Ubisoft has just pulled back the curtain on the full details for Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s highly anticipated free story expansion, “Valley of Memory,” and it’s shaping up to be a substantial thank-you gift to the community. Releasing on November 18, perfectly timed with the game’s second anniversary, this DLC doesn’t just add a new six-hour narrative—it introduces a suite of highly-requested features that refine the core Mirage experience, including a manual jump toggle and the long-awaited ability to replay Black Box missions.
A Personal Journey into Ancient Al-Ula
The expansion, first detailed in a report by GSMGoTech, slots into the main story before its climax. Protagonist Basim Ibn Ishaq, still grappling with his complex nature, hears a whisper that his long-lost father might still be alive. This rumor draws him away from the bustling streets of Baghdad to the breathtaking and historically rich Arabian city of Al-Ula.
Upon arrival, Basim finds the valley not as a sanctuary, but a region under threat from marauding “Robbers,” with no immediate sign of his father. This sets the stage for a new, personal chapter that deepens our understanding of Basim’s character.
The development team, led by Ubisoft Bordeaux, faced the unique challenge of resurrecting a lost world. In a new developer diary, Valley of Memory Director Florian Salomez explained the process:
“The main challenge is to restore the place as it could have been in the ninth century. A flourishing civilization on one side, and an ancient wilderness on the other. Just like the golden age of Baghdad, most documentation of this incredibly rich setting was lost to time. And as always with the Assassin’s Creed brand, we want to make sure the setting and the period shine. The recreation process is unique, as it is both an artistic and historical endeavor.”
Players will get to explore this meticulously researched landscape, which includes iconic locations like the old town of Al-Ula, the stunning Elephant Rock, the Al-Farid Tomb, the imposing Musa ibn Musayr fortress, the Valley of Stones, and the ancient necropolis of Hegra.
To get a true sense of the stunning visuals and atmosphere, check out the official reveal trailer from Ubisoft:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NaEwUyK3Qk
More Than a Story: Game-Changing New Features
While the six-hour story is a major draw, the “Valley of Memory” update is arguably just as significant for the quality-of-life and gameplay improvements it brings to the entire game.
Manual Jump & Parkour Refinements
In a move that will delight parkour purists, Ubisoft is finally adding a manual jump toggle. This gives players precise control over Basim’s leaps, opening up new free-running paths and allowing for more skillful navigation that was previously impossible with the game’s contextual jumping. This single addition has the potential to revolutionize how veterans move through both the new areas of Al-Ula and the familiar rooftops of Baghdad.
Black Box Mission & Contract Replay
Perhaps the most requested feature since launch is now a reality. Upon completing the game, players will be able to replay all Black Box assassination missions and contracts at will. This will be accessible through the Animus Sequences section of the objective board, allowing fans to re-experience the game’s most intricate assassinations, experiment with different approaches, and perfect their stealthy techniques without starting a new save file.
New Skills and Tools
Basim’s arsenal is also getting an upgrade. A new Engineer 2 Skill will be added to his skill tree, allowing players to equip all Level 1 tool modifications simultaneously. Furthermore, every tool will now receive a powerful Level 3 upgrade, giving end-game players even more destructive and creative options for dealing with their enemies.
A Musical Interlude
Adding a layer of tranquility and cultural immersion, the DLC introduces a new activity inspired by titles like Ghost of Tsushima. Basim can now collect music sheets scattered throughout the world via parkour challenges. Once found, he can play the Oud—a traditional stringed instrument—at specific, serene locations, offering a moment of reflection amidst the chaos.
A Collaborative Effort for a Free Expansion
The Valley of Memory DLC was made possible through a partnership between Ubisoft and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, highlighting a shared interest in showcasing the region's rich history. Developed primarily by Ubisoft Bordeaux and Ubisoft Paris, with support from several other Ubisoft studios, this expansion is free for all owners of Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
The game is available on Ubisoft+, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, iOS, and PC. Mark your calendars for November 18 to dive back into 9th-century Baghdad and beyond, and experience the definitive version of Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Post a Comment