The Assassin's Creed series has been taking players on historical adventures around the world since its debut in 2007. Ubisoft's open-world franchise has explored a diverse array of locations and eras, from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece, offering a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical intrigue. Unlike many of its peers that often transport gamers to fantastical realms or bustling modern cities, Assassin's Creed provides a (semi) educational journey into the past, making each game a thrilling exploration of history's hidden corners.
Despite maintaining core elements throughout its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly over the years. From new approaches to player progression to increasingly expansive worlds, Assassin's Creed has continually reinvented itself to keep players engaged.
But which entries stand out as the best? After much debate and discussion, we've narrowed down the top 10 mainline Assassin's Creed games. Here's our list:
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
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review
Assassin's Creed: Revelations brings the saga of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore to a thrilling conclusion. While it introduced some less memorable features like the Den Defense mode, the game shines with its exciting adventures, from ziplining in Constantinople to interactions with Leonardo Da Vinci. Revelations serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players one last journey with these iconic characters.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review
Assassin's Creed Syndicate is set in the richly detailed world of 19th-century Victorian London amidst its industrial revolution. The game's setting, combined with unique activities like factory infiltrations and carriage races, grounds it in a vivid, yet fantastical reality. The haunting score by Austin Wintory and the distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry add depth to the experience. Additionally, the game's effective cane combat makes it a standout in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review
While Assassin's Creed Valhalla may not have reinvented the franchise like Origins, it introduced impactful changes. The combat is more satisfying, world events replace traditional side quests for a more natural exploration experience, and the loot system is streamlined for more meaningful rewards. Eivor's story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology seamlessly, offering fans a rich narrative experience.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's story, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Set in an expanded Rome, the game builds upon the mechanics of Assassin's Creed 2, introducing swimming, property management, and multiplayer, which allows players to experience the Templar perspective. The game's charm, wit, and drama, along with enhanced combat, make it a beloved entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review
Assassin's Creed Origins marked a pivotal shift for the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game follows Bayek and Aya on a journey of vengeance that leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, engaging story, and revamped combat system revitalized the series, setting a new standard for future entries.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review
Assassin's Creed Unity brought the series back to its roots with a focus on stealth and assassination. Despite a rocky launch, the game's graphical prowess, detailed recreation of Paris, and refined parkour system have made it a fan favorite over time. Its assassination missions are among the series' best, offering multiple approaches to 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 the long-requested Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows refocuses on stealth and assassination. With two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers a balanced experience that combines the series' RPG elements with a more contained open world. The dynamic seasonal changes and stunning landscapes make it one of the most visually impressive entries in the series.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements and combat, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast world, stunning vistas, and engaging naval combat make it a standout. The dynamic notoriety system and nation struggle add depth, while the charismatic protagonist keeps players invested in the story.
Assassin's Creed 2
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with fulfilling the promise of the original game. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and the ability to swim, all set in the beautifully realized world of the Italian Renaissance. The introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze and his epic journey, coupled with meaningful additions to the present-day storyline, make this a defining entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag shifts the focus to piracy, introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second. The game's Caribbean setting offers a sandbox playground with numerous islands to explore and a satisfying upgrade system. Its naval combat, seamlessly integrated with land-based activities, makes it not only a highlight of the Assassin's Creed series 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! 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, several titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to experience the life of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is also in development for mobile devices, though it has no confirmed release date yet. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure that will introduce new elements 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 entire Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All
Assassin's CreedUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft Bucharest
Assassin's Creed IIUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite Games
Assassin's Creed II [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoft
Assassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft
