The conclusion of Assassin’s Creed Mirage ties up Basim Ibn Ishaq’s coming-of-age journey while intricately connecting him to the events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. His mentor betrays him during his search for answers, leading him to an ancient temple hidden beneath a mountain fortress. The ending uncovers Basim’s origins and sets the stage for his transformation, setting the foundation for his story in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Ending Explained
The story in Assassin’s Creed Mirage begins by introducing Basim as a young thief in 9th-century Baghdad. Struggling with visions of jinni, he embarks on a quest of self-discovery, hoping to understand these mysterious experiences. Determined to join the Hidden Ones, an ancient group of assassins, Basim initially fails to gain their approval. To impress them, he and his childhood friend Nehal try to steal from the Caliph’s palace. However, the plan goes awry, resulting in Nehal killing the Caliph.
This incident marks a significant shift in Basim’s life, as it earns him the chance to join the Hidden Ones. Under the guidance of Roshan, his mentor, Basim begins his training. However, as his visions worsen, Basim is encouraged by Nehal to continue seeking answers, believing that the Order of the Ancients—antagonists in the Assassin’s Creed universe—might hold the key. As Basim hunts down members of the Order, he uncovers a hidden temple beneath the fortress of Alamut, far from the main map of Baghdad.
Basim and Roshan’s Growing Conflict
Roshan, while initially supportive, grows increasingly concerned about Basim’s obsession with his visions and quest for truth. Eventually, she turns against him and becomes the final boss of Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Throughout the game, Basim is relentlessly pursued by Qabiha, who Basim believes to be his enemy. However, in their final encounter, Qabiha reveals that she knows more about Basim than he ever expected. She informs him that he is more than human and should continue his search for answers.
As Basim continues his journey, he sneaks into the temple beneath Alamut, determined to uncover the truth, despite resistance from both the Order of the Ancients and the Hidden Ones. As he reaches the temple’s entrance, he is confronted by Roshan, who expresses her disapproval of Basim’s desire to stand out and break from the Hidden Ones’ traditional values. She warns that if Basim chooses this path, he will have to fight her. With swift and precise attacks, Roshan challenges Basim, but ultimately, Basim defeats her.
Basim’s Decision
As Basim holds his hidden blade to Roshan’s neck, he gives her a chance to surrender. However, before she can respond, Nehal intervenes. Basim chastises Roshan for her attempts to control him, ultimately sparing her life. Together with Nehal, Basim forces open the temple doors, preparing to enter the heart of the mystery.
Inside the crumbling temple, Basim is in awe of its design, but Nehal is the one who seems to understand its true age and significance. As they venture further, they arrive at a central chamber that Basim recognizes from his visions. To his surprise, inside the coffin-like structure, he finds a living Nehal. Through a series of flashbacks, Basim discovers that Nehal was never real; she was a mere manifestation, created by an ancient civilization of advanced humans who built the temple.
Basim’s Memories Resurface
In a surreal moment, Nehal shows Basim a sequence of visions in an ethereal plane. As Basim watches these scenes, he starts to recall fragments of his past life. His genetic memories flood back, taking him to the memories of his imprisonment. He remembers waking up in a dark, cold prison cell. This realization leads him to the very cell he remembers, where he confronts the jinni from his visions. As he acknowledges that the jinni is a manifestation of his past trauma, it disintegrates into dust, symbolizing the end of Basim’s old self.
However, Nehal reappears, stating that this is not the end but the beginning of a new life. In a profound moment of transformation, Basim and Nehal merge into one, with Basim absorbing all the memories of Nehal and his previous lives. With this new identity, Basim exits the temple, ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Basim returns to Baghdad and reunites with the Hidden Ones. This causes a rift within the order, leading to Roshan’s resignation in protest. The credits roll, but players can continue exploring Assassin’s Creed Mirage even after completing the main storyline.
Epilogue: Tying Mirage to Valhalla
Originally envisioned as an expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Mirage was eventually released as a standalone title. This connection is most evident in Basim’s presence in both games. In Valhalla, Basim’s character is revealed to be the reincarnation of Loki, the Norse god of mischief, while Eivor is Odin’s reincarnation. This ties directly into the events of Mirage, particularly Basim’s prison cell, which was a consequence of Odin’s actions in Norse mythology.
The epilogue in Assassin’s Creed Mirage shows Basim atop a desert plateau, vowing revenge on those who imprisoned him. This moment sets the stage for his journey to Ravensthorpe years later in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Basim’s search for Eivor and her clan leads to a complex relationship where Basim gains her trust, all while being unaware that she is the reincarnation of Odin. Eventually, Basim reveals his true nature as Loki and attacks Eivor, though she eventually overpowers him with the help of her adoptive brother, Sigurd.
What’s Next for Basim?
While Assassin’s Creed Mirage ends with Basim’s fate intertwining with that of Valhalla, there are still many years to explore between the two titles. Crossover missions in Valhalla see Basim sharing his DNA with the modern-day Assassins, unlocking genetic memories that lead to the events of the sequel. This leaves plenty of room for future exploration, either through sequels or DLCs for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The story of Basim is far from over, and there’s much more to discover about his journey between the games.
