5 Best Games Based on Scandinavian Mythology

Video games have left no stone unturned over the years, including designing epic adventures inspired by Scandinavian Mythology. It’s the best way to walk in the shoes of Odin, the most powerful of all Norse gods. To feel the tensions rise, fighting as a Viking and earning direct passage to the great halls of Valhalla. Of course, some games feature all-new stories that feel fresh and new every step of the way. And only the characters and environments are similar to Scandinavian Mythology. Still, the lore and references to the Viking Age continue to withstand the test of time. 

Whether it’s a story-driven adventure, RPG, visual novel, or other genre, games based on Scandinavian Mythology never cease to amaze. So, we’ve taken the time to compile every game that draws inspiration from Scandinavian Mythology and ranked each based on character development, storyline, combat, and graphics, among other features. If you’re looking to embark on a mind-blowing adaptation of the myths of the North Germanic peoples, here are the best games based on Scandinavian Mythology that made the cut.

5. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

If you want to travel back in time to the Viking Age, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the best way to go. The game depicts events from 872 to 878 AD during the Viking expansion into the British Isles. You control Viking Raider Eivor Varinsdottir, caught in the middle of the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.

Unlike the games on this list, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla adopts Scandinavian Mythology in the subtlest way. Some characters may seem familiar, like your companion raven, who represents Odin’s own messenger. However, others are completely fictional and may be rather familiar if you faithfully watched the show Vikings.

Still, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla did receive a commendable show of love from fans of Norse Mythology. Plus, it’s an engaging open-world RPG that should have no problem keeping you busy for anywhere between 60 and 100 hours.

4. Valheim

You might want to leave any seasickness out the door because Valheim is one epic journey sailing across the seas. As a slain Viking, having died in honor on the battlefield, you should have earned direct passage into the great walls of Valhalla. However, Odin declares that your fighting days aren’t quite over yet. Instead, he sent one of his Valkyries to pluck your corpse from the battlefield and bestow upon you a new purpose to serve in the realm of Valheim. 

From then on, players must survive the harsh realities of Valheim. After all, it’s the realm where Odin’s exiled foes go to live in purgatory. When you catch wind of an uprising against Odin, it’s up to you to master all courage and protect Odin from harm. Along with the story, Valheim incorporates a ton of references to Scandinavian Mythology. Spot the sea serpents, like the Jormungandr, and the landscapes featuring etched runestones. 

Gameplay-wise, Valheim is a great pastime. It uses a recipe that works. Can’t complain, really, along with the over 5 million people who were quick to buy the game while it was still in early access. Much of your time will be spent gathering resources, crafting useful items, and slaying hostile creatures. You’re free to team up with other players, which can come in handy once the game becomes more difficult. Its procedurally generated, vast open world will open up new areas to explore while adding formidable monsters like trolls and ethereal bosses to conquer.

3. Northgard 

Fans of strategy games will enjoy playing Northgard, a somewhat similar game to World of Warcraft. Players choose a Clan of Vikings from up to 11 playable clans. Each one has different strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to build a fortress, send out different units into battle, and manage limited resources, all to earn rulership over a mysterious, newfound continent.

It’s a simple premise, yet it gradually grows more complex the higher the levels. Seasonal changes affect your clan in different ways. Harsh winters can prove deadly to farms and warriors. In the end, it packs lots of fun for a chill afternoon with friends.

2. God of War

The best games based on Scandinavian Mythology are incomplete if God of War doesn’t make the cut. Sure, Kratos is originally from a world based on Greek Mythology. However, he makes his way into Scandinavian territory in God of War, never more ready to unleash Ragnarok than when he lands. A huge plus of playing God of War is the freedom to come along on an entirely new story. So, if you know Scandinavian Mythology by heart, you can rest assured that God of War will harbor surprising twists and turns. 

Of course, the monsters and landscapes draw inspiration from Scandinavian Mythology. Spot Mimir, the wisest of the gods of Aesir, and Fafnir, the dragon slain by Sigurd. God of War does give a nod to Norse Mythology, yet it digs deeper into the world of the gods in a super intriguing way no other game has managed to achieve. The game doesn’t leave gameplay to chance either, curating some of the most fascinating action combat that actually demands mastery of skill rather than random button mashing.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

There have been multiple releases of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim since its first launch in 2011. So much so that you’re probably over it. Still, it doesn’t take away The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's top spot among the best RPG games ever made. If you feel you’ve exhausted your last breath playing Skyrim, there are still tens of thousands of mods you could check out. Or, better still, check out some of the fully-fledged games like The Forgotten City and Enderal.

Skyrim’s world is fully brimming with Norse gods, Vikings, dragons, magic, and more. It’s packed with lots of quests, Dragonborn secrets to uncover, and a huge open world to explore. The best part is that Skyrim’s story features lots of references to Scandinavian Mythology. Characters like Loki, Sigurd, and Tor (or Thor) will be familiar. As well as locations like the Hall of Valor, referencing Valhalla or the Hall of the Slain.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our list of the best games based on Scandinavian Mythology? Are there more games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.