Animus Anomaly AC Valhalla: What is it?

Animus Anomaly in AC Valhalla reminds players that everything they're experiencing is simply in their own head.

Ubisoft is keeping up with the extraneous lore of their Assassin's Creed series in the latest installment, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (AC:V), released on Nov. 10. This title follows the story of Viking raider Eivor and their conflict leading their clan against the neighboring Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. However, fans will remember that, while appearing to be real, everything they experience is simply a simulation within the Animus technology.

Like all technology, the Animus is not immune to glitches.

Animus Anomaly AC Valhalla

Animus Anomalies in AC:V are essentially what their name describes them to be: anomalies within the Animus simulation. After all, how can players forget their entire experience is essentially the relived memories of an assassin ancestor?

Fortunately, it isn't very difficult to tell these events apart from the surrounding open-world. Animus Anomalies will appear as sort of a break from the historical immersion. Players will notice the world come out of focus. Rocks and trees will begin to glitch and break away from the manufactured reality. These are easily able to be fixed, however, with the help of Layla and the player's own wit.

Once found, Layla and her crew will pause the entire simulation and set up a puzzle of sorts for the player to solve. The player will end up taking control of Layla in the surrounding area within the Viking Era world. In order to resume and fix the simulation, Layla will need to reach a data packet at the end of the puzzle. This uncovers a bit of hidden lore and history in the story.