Ubisoft's latest addition to the iconic stealth-action open-world series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, setting its stage in 16th-century Japan. As fans delve into the adventures of Naoe and Yasuke, the question arises: where does this installment stand among its predecessors? With over 30 games released under the Assassin's Creed banner, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries for this ranking, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR games, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The Assassin's Creed journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles stepping into the Animus to explore the life of his ancestor, Altaïr. Fast forward 18 years, and we're now experiencing feudal Japan in the 14th core series game. I've crafted a personal tier list based on my enjoyment of each game, and you can view it here:
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick, nestled in the S-tier. The blend of island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast creates, in my opinion, the quintessential AC experience. It's accompanied by Assassin's Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might raise eyebrows for some, but I thoroughly enjoyed its Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Unity also sits in the A-tier, admired for its stunning recreation of Paris during the French Revolution, still breathtaking even after a decade.
Do you find yourself disagreeing with my rankings? Perhaps you believe Valhalla suffers from being overly expansive, or that Assassin's Creed 2 is overrated? Feel free to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the broader IGN community.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin's Creed Shadows? Where in the world would you like the next Assassin's Creed game to take us? Share your thoughts in the comments, along with your reasons for ranking the mainline games as you have.