Ireland has often been used as a setting in gaming, thanks to its incredible scenery and rich history. In some areas of gaming, the Emerald Isle and its folklore serve as a direct inspiration for the themes of games. In video games, Ireland tends to act best as the backdrop to a wider story.
One of the best ways for gamers to escape to Ireland in video games in recent years was in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The main title had an expansion pack called Wrath of the Druids, in which players were able to travel to Dublin in the year 879.
Wrath of the Druids Sent Players to Ireland
Wrath of the Druids was the first expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, released in May 2021. It dropped at the perfect time for many, as the main game had already been out for half a year by that point and players needed fresh content. The new offering featured a brand new setting, taking players on a journey to Ireland to uncover the secrets of the ancient Druids.
The story of Wrath of the Druids takes place a few years after the events of the main game. Eivor is summoned to Ireland by her cousin Barid, who is the King of Dublin. Once there, Eivor discovers that the Druids, an ancient and mysterious order, are stirring up trouble in Ireland. Eivor must explore this new land, meet new characters, and unravel the secrets of the Druids.
The new map gives players a vast expanse of new locations to traverse, with plenty of new adventures and side quests. Some of the areas include Dublin, Connacht, and Ulster. With the advanced graphics of the title from Ubisoft Montreal, it could be argued that Ireland has never looked more impressive in video games.
Irish Themes Have been More Prevalent in Other Areas of Gaming
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla may be the best place to witness Ireland in a digital form, but there are other areas of the gaming industry in which themes from the country are more prevalent. For example, if you’re simply in search of a game that reflects an Irish vibe, the mobile or casino markets could be the best places to look.
One of the most popular mobile games that draws upon Irish themes is Lep’s World. The platformer gives players the chance to control a Leprechaun through a variety of levels set in Ireland. The game’s graphics feature iconic Irish symbols such as shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows. On top of that, the sound effects are accompanied by traditional Irish music. With over 250 million downloads, Lep’s World has become a classic of mobile gaming and has even led to a sequel.
In the casino industry, Rainbow Riches is one of the best-known slots of all time. Nowadays, players can play Rainbow Riches online and experience modern features. In the past, before internet gambling came along, the title existed as a physical machine as well. The offering from Gamesys features plenty of symbols that are traditionally associated with Ireland.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s expansion into Ireland may be the best place to see a realistic depiction of the country’s spectacular settings in games. However, there are plenty of other ways for players to get a feel of Ireland through mobile and casino games. In those markets, Irish themes are much more common than they are on consoles.
