Ubisoft's latest addition to its acclaimed series of stealth-action open-world games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. As fans immerse themselves in the adventures of Naoe and Yasuke in 16th-century Japan, the question arises: Where does this latest installment stand among the series' storied history? With over 30 games under the Assassin’s Creed banner, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles stepping into the Animus to embody his ancestor Altaïr, and it has now evolved 18 years later into the rich historical setting of feudal Japan. Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the 14th entry in the core series, and I've taken the liberty of ranking these games in an IGN Tier List based on my personal enjoyment.
Topping my S-tier is Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, which remains my personal favorite. The blend of island exploration, exhilarating ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters creates what I believe is the quintessential Assassin’s Creed experience. It shares the top spot with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that propelled the series into widespread acclaim. In the A-tier, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla finds a place, perhaps surprisingly to some, due to my fondness for its Viking-inspired combat and the engaging Orlog minigame. Alongside it is Assassin’s Creed Unity, whose detailed recreation of Paris during the French Revolution continues to impress even a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Do you feel that Valhalla is overly expansive, or perhaps that Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? You have the opportunity to create your own tier list, categorizing the mainline Assassin’s Creed games into S, A, B, C, and D tiers. Compare your rankings with the broader IGN community and see where your preferences align or differ.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where would you like to see the series venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and explain your rationale for ranking the mainline games as you have.
