Excited to get your hands on Valkyrie Elysium? You’re certainly not alone. It’s been over two decades since we were first introduced to the series through Valkyrie Profile and Valkyrie quickly became one of Square Enix’s many JRPG series. Best known for its use of Norse mythology, we’ve not seen a new console entry since 2009’s Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume.
Considering the cult following Valkyrie Profile gained it makes Valkyrie Elysium a welcome return. Elysium takes a different approach to gameplay than Profile as it’s an action RPG, rather than traditional turn-based RPGs like the entries before it. This isn’t entirely surprising though, given how Square Enix did the same for Final Fantasy 15 and the upcoming Final Fantasy 16.
Regardless, if you’re looking to find out more about this upcoming sequel, you’ve come to the right place. From PC requirements to key gameplay mechanics, here’s everything we’ve heard so far about Valkyrie Elysium.
Valkyrie Elysium – Release Date and Platforms
Valkyrie Elysium launches on September 29, 2022 for PS4 and PS5. If you opt for the PS4 version, either digitally or physically, you can upgrade to the next-gen edition at no extra cost. There’s no indication Valkyrie Elysium will appear on Xbox consoles just yet, though it’s also launching for PC via Steam on November 11, 2022.
Like many of its releases, Square Enix is bringing out a Valkyrie Elysium: Digital Deluxe Edition iIncluding additional Valkyrie equipment. However, unlike the PC edition, the PlayStation version includes a modern re-release for Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth.
As a quick aside, anyone that purchases the Digital Deluxe Edition can access the game 72 hours early. So, if that’s your choice, Valkyrie Elysium instead launches on September 26 for PS4 and PS5, or November 8 on PC.
Valkyrie Elysium – Gameplay
We’ve gleaned a few details about Valkyrie Elysium so far. Opting for an action RPG approach with real-time fights, Elysium might be more of a hack-and-slash than its predecessors, yet it still retains several key elements from those previous games.
Our playable Valkyrie can directly attack with a one-handed sword across wide spaces, using light and heavy strikes. This allows for combos which can throw enemies across the battlefield or to juggle them, so time these up carefully. Spells range between familiar choices like lightning strikes, healing, and magic dashes, which uses magic charges during combat. Hit them enough times and that’ll activate Crush, temporarily stunning foes.
Elysium also features what’s known as the “Soul Chain”, giving our Valkyrie a grappling hook that can pull in far off enemies for close combat. This can pull enemies in for aerial attacks too. They can also summon multiple Einherjar to assist your fight, each of whom use a particular type of elemental damage when attacking.
Valkyrie Elysium – Setting and Characters
Valkyrie Elysium takes place in the same universe as previous entries but right now, we’ve only got a few details to go on. We’re out to stop Ragnarök, travelling the world searching for lost warrior souls to create a team of Einherjar but as it stands, it’s unclear if any main characters from before are returning. Even in a recent slate of previews, which are based on the first chapter, the playable Valkyrie was never named.
Otherwise, these previews tell us that Valkyrie Elysium’s story doesn’t appear to be too intertwined with past games. So, anyone worried about jumping straight into this shouldn’t be concerned. We’ve also got a brief plot overview from the official website, and Square Enix provided this synopsis:
“Long ago, Ragnarök—the End Times—loomed upon the realms. The All-Father Odin, with the last of his strength, created an emissary of redemption, Valkyrie; her sole task the salvation of a doomed world. And thence began the tale of a new Valkyrie.”
Valkyrie Elysium – Trailer
We first learned about Valkyrie Elysium during Sony’s State of Play conference in March 2022. Offering a two-minute reveal trailer, that begins with a simple question: “In an unjust world, what will you choose?” Cutting to our playable Valkyrie, we learn that Ragnarok is tearing apart this world and we’re tasked with saving it from destruction.
Square Enix later followed this up with a release date trailer back in July. This provided a closer look at battles, our new party members (the Einherjar), and some new enemies. At the least, it shows that each of these companions come with their own motivations for joining this fight. Lasting for three minutes, you can also watch this below:
Valkyrie Elysium – PC Requirements
There’s no need to concern yourselves with system requirements if you’re playing on PS4 or PS5. However, if you’ve opted for Valkyrie Elysium’s PC release, we’ve got bad news. With two months to go until launch, Square Enix still hasn’t confirmed the Valkyrie Elysium minimum and recommended PC requirements.
It’s not uncommon for publishers to withhold this information until close to launch, often less than a month beforehand. It just makes life harder for those looking to pre-order this new action RPG. We’ll keep this updated as we learn more about Valkyrie Elysium’s PC edition.
Check out Valkyrie Elysium on the Green Man Gaming Store
If you’re itching to grab a slice of Valkyrie Elysium action, head over to our store to check out the game now. Adventure is coming, make sure you’re first into the fray with Green Man Gaming.
