A Complete Guide to All Locations of Books of Knowledge – AC Valhalla

Abilities are a group of melee and ranged power moves that players can use in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to gain an advantage over their enemies or finish them off in a flashy way. Players cannot access these abilities from the skill tree; instead, they have to collect the “Books of Knowledge” scattered throughout the game’s map to learn these abilities.

Generally, abilities have two levels. Collecting the first book of knowledge gives the player access to the basic ability, while acquiring the second book of knowledge enhances the effect of that ability. Players can only equip four (4) melee, and four (4) ranged abilities at a time, so it is essential to make this choice strategically.

Here are all the locations where you can find all the abilities and their upgrades:

Sr. No.	Ability	Type	Ability Location	Upgrade Location
1	Axe Blizzard	Ranged	Abandoned Church, East Anglia	Wincestre Garrison, Wincestre
2	Battlecry	Melee	Cliffside Monastery, River Dee	N/A
3	Berserker Trap	Ranged	Riverside Monastery, River Dee	N/A
4	Blinding Rush	Melee	Ruined Tower, East Anglia	Chertsey Abbey Ruins, Suthsexe
5	Dive of the Valkyries	Melee	Isle of Ely Monastery, Grantebridgescire	Lolingestone Bandit Camp, Cent
6	Feign Death	Melee	Leah Villa Garrison, Oxenefordscire	Aelfwood, Glowecestrescire
7	Fire Strike	Melee	Ravensthorpe	Ravensthorpe
8	Focus of the Nornir	Ranged	Offchurch, Ledecestrescire	Bolingbric Castle, Lincolnscire
9	Harpoon Impalement	Melee	Venonis, Ledecestrescire	Colcestre, Essexe
10	Incendiary Powder Trap	Ranged	Walden, Grantebridgescire	Briggworth, Suthsexe
11	Kick of Tyr	Melee	Threaded Pass, Eurvicscire	Ulkerthorpe Fort, Snotinghamscire
12	Man’s Best Friend	Ranged	Ravensthorpe	Crepelgate Fort, Oxenefordscire
13	Mark of Death	Ranged	Meldeburne, Grantebridgescire	Alrekstad, Hordafylke
14	Percussion Arrow	Ranged	Festering Valley, River Berbha	N/A
15	Piercing Shot	Ranged	Templebrough Fort, Ledecestrescire	Lincoln, Lincolnscire
16	Poisonous Powder Trap	Ranged	Petuaria Ruins, Eurvicscire	Odin Mine Hideout, Snotinghamscire
17	Poison Strike	Melee	Ravensthorpe	Ravensthorpe
18	Precision Axe Throw	Melee	Stag’s End, River Erriff	N/A
19	Rage of Helheim	Melee	Kjotve’s Fortress, Rygjaffylke	Jorvik
20	Ranged Fire Strike	Ranged	Ravensthorpe	Ravensthorpe
21	Ranged Poison Strike	Ranged	Ravensthorpe	Ravensthorpe
22	Raven Distraction	Ranged	Tonnastadir, Ledecestrescire	Belesduna Bandit Camp, Essexe
23	Rush and Bash	Melee	Ravensburg, Grantebridgescire	Dunwic, East Anglia
24	Shoulder Bash	Melee	Island Monastery, River Severn	N/A
25	Spinning Harpoon	Melee	Ferrieres Monastery, River Rhine	N/A
26	Thorn of Slumber	Ranged	Gryttirsand, Rygjaffylke	Dover Fortress, Cent
27	Throwing Axe Fury	Melee	Nottfall, Rygjaffylke	Caustow Castle, Sciropescire
28	Vengeance of Thor	Melee	Oxeneforda, Oxenefordscire	Thieves Warren, Glowecestrescire

#1 Axe Blizzard

Axe Blizzard is a ranged ability that allows players to aim and throw a devastating barrage of axes—after the upgrade, it completes the full series of Axe Blizzard by adding a bloody finishing combo of extra throws.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Axe Blizzard can be found on the second story of an abandoned church near the unnamed southeastern border of East Anglia.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for Axe Blizzard can be found in the building right in front of the main gate of Wincestre Garrison, southwest of the Wincestre.

#2 Battlecry

Battlecry is a melee ability through which Eivor lets out a blood-curdling scream in a fit of rage, gaining strength and causing enemies around to stumble backward in fear, interrupting their attacks.

I. Ability Location

Battlecry can be found through a crawlspace, behind the scaffolding on top of the stairs of Cliffside Monastery, River Dee (river raids). 

#3 Berserker Trap

Berserker trap is a ranged ability that attaches a trap to your arrow, spreading hallucinatory powder. Any nearby movement causes the trap to trigger.

I. Ability Location

Berserker Trap ability can be found in Riverside Monastery, River Dee (river raids). It is hidden below the church and can be accessed through a crack in the wall in front of the church.

#4 Blinding Rush

Blinding Rush is a melee ability that uses stamina to move undetected and aborts on enemy contact. When upgraded, a successful Assassination doesn’t interrupt the ability.

I. Ability Location

Blinding Rush can be found in the Ruined Tower (Synchronization Point) in the northeast region of East Anglia. Climb inside the tower and break the wooden trapdoor on the floor to acquire the book of knowledge.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for this ability can be found in the Chertsey Abbey Ruins, located in the northwest corner of Suthsexe.

#5 Dive of the Valkyries

The Dive of the Valkyries is a melee ability that launches the player into the air and crashes them down onto their enemies. After the upgrade, it inflicts stun damage within a large impact radius.

I. Ability Location

The Dive of the Valkyries can be found in the basement of Isle of Ely Monastery, located in the northwest part of Grantebridgescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The book of knowledge for the upgrade can be found in the Lolingestone Bandit Camp in the northwest region of Cent.

#6 Feign Death

Feign Death is a melee ability that allows players to fool enemies by playing dead. After the upgrade, players can trigger a surprise assassination from a prone position.

I. Ability Location

The book for Feign Death can be found in a locked room of Leah Villa Garrison, located in the western part of Oxenefordscire. The key for the locked room is to the south of the location.

II. Upgrade Location

The Book of Knowledge for upgrading this ability can be found in the second cave from the left in a group of four caves in Aelfwood, Glowecestrescire.

#7 Fire Strike

Fire Strike is a melee ability that applies fire to your right-hand melee weapon. Enemies that catch fire will suffer additional damage over time. Once upgraded, the fire blazes in an arc before you, instantly setting enemies caught in the arc ablaze.

I. Ability Location

The fire strike can be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him six (6) Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade can similarly be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him eleven (11) more Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

#8 Focus of the Nornir

It is a ranged ability that uses the power of the Nornir to aim and shoot at your enemies with fateful speed. After the upgrade, each killed enemy increases the damage dealt.

I. Ability Location

Players can find the focus of the Nornir through a cracked wall in an underground crypt of Offchurch located in the southwest part of Ledecestrescire.

II. Upgrade Location

Its upgrade can be found in Bolingbroc Castle at the center of Lincolnscire.

#9 Harpoon Impalement

Harpoon Impalement is a melee ability that impales an enemy with players’ Harpoon and throws them in any direction using L-stick. Enemies who strike objects or other enemies suffer massive damage. After the upgrade, Eivor can use this ability to finish by pulling the enemy close and killing them with style!

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Harpoon Impalement can be found in the ruins of Venonis, located west of your settlement of Ravensthorpe, in Ledecestrescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for Harpoon Impalement can be found in a church in the northwest part of the Colcestre, near the center of Essexe.

#10 Incendiary Powder Trap

The Incendiary Powder trap is a ranged ability that attaches a small pouch to your arrow, spreading a volatile powder wherever the arrow strikes. Any nearby movement causes the powder to burst into flames. After the upgrade, the powder can be detonated a second time.

I. Ability Location

Incendiary Powder Trap can be found in a church of Walden, southeast of the Grantebridgescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for this ability can be found at the top of the ruined stone tower in the northernmost part of the Briggworth island, north of Suthsexe.

#11 Kick of Tyr

Kick of Tyr ability strikes a ferocious kick that sends enemies flying backward. Enemies who strike objects or other enemies suffer additional damage. After the upgrade, kicked enemies will remain down and at your mercy.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Kick of Tyr ability can be found in the Threaded Pass Enemy Camp in the east of the Eurvicscire.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for this ability can be found in the Ulkerchorpe Fort, the southeast region of Snotinghamscire.

 #12 Man’s Best Friend

Man’s Best Friend is a ranged ability that sics your wolf on an enemy. Your wolf will stay to fight by your side after you upgrade this ability.

I. Ability Location

Complete the side quest ‘A Little Problem’ available in your settlement of Ravensthorpe to get Man’s Best Friend ability. The quest will be available from the crying child near your longhouse once you build the Seer House.

II. Upgrade Location

Players can find the upgrade for the ability in a locked tower of Crepelgate Fort located in the southeast region of Oxenefordscire.

#13 Mark of Death

Mark of Death is a ranged ability that holds the ranged shoot key to mark sighted enemies. Release to let fly a deadly volley of arrows. When upgraded, it increases the maximum number of targets.

I. Ability Location

The Mark of Death ability is hidden just to the left of the road leading to the Alrekstad settlement located in the Hordafylke.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for this ability is located in a locked tower of Meldeburne Monastery, near the center of the Grantebridgescire. The key for the locked door can be found on a nearby enemy carrying a pike.

#14 Percussion Arrow

Percussion Arrow, a ranged ability, allows a player to hit an enemy’s shield to create a shockwave that staggers and damages nearby enemies.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Percussion Arrow is behind a two-man door at the center of the Druid camp of Festering Valley, River Berbha (river raids). 

#15 Piercing Shot

Piercing Shot is a ranged ability that shoots an arrow with enough force to pierce through nearly any obstacle. After upgrade, it multiplies damage for each enemy the arrow passes through.

I. Ability Location

Piercing Shot can be found in a building marked with red flags in Templebrough Fort located in the northwest region of Ledecestrescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The book of knowledge for the ability upgrade is in a mansion with statues towards the east of Lincoln city near the center of Lincolnscire.

#16 Poisonous Powder Trap

Poisonous Powder Trap is a ranged ability that attaches a small pouch to your arrow, which spreads a volatile powder wherever the arrow strikes. Any nearby movement causes the powder to burst into a poisonous mist. After the upgrade, this trap can be triggered twice.

I. Ability Location

Poisonous Powder Trap is located in the cave behind the waterfall in Odin Mine Hideout, situated in the northwest region of the Snotinghamscire.

II. Upgrade Location

The book of knowledge to upgrade this ability can be found north of the Humbre river, at the Petuaria Ruins in Eurviscire. You will find a fragile wooden barrier that leads to the underground, where the book is kept.

#17 Poison Strike

Poison Strike is a melee ability that applies a poisonous concoction to your right-hand melee weapon. Poisoned enemies suffer additional damage over time. Once upgraded, the concoction splashes in an arc in front of you, instantly poisoning enemies caught in the arc.

I. Ability Location

The poison strike can be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him four (4) Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade can similarly be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him nine (9) more Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

#18 Precision Axe Throw

Precision Axe Throw is a melee ability where Eivor performs a devastating axe throw that targets an enemy’s weak point.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Precision Axe Throw is behind a two-man door at the center of the Druid camp of Stag’s End, River Erriff (river raids). 

#19 Rage of Helheim

Rage of Helheim is a melee ability that allows players to enter a fit of rage and slam their enemy to the ground, leaving them helpless in the face of a barrage of hits. Alternate quickly between left and right attacks to avoid losing balance. Once upgraded, the players will land more blows with faster taps.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Rage of Helheim is located in a secret cave behind a breakable ice wall inside Kjotve’s Fortress in the eastern-most part of Rygjafylke.

II. Upgrade Location

The book of knowledge for the upgrade is located in the Eurvicscire region center, Jorvik.

#20 Ranged Fire Strike

Ranged Fire Strike is a ranged ability that sets the tip of your arrow aflame. Anything it hits will catch fire. Once upgraded, the fire blazes in an arc before you, instantly setting enemies caught in the arc ablaze.

I. Ability Location

The Ranged Fire Strike can be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him six (6) Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade can similarly be obtained from Haytham in the Hidden One’s Bureau in Ravensthorpe by offering him eleven (11) more Order of the Ancients’ Medallions.

#21 Ranged Poison Strike

Ranged Poison Strike is, as the name suggests, a ranged ability that applies a poisonous concoction to the tip of your arrows. After the upgrade, the applied poison splashes in an arc in the arrow’s flight, poisoning all enemies caught in the arc.

I. Ability Location

As explained above, the Ranged Poison Strike ability and its upgrade can be obtained from Hytham similarly to Poison strike ability.

#22 Raven Distraction

Raven Distraction is a ranged ability that, as the name implies, uses your raven, Sýnin, to distract your enemies briefly. After the upgrade, Sýnin attacks the target to begin the distraction. During combat, Sýnin stuns the target.

II. Ability Location

The Raven Distraction’s book of knowledge is in a hidden underground entrance to the south of Tonnastadir town located in the westernmost part of Ledecestrescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for Raven Distraction is inside the abandoned church located in Belesduna Bandit Camp, southeast of Essexe.

#23 Rush and Bash

Rush and Bash is a melee ability that requires a player to continuously use the ability button for rushing. While rushing, players can make contact with any enemy to grab and pick them up, then throw them off ledges or slam them into walls for extra damage. After the ability upgrade, Eivor takes advantage of stunned enemies from a wall slam to finish with an extra punishing attack.

I. Ability Location

Rush and Bash is inside a locked house up the hill near a large tree in Ravensburg, southwest region of Grantebridgescire. Kill the nearby enemy named the ‘Marksman’ to get the key for the house.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade of Rush and Bash is in a room in the southeast of the Dunwic fortress,  an island fortress in the southeast of East Anglia.

#24 Shoulder Bash

Shoulder Bash is a melee ability that allows Eivor to perform a shoulder bash that pushes back enemies and destroys objects.

I. Ability Location

Shoulder Bash ability can be found in Island Monastery, River Severn  (river raids). It is located below the church, in the catacombs available through a nearby cave.

#25 Spinning Harpoon

Spinning Harpoon is a melee ability in which Eivor performs a spinning attack that connects into a powerful finisher. Enemies caught in the spin are knocked back.

I. Ability Location

The book of knowledge for Spinning Harpoon is located at the top of the church tower at

the Ferrieres monastery, River Rhine (river raids).

#26 Thorn of Slumber

The Thorn of Slumber is a ranged ability through which an arrow marked with the Svefnthorn symbol instantly puts targets to sleep. When upgraded, arrows expel a cloud of poison on impact, putting anyone nearby to sleep.

I. Ability Location

Thorn of Slumber can be found in a bandit settlement named Gryttirsand, on an island southwest of the Rygjafylke.

II. Upgrade Location

Thorn of Slumber can be upgraded by the book located in a room at the front of the large ruined tower in the Dover fortress’ eastern part. Dover Fortress is located in the southeastern part of Cent.

#27 Throwing Axe Fury

The Throwing Axe Fury is a melee ability that allows players to throw axes at all enemies in range. Upgrading this ability will cause any enemy struck with the axe to stagger.

I. Ability Location

Players can find Throwing Axe Fury ability in the Nottfall, on a large isle in the southwest region of Rygjafylke. The book is located over the barred door in a cave on the southern edge of the town.

II. Upgrade Location

Players can find the upgrade for Throwing Axe Fury after the assault on the castle during the quest “King Killer.” The book is located in the room to the left of the Caustow castle’s main hall, behind a destructible stone wall in the western part of Sciropescire.

#28 Vengeance of Thor

Vengeance of Thor is a melee ability that allows players to use the ability button to concentrate all their strength into an unstoppable attack. The longer they keep it prepared, the more powerful the attack will become. After the upgrade, players can charge up twice for the ultimate attack.

I. Ability Location

Vengeance of Thor can be found in Thieves’ Warren, near the center of Glowecestrescire.

II. Upgrade Location

The upgrade for this ability can be found inside the chapel to the north of Oxenforda town, located in the western part of Oxenefordscire.

All About AC Valhalla’s Unlockable Assassination and Stealth Skills

About Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Developed and Published by Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the latest instalment in the Assasin’s Creed series launched in November 2020. The action-adventure, role-playing video game is available to play on Playstation 5/4, Xbox One/ Series X/S and PC.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes players back to the Vikings’ glory days around the 9th century through the eyes of a Viking invader from Norway named Eivor. By playing as Eivor, gamers must represent the clan and help fellow warriors in the battle against Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms. The game brims with phenomenal main quests along with noteworthy side quests. AC Valhalla will also embrace many new features like dual-wielding of various weapons and armours.