The Assassin's Creed series has captivated players since its 2007 debut, taking us on historical adventures from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's commitment to exploring diverse settings and eras has made each game a unique blend of action, stealth, and history, setting it apart from other action-adventure titles that often focus on fantasy or modern settings.
While the core elements of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent through its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. From changes in player progression to expanding open-world environments, Assassin's Creed continues to innovate and captivate its audience.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task, but after thorough discussion and consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here, we present our carefully curated selection of the finest Assassin's Creed experiences.
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 unremarkable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a memorable and thrilling farewell. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with fascinating adventures. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid a heartfelt goodbye to the iconic characters.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its vivid depiction of 19th-century Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution. From infiltrating factories to racing through the streets in horse-drawn carriages and even confronting Jack the Ripper, the game's setting feels both fantastical and authentic. The unique string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, along with individual soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, enhances the immersive experience. Additionally, the game's combat mechanics, including the effective use of a cane, add a distinctive flair reminiscent of titles like Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings substantial changes to the series without completely reinventing it. The combat system feels more weighty and impactful, and traditional side quests have been replaced by engaging world events that enhance exploration. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more valuable. Eivor's narrative weaves historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling. Fans of Norse sagas will revel in the game's integration of mythology, especially in the expansive Thor and Odin-themed expansion.
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 Rome and its countryside, introducing new mechanics such as swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Filled with charm, wit, and drama, Brotherhood's updated combat system allows players to embody the aggressive assassin they've always wanted to be. It also marks the series' first foray into multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by allowing players to step into the shoes of the Templars.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, evolving from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game offers a compelling story centered around Bayek and Aya's quest for justice, which ultimately leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, combined with the new loot-based progression and action RPG combat, reinvigorates the series, delivering a fresh and exciting experience for fans.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity, the first exclusive release for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, showcases a near 1:1 accurate recreation of Paris with stunning graphics and bustling crowds. Despite a rocky launch filled with bugs and glitches, Unity has since become a favorite among fans thanks to multiple patches. Its enhanced movement system delivers the most fluid parkour in the series, facilitating excellent hit-and-run tactics. The main assassination missions are a highlight, offering diverse infiltration options and thrilling encounters. The detailed depiction of Notre Dame alone makes Unity a worthwhile experience.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills the long-standing fan demand for a game set in Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. The game refocuses on stealth and infiltration, offering a tighter and more balanced experience compared to its predecessors. With two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows provides a diverse gameplay experience. Naoe's stealth toolkit and Yasuke's combat prowess capture the essence of the samurai and shinobi. The dynamic seasonal changes in the game's world add to the immersive experience, making it one of the series' most visually striking settings.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds upon the role-playing elements introduced in Origins, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the war between Athens and Sparta. The game's expansive world is filled with stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth to the gameplay. With a charismatic protagonist and eccentric side quests, Odyssey offers a compelling story that can take over 60 hours to complete. The world is a delight to explore, even after the main story concludes.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with perfecting the series' formula. It introduces dynamic assassination missions, increased flexibility in objectives, and enhanced combat and mobility features, including the ability to swim. The game's Italian Renaissance setting and the iconic protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, create a compelling narrative. The addition of catacomb missions, an upgradeable villa, and new gear from Leonardo da Vinci keeps the gameplay fresh. The game's unforgettable ending, blending the past and present in a dramatic climax, solidifies its place as a defining entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag breaks from tradition by introducing a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, whose adventures in the Caribbean create a thrilling sandbox experience. The game's focus on naval combat and exploration elevates the sailing experience, making it a highlight of the series. From hunting merchant ships to battling fearsome pirates, the seamless transition between land and sea offers players a wide range of engaging activities. Black Flag not only stands 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! These are our top Assassin's Creed games. Do you disagree with our rankings or think another game should have made the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin's Creed game in the comments.
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
If you're curious about what's next for Assassin's Creed, several exciting titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing you to explore Feudal Japan as both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date is yet to be confirmed. 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 2007 debut to upcoming projects on consoles, PC, mobile, and VR, here is the complete Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All
