Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has captivated gamers with its historical settings, ranging from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's open-world saga offers a unique blend of adventure and education, setting it apart from other games that often focus on fantasy or modern urban environments. Despite maintaining core elements through its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, introducing new mechanics and expansive worlds.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games can be a challenging task, but after careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries that stand out in the franchise.
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 impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a thrilling and memorable farewell. 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' past and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid farewell to the first era of Assassin's Creed.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate is distinguished by its setting in 19th Century Victorian London, a period of industrialization that provides a rich backdrop for the game. Players can sneak through factories, race horse-drawn carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper, grounding the game in a tangible yet fantastical world. The game's unique string-heavy score by Austin Wintory, along with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, enhances the immersive experience. Additionally, the game's combat system, featuring effective cane fighting, adds a unique flair reminiscent of Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces significant changes without reinventing the series entirely. The combat feels more impactful, and traditional side quests are replaced by world events, enhancing exploration and discovery. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more meaningful. While Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology in a compelling way. The game's expansion into the world of Thor and Odin offers an experience akin to God of War, delighting fans of Norse mythology.
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, such as swimming, property management, and the use of firearms and recruitable allies, set against the backdrop of Rome and its countryside. The updated combat system allows players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role. Additionally, Brotherhood introduced multiplayer, allowing players to experience the game from the Templars' perspective, adding a new layer of competition and engagement.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transitioning from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. The game's setting in ancient Egypt is a marvel to explore, and the story of Bayek and Aya, who seek justice for their murdered son and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood, is deeply engaging. The introduction of loot-based progression and an action RPG combat style revitalized the series, offering a fresh and invigorating experience for fans.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity, the first game exclusively released on next-gen consoles, showcases stunning graphics and a near 1:1 recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have transformed it into a beloved entry among fans. The game's 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 methods and a detailed depiction of Notre Dame, making Unity a visually and mechanically impressive title.
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 long-requested Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows meets high expectations by refocusing on stealth and assassinations. The game features a more restrained open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors, resulting in a balanced and engaging experience. With two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, players can experience the game from different perspectives. Naoe's stealth toolkit and Yasuke's samurai combat style offer diverse gameplay, set against a breathtaking world that dynamically changes with the seasons.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on the RPG elements introduced in Origins, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world includes stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth to the gameplay. With a compelling story and charismatic protagonists, Odyssey offers a rich experience that continues to captivate players long after the main campaign ends.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 not only refined the series' formula but also introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the most iconic protagonists in gaming. The game enhanced assassination missions, combat, and mobility, including the ability to swim. New features like catacomb missions, an upgradeable villa, and innovative weapons from Leonardo da Vinci added depth and variety. The Italian Renaissance setting and the intertwining of historical and modern-day narratives culminated in a memorable ending, solidifying Assassin's Creed 2 as a landmark title.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second, offering a fresh take on the series. The Caribbean setting serves as a sandbox playground filled with islands, treasures, 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 a top-tier pirate game, immersing players in its vibrant world.
### 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 explore the paths of both a shinobi and a 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, bringing fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the debut title in 2007 to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!
