There are many good and high-quality Scandinavian-themed video games. Moreover, they are extremely diverse.
Many Scandinavian myths have found their way into various types of modern culture, ranging from Marvel superhero universe and ending with the Attack on Titan anime. Vikings are also often featured in video games, thanks to which you can take the place of a harsh warrior, god or renegade, which shrinks at the will of Asgard.
In such projects, players travel through other worlds in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, or become Dovakin, absorbing the souls of huge dragons in TES V: Skyrim. And in the chaotic and multiplayer For Honor, you can generally face samurai and knights on the same battlefield as a Viking. There is a huge variety of games in this setting, so those who want to learn about The best Nord games on PClet them get ready to raid this article!
The projects are in random order. We did not try to highlight the "best" or "worst", we just wanted to share with you a selection of cool games.
valheim
valheim came as a real surprise in the gaming industry in 2021, offering gamers a brutal journey through the Scandinavian world. Here, players enter a purgatory called Valheim, where you can be a real Viking, exploring a vast map, hunting, building and trying to survive in the harsh reality. With procedurally generated worlds, every gamer has their own unique adventure.
Can be played alone or on серверах with nine other people for an interesting PvE and competitive PvP. And wherever a warrior finds himself in Valheim, be it picturesque meadows or icy peaks, surprises will await him around every corner.
The crafting system allows build dwellingsin order to survive until the next day and survive the attacks of the trolls. You can relax at home cook food и boil honey, after sitting in a warm company with Nord friends.
For real Vikings we have complete guide to Valheim.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed games always show historical places and real culture, and Valhalla is no exception. Players will feel like Eivor, a Viking survivor-turned-assassin. In the passage, you will first need to explore the snowy landscapes of Norway, and later go to England to establish numerous settlements.
As always, Ubisoft does not confine itself to a literal reproduction of historical events, adding its own inventions to the narrative. For example, dice games called “Orlog” does not exist, although Valhalla would make it appear that the Vikings of the late ninth century adored her. Nevertheless, the general concept and some elements of that time are conveyed quite reliably, therefore, you can simultaneously enjoy the gameplay and carry out an excursion into history.
If you haven't played yet Assassin's Creed Valhalla then our complete guide on this game will help you understand all the mechanics and nuances of the gameplay.
Smite
Smite is a fantasy MOBA game, where gamers will face each other on the battlefield, controlling characters in the form of gods from several mythologies, including Scandinavian.
Luckily for lovers of Nordic culture, Viking pantheon is well developed here, and includes such well-known characters as Loki and Thor, while not forgetting the lesser-known Ullr and Ratatoskre. Each hero's abilities correspond to his story, and if the player gets bored with a certain god, he can play for another.
This multiplayer game released in 2014, is still maintained by the Hi-Rez developer. The project stands out significantly compared to other MOBAs, as uses a third-person view instead of the usual top view. The gameplay in Smite is exciting and fast paced, as well as very varied due to the many modes. In addition, the gameplay is quite simple, especially compared to projects such as DOTA 2 and League of Legends.
Expeditions: Vikings
Classic Party RPGs there are not so many in the world, and only a few in the face of Divinity: Original Sin 2, Pillars of Eternity, Expeditions: Viking. The latest project is story RPG about Vikings, in which a lot of attention is paid to historical accuracy, rather than fantasy.
Action Expeditions: Viking unfold in 790 AD. Gamers are faced with the task of capturing the coastal territories of Great Britain, founding their own clan, accumulating gold and surviving in this harsh world. The gameplay includes managing your own party in the camps, exploring different locations, loot, various quests and battles based on a turn-based combat system. By the way, it is very reminiscent of the collision in Divinity: Original Sin 2.
It depends on the player whether his clan will become great and respected in the new territory. For this need to start wars and carry out raidsI prove my strength and determination. There is also an alternative way of development through trade and politics, much less bloody.
Difficult choices will appear throughout the passage. Even from the very beginning, some can take a long time deciding which abilities to choose and how to distribute skill points, not to mention the events in the game. So Expeditions: Viking is a great option for anyone who wants to experience realistic Viking-themed RPG gameplay.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade was a real hit from Ninja Theory in 2017, and without a doubt, this is at least one of the best scandinavian themed gamesif not the best. The events of Senua's Sacrifice are closely connected to Viking mythology. The main character is the girl Senua, suffering from mental illness and trying to return the soul of her dead husband from the dark underworld called Helheim.
In addition to the addictive gameplay and emotional story, the project has received numerous accolades due to the realistic and modern display of mental deviations. During the creation process, the developers worked closely with experts in the field to convey Senua's psychosis as faithfully as possible. The result came out stunning. What are dozens of votes worth in some moments of the game, which put pressure on the player and criticize his abilities. Therefore, for the best experience, it is recommended to wear good headphones.
Some time after the release, a VR version of the game was released, which is still an example of how to make projects in virtual reality. Full immersion and empathy for the character are guaranteed!
Bad North
An addictive strategy game that quickly became popular due to its charming aesthetics and addictive gameplay. The gameplay of Bad North is tactical and takes place in real time. At the same time, it is quite simple to start playing, but it is not easy to master all the mechanics and options for action.
The levels are made in a minimalistic style. Each level is one small isolated island with randomly formed architecture and landscape objects. The gamer must take advantage of any situation by placing defensive units. And although the rules are simple and clear at once, everything is not as easy as it seems from the description.
The charming medieval style is complemented by high-quality and atmospheric sound with music. The relaxed atmosphere of Bad North hides serious themes that will touch the hearts of many people. This is a great option for those who are tired of complex and overloaded real-time strategy interfaces, I want to think and relax at the same time.
Jotun
Jotun is an indie game with the main character Torah, who is not allowed into Valhalla due to a dishonorable death during a storm. But still, the Scandinavian gods took pity on her and offered her a second chance. But not just like that, but if the Torah attacks the Jotuns.
The problem turned out to be more complicated than it seems at first glance. Yotun is a gigantic creatureready to destroy anyone in its path. The battle with such a monster for a small girl is reminiscent of the famous battle between David and Goliath, but everyone remembers how it ended!
The combat system is clear and simple, but at the same time requires thoughtful action. There are various puzzles and collectibles that await the gamer in a beautiful but incredibly dangerous world.
Jotun is a small atmospheric game that will leave behind pleasant impressions and interesting thoughts. Recommended for those who want to briefly immerse themselves in Norse mythologyhaving a great time.
For Honor
Historical third-person fighting game made by Ubisoft. Here you can try on the image of a Viking who fights with other warriors, whether they are samurai or knights. Players have the opportunity to take part in large-scale multiplayer battles, or measure their strength in intense one-on-one duels.
Against the backdrop of everything that happens, there is even a storyline, but it is completely invisible due to the multiplayer component of the game, which quickly drags you and transfers from one battle to another so that the allied faction earns as many points as possible. In the real world such disparate wars would never have met on the battlefield, so For Honor presents events by asking the question “What if?”.
Right now, the game is hosting the Year of the Harbinger event, which marks the start of its third year since release. The addition includes changes in the balance, new cards and heroes, among which there is a viking. Those who have always dreamed of not only trying on the armor of a historical fighter, but also measuring their strength with other people should definitely try For Honor.
The Banner Saga (trilogy)
Three amazing games in The Banner Saga series developed by Stoic Studio. Their events unfold in a fictional world, many elements of which are borrowed from Scandinavian culture and history. Throughout the story, the characters try to survive by traveling from one place to another and protecting the caravan from attack.
The art style of the game is its hallmark. Landscapes, characters and other hand-drawn elements immediately catch the eye compared to other projects. Each battle becomes a beautiful tapestry in addition to the addictive turn-based gameplay.
Like any good RPG, the story depends on the player's actions and choices made. In addition to participating in battles, you will need to take care of your people, providing everyone with food and preparing for the trials to come.
The icing on the cake is the beautiful soundtrack by Grammy nominee Austin Wintory. He also wrote music for Journey and Abzu, and at least the first of these two games received the recognition it deserved. Any A fan of Vikings and tactical gameplay will appreciate The Banner Saga trilogy.
Skyrim
Without a doubt Skyrim is the most Scandinavian of all the games in The Elder Scrolls series. Any gamer has heard about the famous brainchild of Bethesda. In it, you will become a Dragonborn, designed to absorb the souls of dragons and use powerful screams. The player can travel through a huge open world, which consists of many dangers, unique locations, deep characters, interesting quests, large settlements and much more.
You can take part in the civil war, become a vampire, turn into a werewolf, and even equip your homestead for a quiet family life with a wife and children. Almost ten years have passed since the release of Skyrim, and it is still played because of the high replay value and the really huge world.
For those who like Skyrim but want more Scandinavian spirit, there are many relevant modifications. They have long northern boats, weapons, Viking equipment and more. The Bethesda hit can even be experienced in VR, as well as on the Nintendo Switch (among other popular platforms).
Volgarr the Viking
Volgarr the Viking is like greetings from the past in the form of an 80s style side-scroller with 16-bit graphics. The project is especially reminiscent of Castlevania, where you have to run headlong from one end of the screen to the other, passing through hordes of enemies and other trials.
The game is clearly not easy, because it is harsh just like the Vikings! Passing through as many as seven worlds, you can come to one of several endings, which adds to the replay value.
Nevertheless, Volgarr the Viking is pretty short, although compared with it, the same Dark Souls will seem like a cakewalk. So gamers who love a challenge and really love a challenge should definitely check out this 16-bit masterpiece!
Northgard
If the gamer liked Bad North, but the passage seemed too easy, then Nothgard is perfect, because it has multi-level difficulty and more difficult mechanics. This old-fashioned real-time strategy, which uses modern gameplay solutions, is reminiscent of the RTS of the nineties and zero.
There are a large number of clans to choose from, each with unique benefits. For example, access to a special battle bear or the possibility of colonization for money. Among the conditions for victory there are original options, such as “Forge the Sword of Odin first” or “Open Yggdrasil and take control of it.” There is even a multiplayer competitive mode, during which you can chat with other players.
Nothgard provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in tactical gameplay with a Scandinavian atmosphere, and only the best will be able to establish a great settlement, which was founded by several Norwegian settlers.
Viking squad
Viking Squad is a side-scrolling co-op game that combines Norse mythology with deliberately silly gameplay. The gameplay captivates from the first minutes, especially in a friendly company.
The best feature of the project is the roguelike mechanics, which makes you think hard about the next steps and wisely spend earned money and skill points, pumping character abilities and buying improved equipment. The chaotic gameplay is complemented by a pleasing visual style, so it's always clear what's happening on the screen.
It is recommended to go through Viking Squad with friends, because no one will like constant defeats and replays due to the random composition of the squad.
That's all! It doesn't matter if a gamer wants to be a Scandinavian god or a stern warrior, a funny character or a Nordic suffering from psychosis, in the selection above there are games about Vikings for every taste. After all, fortunately There are many different projects on this topic., and their number will probably increase in the near future.
And for those who are already tired of the subject of harsh Scandinavian warriors, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the best games of the past 2020. Also, to switch and take a break from the cold lands, we recommend playing one of top projects about space on PC or dive into incredible stories about robots.
