naval exploration? It’s back and better than ever. Your ship, The Adrestia, is fully customizable. You can hire a crew (yep, even from your enemies), upgrade your weapons, and take to the seas in massive naval battles that feel like something out of a pirate blockbuster.
Even better—those classic shanties from Black Flag? Odyssey brings them back, sung in ancient Greek. It’s the little touches that push this game from good to great.
Gameplay Mechanics That Let You Play Your Way
Combat in Odyssey is where things get juicy. Whether you prefer sneaking in the shadows or going full Kratos with a spear, the game has you covered.
Instead of a hidden blade, you wield Leonidas’ broken spear, infused with mystical powers. It’s not just a cool artifact—it gives you supernatural skills like Spartan kicks, fire attacks, and shield breaks. Combined with an in-depth skill tree (split into Hunter, Warrior, and Assassin paths), the combat is rich and flexible.
There are also massive 150 vs. 150 battles that’ll test your reflexes and decision-making. You’re not just a bystander—you’re flipping the tide of war between Athens and Sparta.
And yes, you can still play stealthy. Assassinations, poison tips, and sneaky takedowns all work. But if you’re like me and sometimes forget the quiet approach… you can always draw your sword and throw down.
RPG elements like leveling up, gear upgrades, and skill point allocation make progression rewarding. Want to be a long-range archer? A heavy-hitting brawler? A stealth god? You do you.
Release Date, Platforms, and Why It’s Still Worth Playing Today
So let’s talk details. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was released on October 5th, 2018, and it hit a lot of platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch (cloud version in some regions)
Now, you might be thinking, “2018? Isn’t that old for a game?” Not even close. Odyssey has aged like fine wine. Thanks to solid support, updates, and just excellent design, it still looks stunning and plays incredibly smooth.
And with newer consoles supporting backward compatibility, it runs beautifully on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, often with enhanced graphics and performance.
It also frequently goes on sale, making it an absolute steal for the hundreds of hours of content you’re getting.
Conclusion: Why Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Deserves a Spot in Your Library
So, let’s bring it all together.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey isn’t just another entry in a long-running franchise—it’s a landmark moment where the series redefined what it could be. It dared to step out of the shadows (literally) and embrace a vibrant, sprawling world full of life, myth, and personal choice. From the sun-drenched shores of Mykonos to the war-torn battlefields of Sparta, this game gives you the keys to one of the richest historical settings ever created in gaming.
But what truly sets Odyssey apart is how personal the experience feels. You’re not following a fixed storyline. You’re not being dragged through someone else’s tale. You’re crafting your own legend—choosing who you trust, who you love, who you fight, and what kind of person your character becomes. Few games give you that level of agency and immersion, all while keeping the gameplay sharp and engaging from start to finish.
Even years after its release, Odyssey still shines. Its visuals are stunning, the combat is refined, the writing is strong, and the world is brimming with secrets, surprises, and stories just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a long-time Assassin’s Creed fan or someone brand new to the series, this game is a perfect entry point—and an unforgettable ride.
So, if you’ve been on the fence or just haven’t gotten around to it, here’s your sign. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey isn’t just a game to play—it’s a journey to live. Once you set foot on those ancient shores, you won’t want to leave.
Your odyssey is calling. Are you ready to answer?
FAQs about Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey suitable for new players in the series?
Absolutely! You don’t need to have played any previous Assassin’s Creed titles to jump into Odyssey. It stands on its own with a unique story and characters. - Can I switch between Alexios and Kassandra during the game?
Nope—you pick one at the beginning and stick with them for the whole game. But don’t worry, both characters have identical abilities and storylines, with minor variations. - How long is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
If you just focus on the main story, you’re looking at around 40-50 hours. But if you dive into side quests, exploration, and DLC? You’re easily looking at 100+ hours. - Does Odyssey include any mythical creatures?
Yes! The game dips into Greek mythology, featuring legendary beasts like Medusa, Cyclops, and Minotaurs in optional boss fights. - Are there any expansions or DLC worth checking out?
Totally. The Legacy of the First Blade and The Fate of Atlantis expansions add tons of new story content, areas, and gameplay mechanics. They’re well worth your time.