Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking players on a thrilling journey through 2,300 years of history across five continents. From the ancient civilizations of Greece and Egypt to the bustling streets of Victorian London, the series has explored a vast array of settings while weaving a complex narrative around the eternal struggle between Assassins and Templars. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's delve into the complete timeline of the mainline Assassin's Creed games, providing a comprehensive guide for both newcomers and seasoned fans.

For a deeper dive into the historical contexts of these games, be sure to explore our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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• How to play in chronological order
• How to play in release order

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 currently boasts 14 mainline games, alongside 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the realm of video games, the franchise has expanded into other media, including an Assassin's Creed board game and an upcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting, but it's often best to begin with an era that piques your interest. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling storytelling and remains a favorite among fans. If you're drawn to more recent entries, consider starting with Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, which offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay, or Assassin's Creed Odyssey, which immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed chronology: by the modern-day storylines or by the historical settings. Playing the games in the order of their modern-day storylines allows you to follow the overarching narrative as it unfolds through each game's present-day sequences. This approach is recommended for those committed to exploring the entire franchise, as it provides a cohesive view of the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

Alternatively, you can play the games in the order of their historical settings, which is more of a thematic journey through different eras. While these historical narratives are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts, they offer a fascinating exploration of various periods and cultures.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

The following summaries are designed to provide a broad overview of each game's setting, protagonists, and key plot points, with mild spoilers to help guide your journey through the series.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces the RPG genre, offering players the choice to play as either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I of Sparta. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, intertwining historical figures such as Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato with mythological elements like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although it predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders, Odyssey introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a crucial 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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Origins marked a significant shift for the series, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot. 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, ultimately uncovering the Order of the Ancients and forming the Hidden Ones, the precursors to 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

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a homage to the series' origins, focusing on stealth and narrative. It follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, on his journey from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a modern-day storyline.

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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla immerses players in the Norse world, blending history with mythology. The game follows Eivor and their clan's migration from Norway to England, amidst the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The expansive narrative also concludes Layla Hassan's modern-day arc.

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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It lays the foundation for the series, introducing key elements like the Animus and the Pieces of Eden. The game's modern-day narrative introduces Desmond Miles, setting the stage for the Assassin-Templar conflict in the present.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces the beloved Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose journey spans multiple games. Set in Renaissance Italy, Ezio's quest for vengeance against the Templars leads him to interact with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. The modern-day narrative sees Desmond furthering his alliance with the Assassins.

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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he seeks to rebuild Rome's Assassin Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern-day Assassins pursue the same artifact to prevent a prophesized apocalypse.

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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Revelations, sees an older Ezio journey to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's, revealing key insights into the Assassin narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape a coma.

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 protagonist: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/A

The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game explores their intertwined paths of vengeance. Unlike other recent entries, Shadows does not feature a dedicated modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity and narrative depth.

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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and explores Edward's quest for the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day narrative follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Connor Kenway's memories.

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 NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac's transition from Assassin to Templar. The narrative involves the hunt for a Piece of Eden and features Haytham Kenway. In the present, you play as another Abstergo employee, aiding 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 AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway's quest to protect his tribe and the Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day storyline as he attempts 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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Unity unfolds during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian's journey through vengeance and the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day narrative is less impactful, focusing on a player using Abstergo's Helix software.

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 twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, the game includes historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day narrative follows the same Helix player from Unity, now aiding the Assassins.

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20, 2024. While details about future mainline games are scarce, Ubisoft has confirmed that several remakes of older 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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