From the first game’s portrayal of the Middle East, all the way to Valhalla’s vision of the British Isles during the Dark Ages, AC has always been a series that provides amazing depictions of its locations. AC Origins is no different. There are so many awesome places to see in Egypt and its surrounding territories – and you could spend real-life weeks doing so. But which areas are the most beautiful ones, you ask? Let’s find out so you can take the tour yourself!
10. The Great Green Sea
The Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins is, for the most part, a land-locked country. Only one body of saltwater is readily accessible, and that’s the northern Great Green Sea. From a new game, you won’t be able to easily get to this expanse for some time (it’s fairly high-level). But when you do, you’re in for a visual treat – if you like the ocean. The water in Assassin’s Creed Origins is beautifully rendered. Watching the various ships and small crafts bob along the waves of the glassy blue horizon is something that never gets old. This is the perfect spot to come and unwind after a long day of Medjay work.
9. Cyrene
In the far northwest of the map is the region of Kyrenaika, and on its coast is the city of Cyrene. This is a verdant metropolis that’s home to many different people and quests, and also one of two Egyptian Colosseums. Cyrene has a lush forest aesthetic, which is a profound change of pace from the usual desert fare the rest of the country offers. And there’s so much to do! Cyrene is home to lots of side quests, enemy camps to liberate, and treasure to find. If ever there was an Egyptian vacation destination, then this would be it.
8. Desheret Desert
There are a few things you expect to see when you visit Egypt and its surrounding territories. And probably the most expected thing to see is a desert. There are a lot of deserts in the country – but none quite as marvelous as the Desheret Desert. There’s not a lot to see in this sandy expanse, but the vast emptiness itself is what makes it so beautiful. The narrow dunes that look like frozen waves across the sandy sea almost glow under the unrelenting sun. And you can even see the moon! There’s no better way to immerse yourself in an Egyptian story than by traveling through a desert like this.
7. The Rocky Plains of Uab Nome
Climbing is one of the key features in Assassin’s Creed. Ever since day one, being able to scale most any surface with the practiced ease of a parkour professional has defined the series’ identity. There’s no better place to continue this tradition than in Origins’ own Uab Nome. This region of Egypt is much rockier than its contemporaries, full of tall cliffs and valleys, all of which are just begging to be explored. There’s lots of treasures and secrets to find too – which just makes the already fun traversal that much more rewarding!
6. Tomb of Eesfet Oon-m’Aa Poo
It’s no secret that the world of Assassin’s Creed harbors a much deeper, more science-fiction past. Ancient civilizations remain now only as messages hidden in the genetic legacy of various historical folks, all entangled in a forever war between two factions. You don’t get to peek behind the curtain very often. But when you do it’s super exciting. The Tomb of Eesfet Oon-m’Aa Poo is one of those times (no, I don’t know how to pronounce it either). Completing this tomb and its challenges gets you a peek at the other side, and an awesome suit of armor. And the whole place looks awesome! It’s a marvelous spectacle that shouldn’t be missed (and probably won’t be).
5. The Animus Glitches
The Animus system is, at its core, a computer. And like all computers, it’s bound to mess up every now and then. Glitches in the Animus system aren’t too uncommon. They’ve happened before and they’ll happen again. In Egypt, there are three different glitch varieties. Finding (and approaching) these pillars of ominous light pits Bayek against a supersized version of one of the most prominent gods of the time. Face off against a towering Sobek, Anubis, or Sekhmet, and earn wonderful rewards in the form of legendary weapons. The fights themselves are cool enough to be their own rewards. But the actual prizes make this area so much better.
4. Sinai
It may feel like cheating a little to put a whole country on this list. But once you take a peek at it in-game, you’ll understand why. Being the main location of the post-story DLC (The Hidden Ones), Sinai is a place full of mystery, intrigue, and most importantly, tons of stuff to do. You get an awesome new outfit just for stepping in. Plus there are lots of side quests, dungeons, and new weapons to discover – you’ll be here for weeks. And it looks so good! The country of Sinai is a lot more vertical than Egypt, and provides a different (though equally cool) experience as you discover its secrets.
3. Alexandria
As one of the most popular ancient cities in history, Alexandria is a wellspring of civilization, knowledge, power, and pleasure. This magnificent sprawl is host to lots of things to do, including raiding enemy encampments, helping your fellow man, and even a chariot race track! It’s also stuffed with secrets and stories – it really does live up to the legends. Alexandria is definitely beautifully rendered in Assassin’s Creed Origins, all the way down to the cobblestone streets. This is one of the more awe-inspiring places in the game, and easily worth your time getting there.
2. The Pyramids of Giza
When you mention anything even tangentially related to Egypt, the subject of its great pyramids is sure to come up. And with good reason! These wonders of the world are truly a remarkable sight. Thanks to the power of the Animus, you can see them in AC Origins as they were originally. Just seeing their size and scope with the wonderful white sheen is amazing enough. But climbing their sides to see all of Egypt from the tip is really an experience that only games like Assassin’s Creed can provide. You can even slide down the sides! Nothing feels cooler than descending a pyramid like an ancient Egyptian surfer.
1. The Fields of Reeds (The Afterlife: Aaru)
In the game’s first DLC (the Curse of the Pharaohs), Bayek takes a trip to nearby Thebes to quell some pesky pharaoh problems. This includes entering their various tombs and proceeding to different versions of the Afterlife to hunt down and deal with the crisis. The most memorable of these Afterlives is Aaru, home to Nefertiti and the iconic Field of Reeds. This field has been seen multiple times throughout the story. But to be able to actually visit this place is amazing. Really, it is gorgeous. And it’s truly magical to walk through. Take a slow pace through the reeds and Bayek will even hold out his hand to experience it himself. This is the most breathtaking location in Assassin’s Creed Origins – and even alone it’s worth the price of admission.
