Every assassin has a story, but only a few have missing chapters that reshape everything we think we know about them. Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory is exactly that—a powerful, unexpected free DLC that fills the emotional void at the center of Basim Ibn Ishaq’s journey.
Set quietly between Mirage’s late-game memories, this expansion isn’t just “bonus content.” It’s the defining moment that transforms Basim from a driven Hidden One into one of the most complex figures in Assassin’s Creed lore. It's the last time we see him fully human—before Loki’s shadow consumes the man he once was.
What follows is the clearest explanation of where Valley of Memory fits in the timeline, how it reshapes Basim’s legacy, and why it’s become one of the most important story drops in recent Assassin’s Creed history.
Where Valley of Memory Fits in Basim’s Timeline
Ubisoft has now confirmed the exact placement:
✔ After: The Head of the Snake
✔ Before: The final acts of Mirage
✔ Before: Basim’s full psychological descent and Loki’s awakening
✔ Before: The events that eventually connect to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
In simple terms:
➡ Valley of Memory is Basim’s final human chapter—right before his fate becomes intertwined with Loki.
This context makes the DLC feel like Mirage’s “real” final act, even though it’s technically a mid-game interlude.
Basim’s Personal Reckoning: The Story Behind Valley of Memory
A Father’s Shadow
The emotional core of the DLC begins with a simple but devastating rumor:
Basim’s father, Ishaq, might still be alive.
In Mirage’s main story, Basim’s past is teased—but never fully explored. Valley of Memory gives us the missing answers. A long-lost painting believed to be created by his father leads Basim and Dervis to AlUla, a remote, ancient valley plagued by robbers and political tension.
What starts as a personal search quickly spirals into a confrontation with Basim’s childhood trauma, his own identity, and the consequences of the lives he’s taken.
A Region Built on History and Memory: Exploring AlUla
The new region is one of Mirage’s most striking locations—rich with Abbasid-era history, layered geography, and powerful symbolism.
Two Distinct Sub-Regions Define AlUla
1. The Land of the Living (South)
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Lush oases
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Ancient farms
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Active settlements
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A symbol of hope and renewal
2. The Land of the Dead (North)
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Necropolises
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Ruins carved into red cliffs
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The haunting remains of forgotten civilizations
The region’s split mirrors Basim’s emotional journey: torn between past wounds and future responsibility.
Community players describe AlUla as “the most atmospheric environment Mirage has ever delivered.”
Confronting Consequences: A Hidden One Faces His Past
Basim’s journey becomes morally complex when he discovers the truth:
His father is being held captive by Nimlot—
the son of one of Basim’s assassination victims.
For the first time, Basim sees the human cost of the Creed in a deeply personal way. Nimlot’s revenge makes Basim confront a truth many assassins ignore:
Every hidden blade leaves scars on someone else’s life.
This confrontation is the beating heart of the DLC. It marks the moment Basim begins shifting from idealistic Hidden One to the morally ambiguous figure he becomes in Valhalla.
A Son Becomes a Savior
The emotional climax reverses the roles that shaped Basim’s childhood:
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The abandoned son becomes the protector
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The lost boy becomes the savior
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The hidden wounds are finally forced into the light
This is Basim at his most vulnerable—and his most human. Before the Isu mythos takes over, Valley of Memory lets us see the man beneath the legend.
How Valley of Memory Changes Basim’s Destiny (Deep Lore Breakdown)
1. It humanizes Basim before Loki’s personality dominates him
This is Basim’s last chapter driven by:
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Family
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Loss
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Trauma
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Duty
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Love
2. It reframes Mirage as a tragedy
With this context, you realize:
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Basim’s path was never about heroism
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It was about loss, abandonment, and identity
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His later ruthlessness is rooted in this trauma
3. It builds a stronger bridge to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Players now understand:
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Why Basim becomes cold and calculating
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Why he searches for “truths” in Valhalla
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Why his destiny with Loki feels inevitable
This is why the Assassin’s Creed community calls Valley of Memory:
“The real missing piece of Mirage’s story.”
Community Reactions (Based on Current Discussions)
■ “This feels like Mirage’s true ending.”
Many players say the DLC should have been part of the base game. The emotional weight improves the whole narrative.
■ “Basim is finally a complete character.”
Fans praise how the DLC makes Basim’s fate in Valhalla more tragic and understandable.
■ “The parkour overhaul is Mirage 2.0.”
Free jumping, safer ejects, replayable missions, and tool improvements are widely celebrated.
■ “One of the best free updates Ubisoft has released.”
The DLC adds 6+ hours of content with meaningful lore—not filler.
Is Valley of Memory Canon? (Yes—and Here's Why)
Many players question this, so clarify it strongly.
✔ Directly confirmed by Ubisoft
✔ Fits perfectly between Mirage’s late-game memories
✔ Bridges Mirage → Valhalla
✔ Adds missing character development
✔ Ties into Hidden One philosophy and Basim’s past
This is 100% canon narrative, not side content.
FAQ – Valley of Memory & Timeline Questions
When exactly does Valley of Memory take place?
Right after The Head of the Snake and before Mirage’s final missions.
Do I need to finish the main game to play it?
No. You can start mid-story or jump directly into the DLC via the main menu.
Does the DLC change Basim’s future?
It doesn’t change it, but it explains it—especially his behavior in Valhalla.
Is the DLC canon to Assassin’s Creed lore?
Yes. It is an official part of Basim’s story.
Does this DLC connect Mirage to Valhalla?
Very strongly—emotionally and narratively.
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