Among the many side quests and hidden challenges in Assassin’s Creed Origins, few are as mysterious and captivating as ‘Face the Heretic.’ This mission stands out not just because of its unique setting and story but also due to its connection to the game’s deep mythological undertones and supernatural elements. For players exploring the expanded content or diving into the post-story challenges, this particular encounter offers a memorable test of combat and interpretation. It pushes the boundaries between reality and myth in true Assassin’s Creed fashion, drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian beliefs and the darker themes found within the afterlife-focused content of the game.
Understanding ‘Face the Heretic’ in AC Origins
Face the HereticĀ is part of theCurse of the PharaohsDLC, one of the most substantial expansions for Assassin’s Creed Origins. This downloadable content takes Bayek into Thebes and beyond, challenging him to confront not just mortal enemies but also undead pharaohs and distorted versions of Egyptian history. The quest ‘Face the Heretic’ appears as part of these mythological layers, inviting players into surreal landscapes and dreamlike battlefields.
In this mission, Bayek must battle a powerful entity labeled as a heretic an outcast who challenges the gods, disrupts the natural order, and seeks forbidden knowledge. This figure is not just a standard boss but a symbol of rebellion and darkness, reflecting the kind of philosophical and spiritual questions Assassin’s Creed Origins often hints at beneath its action-heavy surface.
Where to Find the Quest
The quest becomes available in the afterlife regions introduced through the DLC, typically following completion of several main quests in the Thebes region. The exact location may vary depending on your progression and exploration style, but it often involves entering a tomb or passing through a portal that shifts Bayek into the Duat a surreal plane filled with spirits, mythic enemies, and altered landscapes.
Preparations Before Facing the Heretic
Before entering the battle with the heretic, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. The fight is not just mechanically challenging it’s also layered with symbolism and features mechanics not seen in standard enemy encounters.
- Ensure Bayek is at a high level, preferably near the level cap introduced in the DLC.
- Equip gear with poison or bleeding effects for damage over time.
- Carry a shield with high resistance to elemental attacks, particularly fire or curses.
- Stock up on arrows and refill your tools such as sleep darts or fire bombs.
Most importantly, bring patience. The Heretic doesn’t fall easily and requires attention to patterns and timing.
Battle Mechanics and Strategy
The Heretic fight is visually dramatic and can catch unprepared players off guard. The arena often includes swirling sandstorms, red-tinted skies, and platforms that shift during combat. Unlike normal enemies, the Heretic uses a mix of physical and magical attacks, often teleporting and summoning illusions to confuse the player.
Key Battle Phases
- Phase One: The Heretic uses basic melee and ranged attacks. Dodge frequently and deal quick hits.
- Phase Two: He summons multiple illusions that mirror his movements. Use AoE attacks to clear them quickly.
- Phase Three: The Heretic becomes enraged, triggering fire-based attacks and larger area-of-effect strikes. Stay mobile and use arrows to keep distance.
By managing your stamina, reading animations, and staying on the move, you can outlast this formidable foe. The key lies in identifying when the Heretic is vulnerable typically right after a teleportation or special attack animation.
Symbolism Behind the Heretic
While the Heretic is a tough enemy on the surface, the deeper layers of Assassin’s Creed Origins suggest more beneath the battle. In Egyptian mythology, heretics are often seen as those who defy Ma’at the principle of truth, order, and harmony. They are enemies not just of people, but of the gods themselves.
This makes Bayek’s battle against the Heretic more than a test of skill it is a test of faith. Is he fighting a literal man, or an idea? A corrupted soul, or a fragment of himself? The answers are never fully clear, but that ambiguity adds to the appeal. Assassin’s Creed Origins uses myth as metaphor, and the Heretic is a perfect example of that design philosophy.
Rewards and Aftermath
Upon defeating the Heretic, players typically receive several in-game rewards. These often include:
- A legendary weapon themed after the afterlife or cursed powers
- Large amounts of XP, helping with late-game leveling
- Lore entries or journal updates that expand on the Heretic’s background
- Access to further tombs, areas, or challenges tied to the curse
More than tangible rewards, however, the satisfaction lies in overcoming a test that combines all of Bayek’s strengths his agility, wisdom, and moral clarity. In defeating the Heretic, the player affirms Bayek’s role not just as a Medjay, but as a guardian of balance in a world blurred between life and myth.
Connection to Other Quests
The Heretic’s presence is not isolated. Many other characters and challenges in the Curse of the Pharaohs expansion share thematic links, dealing with concepts of death, memory, divine punishment, and resurrection. You’ll find echoes of this in missions involving:
- Pharaohs returning from the dead to haunt the living
- Villagers suffering under spiritual curses or haunted dreams
- Sacred artifacts stolen and corrupted by power-hungry individuals
In this narrative tapestry, the Heretic represents a particularly personal conflict someone who turned away from divine order and now threatens to drag others into chaos. Bayek’s confrontation with such a figure strengthens the overarching theme of preserving balance, not just through the blade, but through remembrance and honor.
Face the HereticĀ is a shining example of what makes Assassin’s Creed Origins and its expansions so powerful. It blends combat, mythology, history, and introspection into a single unforgettable encounter. Whether you approach it as a boss battle or a symbolic duel, the Heretic forces players to look deeper into what it means to defy fate, and what it takes to restore harmony in a fractured world.
For those seeking more than just fights and treasure, the Heretic offers a narrative and emotional climax that leaves a lasting impression one that lingers like a whisper from the Duat, long after the dust of battle settles.