The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece, Ubisoft's open-world games have offered a unique blend of action, stealth, and education, setting them apart in a genre often dominated by fantasy or modern settings. While the core mechanics have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved, introducing new elements in player progression and world design.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries that stand out for their gameplay, story, and historical immersion.
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 memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, it delivers a thrilling send-off. From ziplining through Constantinople to interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with memorable moments. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a precursor to future developments, allowing players to bid farewell to two iconic characters.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its setting in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution. The game immerses players in a world of factories, horse-drawn carriage races, and encounters with Jack the Ripper, blending historical elements with fantastical gameplay. The unique soundtrack by Austin Wintory, tailored to protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, adds to the game's distinct atmosphere. Syndicate's attention to detail, from its setting to its mechanics, makes it a standout entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces significant changes to the series, including a more impactful combat system and a shift from traditional side quests to world events, enhancing exploration and discovery. While protagonist Eivor may not be the most beloved, their story seamlessly blends historical fiction with Norse mythology, providing an engaging narrative. The expansion into the realm of Thor and Odin further enriches the experience, making Valhalla a favorite among fans of mythology.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore's journey, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Set in an expansive Rome, the game builds on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, and the use of firearms. The addition of multiplayer, where players can take on the role of Templars, adds a new layer of competition. Brotherhood's charm, wit, and updated combat make it a cherished entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Origins marks a pivotal moment for the series, transitioning from a stealth-focused action-adventure to an open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, it offers a compelling story of Bayek and Aya, who seek justice and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorates the series, making Origins a standout for its narrative and exploration.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity, set during the French Revolution, showcases the series' return to its roots with a focus on stealth and assassination. Despite a challenging launch with numerous bugs, subsequent patches have transformed it into a fan favorite. Unity's enhanced parkour system and detailed recreation of Paris, complete with dynamic crowds, offer a visually stunning experience. The assassination missions are some of the series' best, providing multiple approaches to take down targets.
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 fulfills long-standing fan requests and refocuses the series on stealth and assassination. The game offers a more balanced experience than its predecessors, with a restrained open world and RPG elements. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, players can experience the game from different perspectives, with Naoe specializing in stealth and Yasuke in combat. The dynamic seasonal changes and stunning landscapes make Shadows a visually and mechanically impressive entry.
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 expansive world, stunning visuals, and engaging naval combat make it a standout. The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth to the gameplay. With a charismatic protagonist and a lengthy, compelling story, Odyssey offers a rich experience that invites players to explore and discover long after the main campaign ends.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 not only perfected the series' formula but also introduced Ezio Auditore, one of the most iconic protagonists in gaming. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game offers dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and the ability to swim. New features like catacomb missions, the upgradeable villa, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions keep gameplay fresh. The narrative weaves together historical and modern-day elements, culminating in an unforgettable finale.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag takes a unique approach by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, and transforms the Caribbean into an engaging sandbox. The game's naval combat and exploration are highlights, offering players the freedom to engage in thrilling sea battles or explore numerous islands. The seamless transition from land to sea, combined with the upgrade system and hunting mechanics, makes Black Flag not only a standout Assassin's Creed title but also one of the best pirate games ever made.
### 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 the ranking or think another entry should have made the list? Share your favorite Assassin's Creed game in the comments.
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
If you're eager to see what's next in the Assassin's Creed universe, several titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing you to navigate Feudal Japan as both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though its release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious, occult-themed adventure that will introduce fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the original 2007 game to upcoming projects across consoles, PC, mobile, and VR, here's the full Assassin's Creed series list. Log in to track which ones you've played.
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