Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has captivated players by transporting them through various historical periods and settings. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient ruins of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga offers a semi-educational journey into the past. This unique approach distinguishes Assassin's Creed from other games in its genre, which typically feature fantasy realms or modern urban landscapes.
While the core elements of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Over the years, Ubisoft has introduced fresh mechanics for player progression and expanded the scope of its game worlds.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task. After much debate, we've narrowed down our top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our list:
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 a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a thrilling finale. Players can enjoy exhilarating zipline adventures in Constantinople and interact with iconic figures like Leonardo Da Vinci. Revelations not only wraps up these characters' arcs but also bridges the past and future of the Assassin's Creed universe.
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
The setting of Assassin's Creed Syndicate is as integral to its identity as its protagonists. The game's depiction of 19th-century Victorian London during its industrial boom is unforgettable. Players can sneak through factories, race horse-drawn carriages, and confront Jack the Ripper, immersing themselves in a world that feels both fantastical and authentic. The unique string-heavy score by Journey's composer, Austin Wintory, enhances the atmosphere, and the dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, each have their own distinctive soundtracks. Syndicate's attention to detail, from its setting to its combat with canes, makes it a standout entry.
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
Assassin's Creed Valhalla refines the series' formula without reinventing it entirely. It introduces a more impactful combat system and replaces traditional side quests with world events, promoting organic exploration. The game also streamlines loot management, making rewards more meaningful. While Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story blends historical fiction with Norse mythology brilliantly. The expansive world, including a mythological expansion, offers fans a rich tapestry of sagas and legends.
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 continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's journey, cementing him as a fan-favorite. Set in an expanded Rome and its countryside, the game builds on Assassin’s Creed 2's innovations—swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. It's filled with charm, wit, and drama, and its updated combat system allows players to embrace a more aggressive style. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by letting players take on the role of Templars.
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
Assassin's Creed Origins is a landmark in the series, transitioning it from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, it offers a compelling narrative about Bayek and Aya's quest for justice, which leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood. The game's shift to loot-based progression and an action RPG combat style revitalizes the series, making it a standout title for 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
Assassin's Creed Unity marked a return to the series' roots with its focus on stealth and parkour. Despite a rocky launch marred by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have made it a beloved entry among fans. The game's enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, while its assassination missions provide varied approaches to infiltration. Unity's detailed recreation of Paris, especially the iconic Notre Dame, adds to its appeal.
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 Feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows meets the high expectations set by fans. It refocuses on stealth and assassinations, with a more restrained open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors. Featuring two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers a dual perspective on the era. Naoe's stealth abilities and Yasuke's combat prowess, combined with dynamic seasonal changes, create an immersive experience in one of the series' most breathtaking settings.
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 expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting the action in the vibrant world of Ancient Greece. The game features stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare, while the notoriety system adds tension to the gameplay. With a compelling story and eccentric side quests, Odyssey offers a vast playground for exploration and adventure, making it a standout in the series.
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 refining the series' formula. It introduces more dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and new mechanics like swimming and catacomb exploration. Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most iconic protagonists. The narrative weaves together historical and modern-day elements in a memorable way, culminating in a thrilling conclusion.
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 shifts the focus to piracy, introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second. The Caribbean setting serves as a vast sandbox for exploration and adventure, with engaging naval combat and ship upgrades. The seamless transition between land and sea enhances the gameplay, making it one of the most immersive entries in the series and a standout pirate game.
### 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. Do you 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 for more Assassin's Creed adventures, keep an eye on upcoming releases. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, taking players to Feudal Japan with a dual protagonist approach. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile platforms, though no release date has been announced yet. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing new elements to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the series' debut in 2007 to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the complete list of Assassin's Creed games. Log in to track which ones you've played.
See AllAssassin'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