Assassin's Creed Valhalla has a free New Game Plus update, and the first thing returning players should check is their quest progress. Completing Holy Day unlocks the option to replay with an endgame character. The November 5 patch also changes equipment progression, so there is something to inspect even if you are staying in your existing adventure.
An overloaded inventory makes a long break harder to come back from. Sort the equipment you use and read the new upgrade options before spending your saved resources.
Check Holy Day before starting over
Ubisoft's Xbox breakdown names Holy Day as the New Game Plus requirement. Each repeat run scales the difficulty. Players who want to replay the story should check that quest first; owning the game and installing the patch alone does not satisfy the stated unlock condition.
The attraction is taking an established character into another journey. That also gives you a reason to revisit how your build works. If you have forgotten why a weapon or rune was equipped, try the combination in your current save before deciding what to keep using in a repeat run.
The official PlayStation trailer introduces the update and its returning-player focus:
This is a free game update for owners, with no claim deadline announced in either platform article. Make room to download the patch, then decide whether you want a replay or more time with the character you already have.
Read the new costs before upgrading everything
Equipment progression now reaches level 27. Mithril supports divine gear upgrades, while the Rune Forge gains a Superior tier and additional engravable perks. These are reasons to look again at a favourite weapon, rather than assume an old maximum-level item has nothing left to improve.
Ubisoft also describes an extended progression option in which equipment, runes and masteries affect overall power. For a returning player, the practical question is which part of the character is holding a build back. Read the option's explanation before switching it on and judge upgrades against the way you actually fight.
The designer says the progression additions can be used outside New Game Plus too. You do not have to restart the story solely to inspect the expanded equipment system. Spend a little time in the menus first if your main interest is improving an existing character rather than replaying quests.
Use the stash to make a returning build manageable
The new Ravensthorpe stash accepts gear and runes. Move pieces you are keeping for later out of the active inventory, then leave yourself a smaller selection to compare. A returning player's first problem can be remembering which equipment mattered, rather than finding another item.
That is especially helpful when considering unfamiliar rune combinations. Start with one weapon and a clear goal, such as supporting the attacks you already enjoy. Change a few pieces at a time so you can tell which choice made the character feel different. This is a way to approach the new options, not a tested best-build ranking.
Ubisoft's own short video accompanies the release. Its description of a free update refers to the patch, not free ownership of Valhalla:
PS5 Pro has a separate visual improvement
Ubisoft's PlayStation article discusses upgraded PSSR, Sony's image reconstruction technology, for PS5 Pro. The developer describes a sharper 4K image and Quality mode running at 60 fps on that console. These are Ubisoft's stated results, not measurements from our own play sessions.
Keep the hardware distinction when comparing versions. The New Game Plus feature is also announced for Xbox One and Series X|S, but PSSR is a PS5 Pro feature. A video carrying a PS5 label does not establish identical image processing across every platform.
If you are choosing between a replay and another game this month, our November Game Pass guide covers subscription additions separately. Valhalla's new patch is a reason to revisit a game you have access to, without treating the update announcement as a new purchase requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock Valhalla New Game Plus?
Complete the Holy Day quest, then use the New Game Plus option after installing the update.
Is the November Valhalla update free?
Ubisoft describes it as a free update. You still need access to the base game.
Do I need New Game Plus for the progression additions?
Ubisoft says the expanded progression features are also available outside New Game Plus.
Does every console get PSSR?
No. The upgraded PSSR support described by Ubisoft is specific to PS5 Pro.
