Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers worldwide, spanning five continents and 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games over its 18-year run. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling cities of Victorian London, the saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict continues to evolve and enthrall.
With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to delve into the intricate timeline of the Assassin's Creed universe. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, which form the backbone of the ongoing narrative, leaving out spinoffs that, while entertaining, aren't essential to the core storyline.
For more detailed insights into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
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The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoffs. Beyond the digital realm, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game and anticipate a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.
Starting your journey into the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting with so many options. For newcomers, I recommend choosing a game based on the historical period that intrigues you most. However, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is often praised for its compelling narrative and character development. If you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate-themed gameplay, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the epic world of ancient Greece.
PS4, Xbox One, PC
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There are two approaches to experiencing the Assassin’s Creed saga. The first is by following the modern-day storyline, which connects each game and progresses chronologically with each release. This method is ideal if you want to fully immerse yourself in the overarching narrative and witness the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. Simply follow the release order listed below for this approach.
The second method, detailed in this guide, is by playing the games in the order of their historical settings. While these stories are less interconnected than the modern-day ones, they offer a rich tapestry of historical exploration and are where you'll spend most of your gameplay time.
The following brief plot synopses are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers such as broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.
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, shifting the series from stealth-based action to expansive open-world adventures. You play as either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I of Sparta. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, intertwining real historical figures like Hippocrates and Socrates with mythical creatures such as the Sphinx and Medusa. Although it predates the formal establishment of the Assassin and Templar orders, it introduces 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
Primary setting: Ancient Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Following a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot for the series. Set in the tumultuous period of Ancient Egypt under Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for vengeance against the Order of the Ancients leads to the founding of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern story 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
Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage marks a return to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and narrative. Set in 9th Century Baghdad, it follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions who later becomes a key figure in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a modern-day storyline.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Mirage Wiki
Primary setting: 9th Century England and Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla ventures into the realms of Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest world to date. As Eivor, you lead your clan from the barren lands of Norway to the fertile fields of England, all while navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The modern-day storyline concludes Layla Hassan's three-game arc.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki
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 and sets the stage for the franchise's core mechanics and narrative. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair's mission to eliminate nine Templars is intertwined with Desmond Miles' journey in the modern era, introducing pivotal concepts like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki
Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most beloved protagonists. Ezio's journey spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's AC: Revelations, taking him across Italy as he seeks vengeance and uncovers a deeper conspiracy. The modern-day storyline sees Desmond beginning 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
Primary setting: 15th-16th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Continuing the saga from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows Ezio as he rebuilds the Assassins' Guild in Rome and pursues the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern Assassins seek the same artifact to avert a prophesied catastrophe.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Wiki
Primary setting: 16th Century Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Revelations, sees an aging Ezio journey to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with flashbacks of Altair's life, culminating in significant revelations about the Assassin's Creed narrative. In the modern-day storyline, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations Wiki
Primary setting: Feudal Japan
Historic Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Set during the civil wars of the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, and Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai. Their intertwined paths of vengeance unfold against the backdrop of Feudal Japan. The game does not feature a modern-day protagonist but integrates with the new Animus Hub platform.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows Wiki
Primary setting: 18th Century Caribbean Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval combat to the series, set in the pirate-filled Caribbean. As Edward Kenway, grandfather to AC III's Connor, you navigate a world of piracy and uncover the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day storyline follows an unnamed Abstergo employee tasked with reliving Connor's memories.
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
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 AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. His quest involves hunting a Piece of Eden, intersecting with key figures from AC III. The modern-day narrative involves another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull."
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Rogue Wiki
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 protects his tribe and seeks to prevent the Templars from accessing the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins race to avert a global catastrophe.
Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki
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 tumultuous period and seeks vengeance. The modern-day storyline features a player using Abstergo's Helix software, though it lacks significant gameplay impact.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki
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 as they liberate London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, the game includes interactions with notable historical figures. The modern-day storyline continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins to locate a Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate Wiki
Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to release on March 20, is the latest addition to the series. While no 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 the works at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.
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