Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory Update Unearths a Forgotten Chapter

Basim assumed he had put his past behind him. But Ubisoft appears to be hell-bent on reemerging it. Thus goes part of the engine for the new Valley of Memory update to Assassin's Creed Mirage, arriving two years after the launch of the base game. Most of the community was convinced that the studio had pushed off versions after the initial reaction to Mirage and moved on to newer projects; instead, Mirage surfaces again with a new trailer, a massive patch, and a full region that feels as though the developers sifted through an old chapter and opened it for players who wanted to step back inside.

It is uncommon for an Assassin's Creed title to receive this much support or attention so late in its life cycle. That makes even the game feel like a gift, familiar and nothing like the baseline experience that is coated in sand and mystery. And the end result works so much better than any of us could have imagined.

A search that begins with a whisper

The new tale takes place before the events at the end of Mirage. Basim hears whispers that perhaps his long-lost father is still alive. It's kind of something you might overhear while in a crowded bazaar. One small nugget leads him across a desert and into AlUla, a new region full of ancient ruins and quiet, calm oases.

Players can begin the new questline after starting the “Head of the Snake” mission. Those returning to the game can also choose to jump directly to the new storyline from the main menu.

AlUla is like a forgotten storybook

AlUla is the main focus. It’s divided into two areas. The Land of the Dead is the harsher northern half. The Land of the Living is the more vibrant southern half. Both add visual variety and plenty of secrets. The Valley of Memory update adds new activities. Stolen Goods missions have Basim recovering maps from thieves. Oud melodies bring back the thrill of chasing tunes across rooftops, like the sea shanties in Assassin’s Creed IV. Once collected, Basim can play the melodies at various spots around the region. Ubisoft also mentions extra surprises for dedicated explorers.

A patch that changes the game

Patch 1.1.0 is big enough to be a sequel rather than an update. Mission replay is available through the Animus Sequences menu. Main missions and contracts can now be replayed. Optional challenges inside each replay grant Animus Mods that slowly refill tools and Assassin Focus.

Controls are also tweaked. Free Jump can be toggled in settings. Side and back ejects now work even without clear landing spots. A modern control preset is added for smoother movement. New difficulty options add more depth. Hardened Assassin increases defense values; Ultimate Assassin is the toughest yet. A custom difficulty setting lets you shape your own challenge.

Tools get Tier 3 upgrades. Explosive throwing knives, corrosive smoke bombs, armor-piercing blow darts, sleep-inducing noisemakers, and frenzy traps give stealth more creativity. The patch also adds UI improvements, faster parkour, clearer VFX, and dozens of fixes for HDR brightness, costume physics, localization issues, and rare crashes.

Why this update is significant

Mirage has always been the traditional Assassin’s Creed. It focused on stealth, a shorter story, and locked missions. Valley of Memory expands this design without losing the tone that made the game distinctive and gave Basim a new mystery to chase, while giving players another area to explore.

For a game approaching its third year, this update reminds us that even games older than decades can still amaze their fanbases.

More For You

Ubisoft Cancels Civil War Assassin’s Creed: Project Obsidian

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake sails into view with bold changes

Assassin’s Creed Publisher Ubisoft Faces Backlash for End User Agreement Changes

Assassin’s Creed Next Game Rumored to Have a Dark, Haunting Plot-Marks a New Era in Gaming