Exploring Ancient Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins: A Unique Open World Experience

Assassin’s Creed Origins takes players on an unforgettable journey through the late days of Ancient Egypt, showcasing a civilization at a pivotal point in its history. Instead of exploring the height of Egyptian power, Ubisoft presents us with a world that is witnessing change—where the remnants of the pharaonic era are slowly being overshadowed by Greek influences.

This setting creates a vivid contrast in architecture. As you wander through bustling cities, you’ll find ancient Egyptian statues crumbling under the weight of time, while sleek marble statues of Greek deities stand proudly in their place. Even iconic landmarks like the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx show signs of wear, symbolizing the decline of a once-mighty civilization amidst the rise of foreign conquerors.

The open world in Origins might just be Ubisoft’s most impressive creation to date. Picture yourself galloping through the rugged terrain of the Green Mountains, with no particular goal, when suddenly you crest a hill to reveal a vast Roman city nestled in a misty valley. The sheer scale of this world is awe-inspiring, dwarfing the expansive cities from previous titles in the franchise.

However, size alone doesn’t define an engaging open world. For example, Just Cause boasts a massive map filled with sprawling landscapes, yet much of it can feel bland and uninspired. In contrast, Origins keeps players on their toes by offering a variety of unique regions—ranging from the quaint oasis town of Siwa to the rocky canyons of the Black Desert, and the archaeological wonders scattered throughout Giza and Alexandria.

One of the standout locations is Faiyum, a visually stunning city aligned with the worship of Sobek, the crocodile god. This city is built around intricate canals and is dominated by a magnificent temple. Here, players will uncover intriguing quests, including one where Bayek investigates the mystery behind a sacred crocodile that has started shedding tears of blood—a captivating narrative thread that adds depth to the experience.

After dedicating about 27 hours to Origins, I still found areas on the map shrouded in mystery, beckoning for exploration. While the game’s vastness is undeniably impressive, some of that length is padded by level requirements before tackling story quests. Although navigating the sands of Egypt may not quite match the thrill of sailing the Caribbean in Black Flag—my personal favorite—Origins provides a richer, more immersive world, allowing players to step into the annals of history and witness it firsthand.