War, death, invasion, and loss are all thematic elements in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, but that doesn’t mean the game can’t mix in elements of love as well. After all, what bearing does loss have if nothing is ever gained? Eivor’s story is one of setting up the elements of the Viking’s eventual demise, but this only serves to make the small wins feel that much bigger.

And so players enter the region of Essexe for a welcome break from some of the heavier story elements. But gamers do not get a break from the challenge and difficulty that exists in the rest of the game. For those who are stuck, need a tip or two, or are looking for a more expedient means of conquering the region, this guide will go step-by-step through the entire questline.

An Uncommon Proposition

  • Find And Speak With Birstan

Despite the tooltip’s advice, you will not find Birstan, you must speak to Wyatt who is right inside the front door.

  • Speak To Estrid

She’s right upstairs.

  • Find Birstan’s Camp

The location is not close, so grab your favorite mount and get going.

  • Investigate The Camp

You’ll be for four clues. The first is the guard’s equipment in the center of the camp. The next is the skeletal remain of a horse by the path that enters the camp itself. Not far from the horse, there is a fork in the road with tracks in the mud next to a dead guard and a pool of blood. Lastly, by a tent in camp, find the body of a hunter to complete the four objectives.

  • Search For Birstan

Use your bird from the center of the camp to find Birstan’s location, which will be unmarked. It’s within range of the camp, so don’t wander around before using this trick.

  • Protect Birstan

Upon your arrival, he’ll be under assault by a couple of bears. Kill them to trigger the cutscene.

  • Follow Birstan

Mount up and follow Birsatan back to his home. He’ll fill you in on his situation during the long ride back.

Upon arriving back at the Ealdorman’s house, you’ll be asked to advise Birstan. These choices do not matter, and Birstan will look like a fool regardless, so just choose whatever you’d like.

He’s just going upstairs, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stay on his tail. Another substantial cutscene will take place and then you’ll get your next task.

Childhood Sweethearts

  • Find And Speak To Alfida

Arrive at Alfida’s home to find it’s been jostled about. Your goal is actually to save her brother Eluric from a lone guard that has him pinned down behind the house.

  • Find And Rescue Alfida

Alfida has been taken and she’s rather far away, so mount up and head to the marker. If you wish to avoid open combat, you can swim to her location via the river. There are several keys here, the one you need is on a guard who stands alone, so a quick assassination can avoid too much bloodshed.

  • Carry Alfida

Getting out undetected with Alfida on your back is even harder, but there is a trench with a hole in the wall that can help. It’s not a requirement to stay undetected, so if you would rather set her down, kill the guards, then pick her back up, that is also acceptable. Place her on your mount and get back to her brother. Several consecutive cutscenes will finish off this quest and lead to the next one.

Old Wounds

  • Talk To Estrid

  • Follow Estrid

She’ll lead you to Rollo and a very NSFW scene unless you have your filter on.

  • Protect Rollo

Rollo is in no shortage of trouble himself. His attackers will be marked, polish them off.

  • Speak With Rollo

As soon as the opponents are dead, he’ll be marked.

  • Join Rollo At His Camp

He offers for you to follow him, but he goes on foot and it’s far away. You can speed up the process by using a fast travel point which will not only be closer but will make it so he instantly spawns right where you need him to be.

  • Find The Traitor

Gerhild is the traitor. If you select Lork instead, there are plot consequences later on.

  • Find And Rescue The Danes

You’ll be forced to attack Port Walton and even if you try to stay non-violent, the Danes who are released will engage in combat, so go ahead and tackle this one head-on. There are many captives here, but you technically only need to release two groups of three Danes apiece in the group cages.

  • Eradicate The Camp

Mop up anyone left standing and move on to the next step.

Taken

  • Find And Speak To Rollo

You’ll be convincing him to create a smokescreen for the next phase of your plan.

  • Kidnap Estrid Carry Estrid

She’s surrounded by a contingency of guards, so you’ll have to get your hands dirty. After they are down, tie her up and carry her to the marked location on the map. An unending wave of guards will try to protect her. Put her down when the action gets too hot, thin out the numbers, and then keep running. The designated spot is far away, so place her on your mount when you’re outside of the thickest part of battle.

A cutscene will progress the questline.

Twists And Turns

  • Find And Speak To Birstan

Despite the tragedy of Birstan’s last campground, it appears he’s not done with hunting, go find him at another wilderness location.

  • Follow Birstan Hunt Boars

After a short walk, you’ll be hunting boars. After your first one is down, the rest will be marked, so don’t worry about losing track of them.

  • Talk With Birstan Join Birstan And Alfida

After speaking with Birstan, he’ll request your presence, once again, back home. Hopefully you’re not exhausted from going long distances, because this is yet another one. Mount up and head on back.

  • Speak To Rollo Defeat The Saxons

With their cover blown, follow the marker to Rollo. If you made the correct decision earlier, Lork will give his life to save Estrid (sorry, that’s the best possible outcome). Afterward, you’ll have to defeat a Saxon ambush. There are no bosses here, so vigorously crush them.

  • Talk With Estrid

Say your goodbyes and head back to Ravensthorpe.

Reporting On Essexe

  • Report To Randvi

Tell Randvi how it all went down and you’ll be ready for your next pledge!

NEXT: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Complete Guide And Walkthrough