The Assassin's Creed series has been a thrilling journey through history since its inception in 2007. From the Renaissance era of Italy to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Egypt, Ubisoft's open-world saga has captivated players with its rich tapestry of historical settings, each game offering a unique glimpse into different epochs. This approach sets the series apart from its peers, which often lean towards fantasy or modern settings, making Assassin's Creed a standout for its educational yet entertaining exploration of the past.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the franchise has evolved significantly over the years. Changes in player progression and the expansion of its worlds have kept the series fresh and engaging.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After much debate, we've narrowed it down to our top 10 mainline entries. Here's our list of the top 10 Assassin's Creed games.
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Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations masterfully concludes the arcs of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less notable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a memorable and thrilling farewell. From ziplining through Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo da Vinci, Revelations is brimming with captivating adventures. It serves as both a tribute to the series' early days and a preview of its future, allowing players to bid adieu to these iconic characters after witnessing their growth and adventures.
Assassin's Creed games are renowned for their settings as much as their protagonists, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London during its industrial boom is particularly memorable. The game immerses players in the era, with activities like sneaking through factories, racing carriages, and even confronting Jack the Ripper. The unique string-heavy score by Journey's composer Austin Wintory adds a distinctive flair, with separate soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. These details contribute to Syndicate's cohesive world, and its innovative use of a cane as a weapon is reminiscent of the elegance found in games like Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla may not have revolutionized the series like Origins, but it introduced significant changes. Combat feels more impactful, world events replace traditional side quests for a more natural exploration experience, and the loot system is more streamlined, making rewards feel more meaningful. While Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story weaves historical fantasy with Norse mythology in a compelling way. Fans of Norse lore are treated to a rich experience, with the main campaign deeply intertwined with sagas and a game-length expansion that mirrors the epic feel of God of War.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's story, cementing his status as a fan favorite. It shifts focus to a detailed Rome and its surroundings, expanding on mechanics from Assassin’s Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and ally recruitment. Ezio's journey is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by an updated combat system that allows players to embrace their inner aggressive assassin. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, a novel feature that let players step into the shoes of the Templars, adding a competitive edge to the series.
Origins marked a pivotal moment, transforming Assassin's Creed from a stealth-focused action-adventure into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, it's a stellar entry in the series. The compelling story of Bayek and Aya, seeking justice for their murdered son and founding the Assassin's Brotherhood, is set against the breathtaking backdrop of ancient Egypt. The shift to a loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the series, offering fans a fresh and engaging experience.
Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots after the pirate-themed Black Flag. As the first AC game exclusive to next-gen consoles, it boasted stunning graphics and a detailed recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch marred by bugs and an overwhelming map, Unity has since been refined into a fan favorite. Its enhanced parkour system offers the most fluid movement in the series, perfect for hit-and-run tactics, and its assassination missions are among the best, providing multiple infiltration methods. The detailed depiction of Notre-Dame alone makes Unity a must-play.
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Set in the long-requested era of Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows meets the high expectations set by fans. It refocuses on stealth and assassination, dialing back the expansive RPG elements of previous titles for a more streamlined experience. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers varied gameplay perspectives. Naoe's stealth toolkit and Yasuke's samurai combat provide a dynamic experience, while the beautifully crafted world of Sengoku Japan, with its seasonal changes, offers unparalleled exploration.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds upon Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting them against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. It's a vast and vibrant world, featuring stunning landscapes both on land and at sea, with engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system leads to intense cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system lets players influence large-scale battles. With a compelling story and charismatic protagonist, whether male or female, Odyssey offers countless hours of exploration and discovery.
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with solidifying the series' potential. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, increased flexibility in objectives, and improved combat and mobility, including swimming. The catacomb missions tested players' parkour skills, while the villa system encouraged collecting and investing. New weapons and gear from Leonardo da Vinci added freshness to gameplay. Set during the Italian Renaissance, AC2 introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a beloved protagonist, and enhanced the present-day narrative, culminating in an unforgettable ending where Ezio's connection to Desmond reaches cosmic heights.
Black Flag shifted focus by introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second. This unique approach created a thrilling sandbox in the Caribbean, filled with islands, treasures, and activities. The game's upgrade system made hunting and harpooning engaging, while naval combat, expanded from Assassin's Creed 3, became a highlight. Players could choose to sail around enemies, blasting them with cannons, or engage in close-quarters combat. Black Flag not only stands out as a top Assassin's Creed game but also as one of the best pirate games ever made.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListYou may also like: The Best Games Like Assassin's Creed.
And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Disagree with the ranking? Think another entry should have been on the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments.
If you're curious about the future of Assassin's Creed, several titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, immersing players in the dual lives of a shinobi and samurai in Feudal Japan. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date is yet to be announced. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, introducing new concepts to the series.
From the 2007 debut to upcoming projects across consoles, PC, mobile, and VR, here's the complete Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!
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