The Devout Mountains

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla inspired level situatied in an open-air quarry

Link to full gameplay video

Project Features

Level Design Mission Design Greyblocking Level Scripting

Tools Used

Unreal Engine 5, Miro, Procreate, Figma

Role

Level Designer

Project Type

School, Personal

Page Table of Contents

Key Design Elements

2D Map

Full Gameplay Video

Planning & references

"The Devout Mountains" is an Assassin's Creed Valhalla inspired level set in a Quarry.

LEVEL DESIGN GOALS

Create a layout that implements specific game mechanics
Emphasise making multiple paths so as to maximize player agency
Integrate a mix of linear and open level design to offer a variety in terms of pacing and narrative design options

Key Design Elements

Clear Progression with Contrasting Gameplay

Alternating between more linear and more open level design offers pathways to find better pacing.

Linear Intro

• Allows for more specific build up of gameplay elements

• More possibilities for seemless framing of player goals

Open Navigation Challenge

• Heightened player agency allows for variety of strategies to be expressed.

• Allows for LD with more realism, which leads to more player immersion

Player Agency via Path Choices and Variety

Allows for players to adapt their gameplay whenever they please, and react to the environment as they see fit.

Climbing & Parkour Paths

Environment provides variety of options for evasion, stealth and strategy.

Cover Paths

When navigating AI enemy encounters, cover disposition provides a balance between challenge and support.

Distinct Zones with Contrasting Strategy Approaches

The "hotter" enemy encouter focused zone is also where the AI enemy holding the key is located. Players must stray into this area, while being able to choose to continue deeper into it or alternate with the less dangerous traversal focused.

Also notable that both zones have contrasting architecture:

Zone A: Wooden fortifications and building surrounding the Quarry.
Zone B: the Quarry itself, being actively mined by workers.

This allow for easeful navigation, the player very quickly and intuitively knows where they are in the level.

Zone A:
Enemy Encounters

Zone B:
More Traversal

2D Map

Full Gameplay Video

Planning & references

My goal in sharing this is to give you some insight into my process as a designer. I have a strong commitment to process because it really helps me clarify and consolidate the development of a level.