The Assassin's Creed series has been taking us on exhilarating journeys through history since its debut in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient ruins of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has explored a rich tapestry of settings, offering players a (semi) educational glimpse into various eras. This unique approach sets the series apart from its peers, which often transport us to fantastical realms or modern metropolises.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, introducing fresh takes on player progression and ever-expanding worlds.
So, which Assassin's Creed games stand out as the best? After much debate and a few lively discussions, we've settled on our top 10 mainline entries in the series.
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
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 masterfully concludes the journeys of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite the less memorable Den Defense mode, the game offers a thrilling and poignant farewell. From exhilarating zipline rides in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations brims with captivating adventures.
This final chapter not only celebrates the legacy of these iconic characters but also hints at the future direction of the series. It's a heartfelt goodbye to the first era of Assassin’s Creed.
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 games are deeply intertwined with their settings, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London stands out vividly. The game immerses players in a world of industrial revolution, allowing them to sneak through factories, race carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper.
The unique score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, featuring dueling soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, enhances the game's atmosphere. Small but impactful details like these, along with the effective use of a cane in combat, make Syndicate a memorable entry.
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 revolutionized the series like Origins, it introduced significant changes. The combat feels more impactful, side quests have been replaced with world events, and the loot system has been streamlined to make rewards more meaningful.
Eivor's story, set against the backdrop of Norse mythology, is captivating. The game's integration of historical fantasy with mythology, especially through the expansive Thor and Odin-themed expansion, offers a rich experience reminiscent of God of War.
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
Continuing Ezio Auditore's saga, Brotherhood solidifies him as a beloved protagonist. Set in an expansive version of Rome, the game builds on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed II, including swimming, property management, and firearms.
Ezio's journey is filled with charm and drama, enhanced by refined combat mechanics that allow players to embrace their inner assassin. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by letting players embody Templars. It may not have pushed boundaries as much as its predecessor, but it remains a fan favorite.
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
Origins marked a pivotal moment for the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story follows Bayek and Aya on their quest for justice, ultimately leading to the formation of the Assassin’s Brotherhood.
The shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the series. Despite later games refining these mechanics, Origins remains a standout for its compelling narrative and the breathtaking world it offers to explore.
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
Unity marked a return to the series' original tone, set in a meticulously recreated Paris. As the first Assassin's Creed game for next-gen consoles, it showcased stunning graphics and impressive crowd dynamics.
Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs, Unity has since been polished into a beloved entry. Its enhanced parkour system is among the best in the series, allowing for seamless hit-and-run tactics. The assassination missions are particularly memorable, offering diverse approaches to infiltrating targets. The detailed depiction of Notre Dame alone makes Unity a worthwhile experience.
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-awaited backdrop of Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows met the towering expectations fans had set. It refocuses the series on stealth and assassination, offering a more restrained RPG experience compared to its predecessors.
With dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows provides a versatile gameplay experience. Naoe's stealth toolkit complements Yasuke's samurai prowess, allowing players to explore the series' most visually stunning world, which changes dynamically with the seasons.
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' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast world is filled with stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare.
The new notoriety system adds tension with thrilling cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system lets players influence large-scale battles. The story, which can take over 60 hours to complete, is bolstered by a charismatic protagonist, making the journey through Greece's vibrant world a delight.
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 not only proved the series' potential but also set a benchmark for sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and swimming mechanics. New features like catacomb missions, a customizable villa, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions kept gameplay fresh.
Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most iconic protagonists. The narrative seamlessly blends the past and present, culminating in an unforgettable finale that showcases the series' storytelling prowess.
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
Black Flag introduced a unique twist with Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second. The game transforms the Caribbean into a sandbox playground, filled with islands to explore and treasures to uncover.
The naval combat, building on Assassin's Creed 3's framework, becomes a highlight, allowing seamless transitions between land and sea. Whether hunting merchant ships or battling formidable buccaneers, the freedom to choose between strategic maneuvers and direct assaults makes Black Flag not just a stellar Assassin's Creed game, but one of the best pirate games ever.
### 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
Curious about what's next in the Assassin's Creed universe? Keep an eye on several exciting titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, offers dual perspectives as a shinobi and samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is being developed for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the complete Assassin's Creed series in one 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
