REVIEW – For many players, Assassin’s Creed Mirage represented a return to the series’ roots, and the Valley of Memory DLC continues in this direction with a surprisingly emotional, restrained, yet highly effective expansion that focuses on Basim’s past and inner struggles, while expanding the game’s world with a stunning desert region.

Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, Valley of Memory makes it clear within its very first minutes that this is not a classic “map + icons + side quests” type of expansion. This DLC is much more of an intimate episode, one whose goal is not to increase the sheer quantity of content, but to deepen Basim’s character. The emphasis is placed on storytelling, memory, and questions of identity, which fits particularly well with Mirage’s deliberately more restrained, classic Assassin’s Creed tone.

The story takes players to a desert region inspired by AlUla, which is not only visually striking, but also plays a key role from a narrative perspective. This environment does not function as mere scenery: sand-covered ruins, rock-carved valleys, and abandoned paths all reflect fragments of Basim’s past. At this point, the DLC already makes it clear that it handles space and atmosphere far more consciously than the series’ later, more overcrowded entries.

Memories From Basim’s Perspective

The greatest strength of Valley of Memory unquestionably lies in its storytelling. The DLC focuses on Basim’s lost loved ones (most notably his father), his past decisions, and his inner conflicts, while gradually revealing how these experiences shaped the man – and the assassin – we came to know in the Mirage base game. The narrative is surprisingly emotional, at times distinctly melancholic, and it is not uncommon for a single, well-placed line of dialogue to say more than any spectacular action sequence ever could.

The pacing of the story is deliberately slower. It does not rush through its twists, instead allowing time for individual scenes to settle and resonate. This approach will not work for everyone at first, but players who appreciated the more personal moments of classic Assassin’s Creed titles will find a particularly strong experience here. It is no coincidence that many players and critics feel the DLC’s emotional impact often goes beyond that of the base game’s story.

Importantly, Valley of Memory does not attempt to reinterpret Basim’s character; instead, it shades and contextualizes him. By the end of the DLC, we gain a clearer picture of his motivations, his losses, and the inner fracture that accompanies his journey. This character-driven approach has been a rare sight in Assassin’s Creed games in recent years, yet here it works exceptionally well.

Desert Exploration, Classic Gameplay

From a gameplay standpoint, the DLC closely follows the philosophy of the Mirage base game. Stealth, parkour, and assassination once again take on a prominent role, while mission design remains deliberately varied. Players are regularly given the opportunity for silent infiltration, the discovery of alternative routes, and the use of classic Assassin techniques, strongly evoking the series’ early entries.

Exploring the AlUla-inspired region is an experience in itself. The landscape feels both expansive and focused at the same time, meaning traversal never becomes exhausting. Ruins, rock walls, and hidden passages smartly support the parkour-centered gameplay, while the visuals constantly remind players just how well Mirage’s smaller scale suits the series.

The combat system has not changed in any meaningful way, and this is where it is most apparent that the DLC remains within the framework of the base game. AI and combat are still not perfect, but thanks to the emphasis on focused missions and stealth, these shortcomings are far less distracting. Valley of Memory clearly prioritizes atmosphere and narrative over mechanical innovation.

A Short but Memorable Detour

In terms of content, the DLC can be completed in roughly 3–8 hours, depending on how thoroughly players explore the environment. This is not a massive expansion, but it knows exactly where it belongs. It does not overstay its welcome and does not try to appear bigger than it is, which ultimately benefits the overall experience.

The presentation remains strong throughout. Cutscenes, dialogue, and the musical score consistently support the DLC’s tone, and at several points it is evident that the developers clearly understand what makes an Assassin’s Creed story work.

Overall, Valley of Memory is not a world-changing expansion, but a quieter, more personal story that becomes memorable precisely because of its restraint. It does not strive to be grandiose at all costs, and that is exactly why it works.

-Herpai Gergely “BadSector”-

Details:
Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-Adventure DLC
Release Date: November 18, 2025