The Assassin's Creed series has been a thrilling journey through history since its inception in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient wonders of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world adventures have offered players a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical exploration. This series stands out in its genre, not only for its historical settings but also for its intricate plots that weave conspiracy and education into gameplay, providing a semi-educational experience that distinguishes it from its peers, which often focus on fantasy realms or contemporary settings.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Changes include innovative approaches to player progression and increasingly expansive worlds. However, the question remains: which Assassin's Creed games are the best? After careful consideration and lively debate, we've narrowed down our top 10 mainline entries in the series.
So, without further ado, here are our top 10 Assassin's Creed games.
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 serves as a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a thrilling send-off. From the exhilarating zipline rides in Constantinople to the intriguing encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is brimming with fascinating adventures. This final chapter for Ezio and Altair not only celebrates their legacy but also hints at the future direction of the series, allowing players to bid farewell to the initial era of Assassin's Creed.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed games are renowned for their iconic settings, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is no exception. This era, complete with factory infiltrations, horse-drawn carriage races, and even encounters with Jack the Ripper, provides a rich and immersive backdrop. The unique string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory adds a distinctive touch, with separate soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, enhancing the game's cohesive atmosphere. Additionally, the game's combat mechanics, including the effective use of a cane, make it a standout entry.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla may not have revolutionized the series like Origins did, but it introduced significant enhancements. The combat feels weightier and more impactful, while traditional side quests have been replaced with world events, making exploration more organic. The game also reduces the overwhelming amount of loot, making rewards more meaningful. Eivor's story, whether you choose to play as male or female, offers an engaging blend of historical fantasy and Norse mythology, with an expansive expansion that rivals the scale of God of War.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood continues the saga of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, solidifying his status as a beloved protagonist. The game shifts focus to an expanded Rome and its countryside, enhancing mechanics like swimming, property management, firearms, and the recruitment of allies introduced in Assassin's Creed 2. This chapter is filled with charm, wit, and drama, and its updated combat allows players to embrace their inner aggressive assassin. Brotherhood also marked the series' first foray into multiplayer, pitting players against each other as Templars and Assassins.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marked a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice for their murdered son and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The world is a marvel to explore, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the series, offering a compelling and expansive experience.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots after the pirate-themed Black Flag. As the first Assassin's Creed game exclusive to next-gen consoles, Unity boasted stunning graphics and a detailed recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches transformed it into a fan favorite. Unity's enhanced parkour system and intricate assassination missions, set against the backdrop of Notre Dame, make it a standout title.
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-awaited desire to explore Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. The game refocuses on stealth and assassinations, with a more restrained open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors. Featuring dual protagonists—Naoe, a master of stealth, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai—Shadows offers a balanced experience. The game's dynamic seasonal changes and stunning landscapes make it one of the series' most visually impressive entries.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting them against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game offers vast, vibrant landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth, while the story, featuring a charismatic protagonist, keeps players invested. Even after completing the main quest, the world is ripe for exploration and discovery.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 not only refined the series' formula but also introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the franchise's most iconic characters. The game enhanced assassination missions, combat, and mobility, introducing swimming and new weapons from Leonardo da Vinci. The Italian Renaissance setting and the intertwining of historical and present-day narratives made Assassin's Creed 2 a landmark title, culminating in an unforgettable ending.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second, leading to a fresh take on the series. Set in the Caribbean, the game offers a sandbox playground filled with treasure and activities, with an engaging upgrade system. The naval combat, building upon Assassin's Creed 3, becomes the highlight, offering thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag stands out as not only a top Assassin's Creed game but also a premier pirate adventure.
### 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. Do you disagree with the ranking? Do you 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 curious about the future of Assassin's Creed, several exciting titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to explore the roles 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 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 original 2007 title to upcoming projects across console, PC, mobile, and VR, here is the complete Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!
