Since its debut in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on an exhilarating journey through various historical settings, from the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient ruins of Greece. Ubisoft's commitment to delivering open-world experiences that blend historical accuracy with thrilling narratives has set the series apart in the gaming world. Each installment not only entertains but also offers a semi-educational glimpse into the past, making Assassin's Creed a unique gem among its peers, which often lean towards fantasy or modern-day settings.
While the core gameplay mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. From changes in player progression to expanding its already vast worlds, Assassin's Creed continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.
Deciding on the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After careful consideration and spirited discussions, we've narrowed it down to our top 10 mainline entries. Here's our definitive list of the best Assassin's Creed games.
The 10 Best 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
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations serves as a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite the mixed reception of additions like the Den Defense mode, the game remains a thrilling send-off. From exhilarating zipline rides in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with unforgettable adventures. It acts as both a celebration of the series' past and a preview of its future, offering fans a final farewell to two beloved protagonists.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out for its immersive setting in 19th-century Victorian London, a city bustling with industrial change. The game's unique elements, such as infiltrating factories, racing horse-drawn carriages, and confronting Jack the Ripper, anchor it firmly in a historically rich environment. The series' first dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, are accompanied by a distinctive score by Austin Wintory, enhancing the game's atmosphere. The ability to wield a cane as a weapon adds a delightful touch to the gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
While not as revolutionary as its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces impactful changes. The combat feels more substantial, and the shift from traditional side quests to world events encourages more organic exploration. The game also streamlines loot management, making rewards feel more meaningful. Eivor's tale blends historical fiction with Norse mythology seamlessly, offering fans of the genre an expansive and engaging experience, further enriched by a game-length expansion into the world of Thor and Odin.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues the captivating saga of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. The game expands the world to an intricate version of Rome and introduces new mechanics like swimming, property management, and the use of firearms. The charm, wit, and drama of Ezio's journey, combined with refined combat, allow players to fully embrace their role as a master assassin. Brotherhood also marked the series' first foray into multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective as players could embody Templars.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marks a significant shift towards an open-world RPG format, expanding the series' scope and depth. The compelling narrative of Bayek and Aya, seeking justice for their son and founding the Assassin’s Brotherhood, captivates players. The ancient Egyptian setting is a marvel to explore, and the transition to a loot-based progression system revitalizes the series. Origins is not just a pivotal moment for Assassin's Creed; it's a standout game in its own right.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity, despite its rocky launch plagued by bugs, has matured into a beloved entry among fans. Set in a breathtaking recreation of Revolutionary Paris, Unity's enhanced movement system delivers the most fluid parkour in the series, perfect for hit-and-run tactics. The main assassination missions are high points, offering multiple approaches to take down targets. The game's depiction of Notre-Dame alone is worth experiencing.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Assassin’s Creed Shadows fulfills the long-standing fan demand for a game set in Feudal Japan. It refocuses the series on stealth and assassination, delivering a balanced experience with a more restrained open world compared to its predecessors. The dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, offer diverse playstyles, with Naoe's stealth toolkit and Yasuke's samurai prowess. Exploring the dynamic landscapes of Japan across changing seasons is a highlight of the game.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements, setting the action against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world is filled with stunning vistas and engaging naval warfare. The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add depth to the gameplay, while the charismatic protagonist and eccentric side quests enrich the narrative. Odyssey is a joy to explore, even after completing the main story.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with perfecting the series' formula. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat and mobility, and added new features like catacomb exploration and villa management. Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most iconic protagonists. The blend of historical and modern-day narratives, culminating in an unforgettable climax, solidified Assassin's Creed 2 as a landmark entry.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag redefines the series by introducing a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, whose adventures in the Caribbean offer a sandbox playground of islands and activities. The game elevates naval combat to new heights, making sailing and ship battles the centerpiece of the experience. Seamless transitions between land and sea, along with engaging ship-to-ship combat, make Black Flag not only a standout Assassin's Creed game but also one of the best pirate games ever made.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListEvery Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
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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.
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
If you're eager to see what's next for the Assassin's Creed series, keep an eye on several upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, is now available and offers a unique dual-protagonist experience. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is slated for mobile devices, though its release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the series' inception in 2007 to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here's the complete Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track your progress and see which games you've played.
