The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating gamers with its historical adventures since its inception in 2007. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient ruins of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has consistently offered a unique blend of education and entertainment. By immersing players in various historical settings, the series stands out from other games in its genre, which often transport players to fantastical realms or contemporary urban landscapes.
Despite maintaining a core gameplay structure across its 14 mainline entries, Assassin's Creed has evolved significantly, introducing new mechanics for player progression and expanding its already vast worlds.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After thorough discussion and debate, we've narrowed down the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our definitive list of the top 10 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
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations serves as the poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a thrilling farewell to these beloved characters. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is brimming with memorable adventures.
This final chapter not only celebrates the legacy of these iconic figures but also hints at the future direction of the series, providing a fitting end to the first era of Assassin’s Creed.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review
Assassin’s Creed games are renowned for their distinctive settings, and Syndicate's depiction of 19th-century Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is particularly striking. The game's setting, combined with activities like factory infiltration, carriage races, and confrontations with Jack the Ripper, creates a vivid and immersive world.
The game's atmospheric score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, unique to each protagonist, Jacob and Evie Fry, adds to the rich tapestry of Syndicate. Furthermore, the game's effective use of a cane as a weapon stands out as a memorable feature, reminiscent of the combat style in Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review
While Assassin's Creed Valhalla may not have revolutionized the series like Origins did, it introduced significant changes that enhanced the gameplay experience. Combat feels more substantial and rewarding, world events replace traditional side quests, and the loot system has been streamlined to make rewards feel more meaningful.
Eivor's narrative, whether you choose to play as male or female, weaves together historical events with Norse mythology, creating one of the series' most compelling stories. The inclusion of an expansive expansion centered around Thor and Odin further enriches the game, making it a standout for fans of Norse lore.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood deepens the saga of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Set primarily in Rome, the game expands on mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and the ability to recruit allies. This installment is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by updated combat that allows players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role.
Brotherhood also marks the debut of multiplayer in the series, offering a fresh perspective as players take on the role of Templars. While it may not have pushed the boundaries as much as its predecessor, it remains a beloved entry in the franchise.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review
Origins represents a pivotal moment in the Assassin's Creed series, transitioning it from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game not only offers a visually stunning world but also delivers a captivating narrative centered on Bayek and Aya's quest for justice, which ultimately leads to the formation of the Assassin's Brotherhood.
The shift to loot-based progression and an action RPG combat style revitalized the series, providing a fresh and engaging experience that resonated with fans.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review
Following the swashbuckling adventures of Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and assassination. As the first Assassin's Creed game exclusively released on next-gen consoles, Unity showcased impressive graphics and detailed recreations of Paris.
Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and an overwhelming map, subsequent patches have transformed Unity into a fan favorite. Its fluid parkour and intricate assassination missions, along with the breathtaking depiction of Notre Dame, make it a must-play for Assassin's Creed enthusiasts.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Set in the highly anticipated feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills fans' long-standing wishes. The game refocuses on stealth and assassination, offering a more balanced experience compared to the expansive RPG elements of previous titles. With two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, players can explore the stunning world of Sengoku Japan from different perspectives, utilizing unique abilities to navigate its dynamic landscapes.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review
Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds upon Origins' innovations, introducing a vibrant world set during the Peloponnesian War in Ancient Greece. The game's expansive environments, both on land and at sea, are among the series' most visually striking. Enhanced combat and role-playing elements, combined with a compelling narrative and charismatic protagonist, make Odyssey a standout title.
The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add layers of tension and engagement, making every moment in Odyssey's world a thrilling adventure.
Assassin's Creed 2
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with realizing the full potential of the series. It introduces dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and the ability to swim, enhancing player mobility and engagement. The game's Italian Renaissance setting and the introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most iconic protagonists, further elevate the experience.
The narrative seamlessly intertwines historical events with the present-day storyline, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with the Pope and a supernatural twist that left players in awe.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag breaks the mold by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, rather than a traditional assassin. The Caribbean setting serves as a sandbox for exploration and adventure, with engaging naval combat and a rewarding upgrade system.
The game's seamless transitions between land and sea, coupled with thrilling ship battles and pirate-themed activities, make Black Flag not only one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also one of the finest pirate games ever created.
### 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, several exciting titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing players to explore Feudal Japan as both a shinobi and samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. 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 original 2007 release to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the complete Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which ones you've played.
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Assassin's CreedUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft Bucharest
Assassin's Creed IIUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite Games
Assassin's Creed II [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoft
Assassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft
