The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has offered a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical exploration. Unlike many of its contemporaries that often transport players to fantasy realms or modern cities, Assassin's Creed provides a semi-educational journey through various eras, making it a standout in the genre.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, introducing new elements to player progression and expanding its worlds. This evolution has led to a rich tapestry of experiences, each with its own merits and fans.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task, but after careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our ranking 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 masterfully concludes the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a thrilling and memorable send-off. From ziplining through Constantinople to interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with engaging adventures. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid farewell to two iconic characters.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its setting in 19th-century Victorian London, a city in the midst of industrialization. The game's immersive environment, from sneaking through factories to racing horse-drawn carriages and confronting Jack the Ripper, creates a vivid and believable world. The unique string-heavy score by Austin Wintory, along with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, adds to the game's cohesive atmosphere. Additionally, the effective use of a cane as a weapon is a highlight reminiscent of games like Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla, while not as revolutionary as Origins, introduces significant changes. The combat feels weightier and more impactful, and the shift from traditional side quests to world events enhances exploration. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more meaningful. Eivor's story, blending historical fantasy with Norse mythology, is engaging and offers a rich narrative. The expansion into the world of Thor and Odin adds a layer of depth that rivals games like God of War.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's journey, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. The game expands on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies, set against the backdrop of Rome. The updated combat system allows players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by letting players play as Templars. Though it may not have pushed the series forward as much as its predecessor, it remains beloved by many.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, compelling narrative, and shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series, offering a fresh and engaging experience.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity, despite its rocky launch, has become a favorite among fans. As the first Assassin's Creed game exclusively released on next-gen consoles, it showcased impressive graphics and a detailed recreation of Paris. The enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, enabling excellent hit-and-run tactics. The main assassination missions are a highlight, providing multiple infiltration options. The game's depiction of Notre Dame alone makes it a worthwhile experience.
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 request for a game set in Feudal Japan. It refocuses the series on stealth and assassinations, offering a more restrained open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors. The game features two playable protagonists: Naoe, who excels in stealth, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. The dynamic seasonal changes and stunning landscapes make Shadows' world one of the most visually impressive in the series.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world includes stunning vistas and engaging naval warfare. The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth to the gameplay. With a compelling story and charismatic protagonist, Odyssey offers a rich and immersive experience that continues to delight players long after completion.
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 elements like catacomb missions and an upgradeable villa. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and enhanced the connection between the historical and modern-day narratives. The unforgettable ending, featuring a confrontation with the Pope and a supernatural twist, solidified Assassin's Creed 2 as a landmark entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces a unique twist by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, who is an assassin second. The Caribbean setting offers a sandbox playground filled with islands, treasure, and activities. The game's naval combat, built upon the foundation laid by Assassin's Creed 3, becomes a highlight, allowing players to engage in thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag not only stands out as one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also as one of the greatest 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 Assassin's Creed, keep an eye on several upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to experience the life of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though it has no confirmed release date yet. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure that will bring fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!