Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey through history and across five continents. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling metropolis of Victorian London, the series spans an impressive 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The ongoing narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict has evolved from stealth-based action to expansive open-world RPGs, offering players a rich tapestry of historical settings and compelling storylines.
With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to revisit the Assassin's Creed timeline. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as they are crucial to the overarching narrative. For a deeper dive into the historical eras explored in the series, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
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Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order
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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?
The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and 17 additional spinoff titles. Beyond video games, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and an upcoming TV series at Netflix.
Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?
Starting the Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting, but it's best to begin with a game set in an era that piques your interest. For those seeking a narrative-rich experience, the original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) offers some of the series' finest storytelling. If you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a unique pirate-themed adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the ancient world of Greece.
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy
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Nintendo Switch
Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy
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PS4, Xbox One, PC
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order
There are two primary ways to approach the Assassin's Creed chronology. First, you can follow the order of the games' modern-day storylines, which progress chronologically with each release. This method is ideal for understanding the overarching narrative and witnessing the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. If you're committed to experiencing the entire franchise, playing in release order is the recommended approach.
Alternatively, you can play the games in order of their historical settings. While these historical narratives are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts, they offer a fascinating journey through various historical periods. This approach is more suitable for those interested in specific eras.
The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order
For series newcomers, the following plot summaries contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.
1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Odyssey, set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, fully embraced the RPG genre. Players take on the role of Cassandra or Alexios, grandchildren of King Leonidas I of Sparta, during the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical events with Greek mythology, featuring encounters with figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, as well as mythical creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the formation of the Assassins and Templars, it introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey Wiki
2. Assassin's Creed Origins (49 B.C.–44 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot and the introduction of RPG elements. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the Order of the Ancients, a precursor to the Templars. Their journey leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her role in subsequent games.
Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki
3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)
Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Assassin's Creed Mirage, released in 2023, offers a more focused, narrative-driven experience at a lower price point. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, it follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions, on his journey to becoming an Assassin. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a prominent modern-day storyline, emphasizing its historical setting and Basim's development.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Mirage Wiki
4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla (872–878)
Primary setting: 9th Century England and Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the series' largest game to date, set during the Viking Age. Players control Eivor, leading their clan from a resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England. The game weaves Norse history with mythology, featuring historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great, as well as mythical beings such as Fenrir and Odin. The ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients continues, culminating in Layla Hassan's modern-day storyline.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki
5. Assassin's Creed (1191)
Primary setting: 12th Century Holy Land (Acre, Damascus, Jerusalem)
Historic Protagonist: Altair Ibn'La-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The original Assassin's Creed, set during the Third Crusade, introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and foundational gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations. It lays the groundwork for the time-hopping Assassin-Templar narrative and introduces key concepts such as the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's quest to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day journey.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki
6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)
Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed II introduces the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance, leading him to uncover a larger conspiracy and confront the Assassins and Templars. The game takes players through Italy, from Florence to the Vatican, interacting with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Desmond's modern-day storyline continues to unfold.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 Wiki
7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (1499–1507)
Primary setting: 15th-16th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story, focusing on his efforts to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the modern day, Desmond and his allies pursue the same artifact to prevent a prophesized catastrophe. The game expands on the series' multiplayer features, adding a new layer to the Assassin's Creed experience.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Wiki
8. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (1511–1512)
Primary setting: 16th Century Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Assassin's Creed Revelations, sees an older Ezio travel to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, revealing their roles in the larger narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape "the Black Room" and regain consciousness.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations Wiki
9. Assassin's Creed Shadows (1581)
Primary setting: Feudal Japan
Historic protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern protagonist: N/A
The latest installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, the game explores their intertwined quests for vengeance. Shadows does not feature a modern-day protagonist but coincides with the launch of the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' interconnectedness.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows Wiki
10. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722)
Primary setting: 18th Century Caribbean Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and stars Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather of Connor Kenway from Assassin's Creed III. Set in the Caribbean, the game features notorious pirates like Blackbeard and explores Edward's transition from piracy to the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an unnamed Abstergo employee uncovering Edward's life for a film project.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Wiki
11. Assassin's Creed Rogue (1752–1760)
Primary setting: 18th Century American Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"
Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a bridge between Assassin's Creed III and IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game explores his hunt for a Piece of Eden and features Haytham Kenway, linking it to the broader narrative. In the present, players control another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the modern-day Templars.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Rogue Wiki
12. Assassin's Creed III (1754–1783)
Primary setting: 18th Century Colonial America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed III follows Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, during the American Revolution. Connor seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from Templar control. The game features numerous historical figures, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's arc as he and his allies work to prevent the world's end.
Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki
13. Assassin's Creed Unity (1789–1794)
Primary setting: 18th Century France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Assassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution and follows Arno Dorian, a French Assassin seeking vengeance. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, focuses on a player using Helix, Abstergo's gaming software, to experience Arno's life.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki
14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)
Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Assassin's Creed Syndicate features dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they fight to free Victorian London from Templar control. The game includes historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day narrative follows the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins to locate another Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate Wiki
How to Play The Assassin’s Creed Games By Release Date
- Assassin's Creed (2007)
- Assassin's Creed II (2009)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Assassin's Creed III / Liberation (2012)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag / Freedom Cry (2013)
- Assassin's Creed Rogue (2014)
- Assassin's Creed Unity (2014)
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015)
- Assassin's Creed Origins (2017)
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey (2018)
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020)
- Assassin's Creed Mirage (2023)
- Assassin's Creed Nexus VR (2023)
- Assassin's Creed Shadows (2024)
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
The next installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20. While details on future mainline games remain scarce, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.
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