Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey across five continents and through 2,300 years of history. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling alleys of Victorian London, the series has explored diverse historical settings through 13 mainline games, each centered around the epic struggle between the Assassins and the Templars.
With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as the spinoffs, while entertaining, do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.
For a deeper dive into the historical eras featured in Assassin's Creed, explore our detailed guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
Jump to:
- How to play in chronological order
- How to play in release order
Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order
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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?
The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and 17 spinoffs. Beyond video games, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game and anticipate a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.
Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?
Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but it's best to begin with a game set in an era that piques your interest. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy
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Nintendo Switch
Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy
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PS4, Xbox One, PC
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
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Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order
There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing in release order follows the modern-day narrative, which is crucial for understanding the series' overarching plot and witnessing its evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. This approach is ideal for those committed to playing through the entire franchise.
Alternatively, playing in chronological order based on historical settings offers a unique perspective on the series' historical scope, though these stories are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts.
The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order
The following summaries provide a glimpse into each game's setting and plot, with mild spoilers limited to broad plot points, historical contexts, and character introductions.
1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, transforming the series into an open-world RPG. Players assume the role of Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game intertwines historical figures like Hippocrates and Socrates with mythological creatures such as the Sphinx and Medusa. Although set before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders, it features the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey Wiki
2. Assassin's Creed Origins (49 B.C.–44 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her journey through Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.
Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki
3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)
Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure that pays homage to the series' origins. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, as he navigates Baghdad and eventually joins the Hidden Ones at Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a prominent modern-day storyline.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Mirage Wiki
4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla (872–878)
Primary setting: 9th Century England and Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. Players follow Eivor and their clan's journey from Norway to England, engaging in the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game integrates historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological elements like Odin. The modern-day story concludes Layla Hassan's arc.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki
5. Assassin's Creed (1191)
Primary setting: 12th Century Holy Land (Acre, Damascus, Jerusalem)
Historic Protagonist: Altair Ibn'La-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It establishes core gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations, as well as the series' time-hopping narrative involving the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. The past story follows Altair's quest to eliminate nine Templars, while the present-day narrative introduces Desmond Miles and the modern Assassin-Templar conflict.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki
6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)
Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a beloved protagonist whose story spans three games. Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance against those who wronged his family, leading him to uncover a larger conspiracy and engage with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. In the present day, Desmond Miles begins his collaboration with the Assassins.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 Wiki
7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (1499–1507)
Primary setting: 15th-16th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he seeks to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. The modern-day narrative follows Desmond and the Assassins as they search for the same artifact to prevent an apocalyptic event.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Wiki
8. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (1511–1512)
Primary setting: 16th Century Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees an older Ezio travel to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, revealing Ezio's role in the broader Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape "the Black Room" and return to consciousness.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations Wiki
9. Assassin's Creed Shadows (1581)
Primary setting: Feudal Japan
Historic Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. The game features dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, whose paths cross in a quest for vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that unifies the Assassin's Creed franchise and adds modern-day subplots.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows Wiki
10. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722)
Primary setting: 18th Century Caribbean Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway from Assassin's Creed III. The game features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, the protagonist of the spinoff Freedom Cry. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee reliving Connor's life to create a film, with deeper Templar motives at play.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Wiki
11. Assassin's Creed Rogue (1752–1760)
Primary setting: 18th Century American Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"
Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a narrative bridge between Assassin's Creed III and IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game features Haytham Kenway, connecting it to the broader Kenway family saga. In the present, players assume the role of another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the modern-day Templars.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Rogue Wiki
12. Assassin's Creed III (1754–1783)
Primary setting: 18th Century Colonial America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway during the American Revolution, as he seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins work to prevent the world's end.
Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki
13. Assassin's Creed Unity (1789–1794)
Primary setting: 18th Century France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict and seeks vengeance. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, involves a player using Abstergo's Helix software, which serves Templar propaganda and collects DNA.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki
14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)
Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control while seeking a Piece of Eden. The game includes historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now collaborating with the Assassins to locate another Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate Wiki
How to Play The Assassin’s Creed Games By Release Date
- Assassin's Creed (2007)
- Assassin's Creed II (2009)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Assassin's Creed III / Liberation (2012)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag / Freedom Cry (2013)
- Assassin's Creed Rogue (2014)
- Assassin's Creed Unity (2014)
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015)
- Assassin's Creed Origins (2017)
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey (2018)
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020)
- Assassin's Creed Mirage (2023)
- Assassin's Creed Nexus VR (2023)
- Assassin's Creed Shadows (2024)
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20. While no details on future mainline games have been announced, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.
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