Assassin's Creed Origins launched as a major return to form, and The Hidden Ones expansion extends that legacy with a focused historical storyline. This supplemental mission delves into the roots of the secretive brotherhood within the expansive timeline of the game.
The narrative threads connecting the base game to this clandestine order provide a deeper context for players exploring the origins of the Assassin's philosophy. Understanding the precise timing of this content is essential for fans tracking the series' evolving lore.
| Title | The Hidden Ones | Base Game: Origins | Release Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Narrative Focus | Founding of the Assassin Brotherhood | Conflict with the Order of the Ancients | Historical Ptolemaic Egypt |
| Key Character Introduced | Bayek of Siwa | Bayek and Aya | Protagonist Legacy |
| Major Story Beat | The Oath and the Hidden Blade | Unification of Egypt | Brotherhood Formation |
| Thematic Element | Secrets and Espionage | Rebellion and Freedom | Legacy and Lineage |
The Hidden Ones Narrative Arc
The Hidden Ones mission arc directly addresses the formation of the clandestine group opposing the Order of the Ancients. Players are thrust into the political intrigue surrounding Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, where allegiances are tested and secrets are currency.
This expansion serves as a vital bridge between the personal vendetta of Bayek and the establishment of a brotherhood that will span millennia. The story emphasizes the sacrifices required to protect humanity from corruption, a core theme that resonates throughout the series.
Historical Context of The Hidden Ones
Set in the final decades of the Ptolemaic period, the expansion leverages the turbulent history of Egypt during the Roman Republic. The interactions with historical figures like Mark Antony and Cleopatra provide a rich backdrop for the stealth and assassination mechanics.
By grounding the fantasy of the Assassin's Creed in real historical events, the creators provide a sense of authenticity that enhances the immersion. The Hidden Ones exploit the chaos of the era to build their network and oppose the Templar precursor organization.
Gameplay Mechanics and Integration
Gameplay in The Hidden Ones expands on the fluid movement system of Assassin's Creed Origins, encouraging players to master the Eagle Vision to uncover hidden threats. The integration of the new storyline feels seamless within the established open-world framework.
The side missions and assassination contracts remain consistent with the core gameplay loop, while the main narrative offers a more linear, story-focused experience. This design choice allows for a tighter focus on the lore of the Hidden Ones without sacrificing the freedom of exploration.
Legacy and Impact on the Series
The decisions made during The Hidden Ones storyline have long-lasting consequences for the continuity of the Assassin's Creed universe. It recontextualizes the motivations of characters in later entries and solidifies the thematic links between the installments.
- Establishes the foundational myth of the Assassin Brotherhood
- Connects the Ptolemaic era to modern-day storytelling
- Enhances the historical depth of the Origins setting
- Provides closure to Bayek's personal journey
FAQ
Reader questions
When did The Hidden Ones storyline become available to players?
The narrative was delivered as part of the main game's campaign, released in October 2017, with additional context provided through later updates and related media.
Is The Hidden Ones included in the base price of Assassin's Creed Origins?
Yes, the story of The Hidden Ones is included in the standard price of the game and does not require a separate season pass or purchase to access the main narrative.
How does this expansion affect the Assassin's Creed timeline?
The Hidden Ones serves as the direct origin story for the Assassin Brotherhood, filling the gap between ancient Egypt and the events of subsequent titles in the series' chronological history.
Are there new gameplay mechanics introduced in The Hidden Ones?
The expansion primarily focuses on story and lore, utilizing the existing mechanics of the Origins engine to deliver a narrative experience rather than introducing major new systems.