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Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

Only around for a little over a decade, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has seen its ups and downs but has remained in the hearts of many. Still continuing to advance and develop more than ever before, Ubisoft’s unintended success captures audiences nearly every year as each released compounds more and more affection for the brand.

Not a fan yet or just interested in seeing the roots of the Assassin’s Brotherhood once more? Go ahead and follow along with our Assassin’s Creed games in order list where we discuss what each new game added, and how they were received.

We elected to focus on the games for this compilation but there is much more to the Assassin’s Creed collection ranging from movies to graphic novels.

If you’re new to the world of Assassin’s Creed, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. Built primarily off an open-world experience, and utilizing stealth and combat as the main gameplay elements, Assassin’s Creed finds a solid middle ground that is missing from many other games in the action-adventure genre. With an emphasis on story, but not so much as to force you through things, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed is perfect for gamers who enjoy the journey to and from combat, stealth, decision making, and a intriguing smattering of historical accuracy.

If you’re wondering where to start, think of a favorite period of time and odds are there’s an Assassin’s Creed game during that time period. If there isn’t one yet, odds are there will be one in the coming years.

Without much further ado, let’s jump into the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order.

1. Assassin’s Creed

AC1 Game Cover
  • Released: November 13, 2007
  • Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Mac
  • Reception: Favorable

Step into the Animus for the first time with the initial entry into the Assassin’s Creed series, and uncover a story much deeper than previously expected.

Originally intended as a sequel to the Prince of Persia series, Assassin’s Creed came about as a result of research and interest in the potential of DNA containing memories from the past. The lead game designer for Ubisoft Montreal, Patrice Désilets, began work for the sequel to Prince of Persia without knowing what the newer generation of consoles would be capable of accomplishing. As more information came out, the design team decided that the new consoles would be able to handle larger worlds and even potentially an open-world. These advancements combined with recent, at the time, research into the possibility of memory through genes led developers to entirely new areas and opportunities. Straying further from the limitations of a simple sequel and opening the doors to a science-fiction game that could take the team anywhere.

AC1 Screenshot

After some development time, the team needed to find the assassin’s motivation, and after joking about the Apple of Eden, they had a eureka moment and knew where to take the game. Assassin’s Creed I initially received exceptional marks but suffered from the limited combat capabilities and a confusing or otherwise unhelpful map that came from limitations of their engine. However, despite its shortcomings, Assassin’s Creed garnered enough of a response to launch it into the homes and hearts of millions as a franchise that is still ongoing today.

Follow in the footsteps of your ancestors as you take control of the recently kidnapped Desmond Miles, who is subjected to questionable practices within the Animus: a device that allows for users to dive into their DNA and reenact memories of their ancestors. Play as the master assassin Altaïr, and uncover a plot surrounding the Apple of Eden, Assassins, and the Templars all during the time of the third crusade in 1191 AD.

2. Assassin’s Creed II

AC2 Game Cover
  • Released: November 17, 2009
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
  • Reception: Critical Acclaim

Assassin’s Creed II continues to follow Desmond Miles through his past and the Animus as you step foot into the life of 15th Century Italian assassin, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze.

Following the almost immediate and unexpected success of Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft Montreal launched themselves into their studies for the sequel. Realizing how much freedom the team allowed themselves by making it more science-fiction than purely historical fiction, they set their eyes on an entirely new story and timeline.

Building off the critiques of the first game, the developers set to make combat much more intensive and exciting. Introducing parries, counters, and multiple weapons to choose from. Additionally, the newly added gameplay mechanics included an Eagle Vision that allowed for players to efficiently identify assassination targets, swimming, and a villa that could be upgraded for some passive income.

AC2 Screenshot

While hailed as one of the best titles in the series to this date, there were still some critiques on the game, most notably was Ubisoft’s DRM (Digital Rights Management) for PC players. Mainly it boiled down to requiring an internet connection at all times in order to enjoy the game. Unfortunately for Ubisoft and the team, this wasn’t listed anywhere on the box and left many PC players confused and hurt, especially given the higher price point for the game than the previous installment. Ubisoft announced, as soon as December of the same year, that there were three DLC add-ons to continue the journey of Ezio.

Pursue the truth with Desmond Miles as you uncover more about your history from the viewpoint of 15th-century assassin inductee, Ezio. Discover more about who Desmond is, and what power the Apple of Eden truly holds in this thrilling sequel to the first game.

3. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

AC Brotherhood Game Cover
  • Released: November 16, 2010
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
  • Reception: Critical Acclaim

The intrigue only goes more in-depth with the direct sequel to Ezio’s, and Desmond’s story found in Brotherhood.

Though not long after the released of the second game, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood added a lot in both gameplay and world-building. When it came to combat, developers decided that things were a bit too slow in Assassin’s Creed II and wanted to build up the speed to be more enjoyable. The solution came about with the introduction of more throwing items, faster poisons/crossbows, a hidden quickfire gun, and a combo that allowed for quicker eliminations based on performance.

In terms of the world, Brotherhood takes place in Rome and is roughly three times the size of its predecessor. Brotherhood also expanded on the use of passive income as Ezio is tasked with repairing the crumbling remains of the Assassin’s presence in Italy. Players accomplish this by taking out towers and relinquishing control back to the people.

AC Brotherhood Screenshot

Though it didn’t surpass the success that was the second addition to the Assassin’s Creed Anthology for many, Brotherhood still achieved a level of success that many games failed to at the time. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood received praise for its development of a multiplayer that had been previously unseen in most other games.

The mystery surrounding the Apple of Eden has only just begun as you dive back into the role of Ezio Auditore as he makes his ascension into being a legendary Assassin. Travel through the Roman landscapes during the Renaissance once more, and discover what it takes to become an Assassin.

4. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

AC Revelations Game Cover
  • Released: November 15, 2011
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
  • Reception: Generally Positive

Enjoy the final journey of both Altaïr and Ezio Auditore de Firenze as you once more control Desmond through his lineage, and uncover more than ever before, including the ultimate truth behind the Creed of Assassins.

After a little less than a year, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations came out showcasing newer graphics, tighter controls, and an entirely new culture to explore in Constantinople as you destabilize the Templar control of the region. Travel was made faster by the implementation of the Hookblade, which also allowed for more fluid combat and manageable aerial assassinations.

AC Revelations Screenshot

However, to the dismay of fans and reviewers, the addition of the Hookblade felt lacking when compared to the gameplay additions previously brought to the series. Others felt that maybe Assassin’s Creed had met its stride and would slowly fade in quality after the send-off of Ezio, who had become many fans favorite. Complete with several DLC packs, Revelations seeks to end the story of Altaïr and Ezio respectfully, showing us all the true Assassin masters with their swansong.

Follow in the footsteps of master assassin Altaïr as Ezio one last time. Discover what it means to be an Assassin in the year 2012 with Desmond, and prevent the collapse of society as we know it.

5. Assassin’s Creed III

AC3 Game Cover
  • Released: October 30, 2012
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Reception: Positive

The ending of one story marks the beginning of another, and Assassin’s Creed III is just such a beginning. Stepping into the shoes of Native American Assassin, Ratonhnhaké:ton (referred to as Connor), stop the evil plot of the Templars during the tumultuous time of the American Revolution in 1775.

Although only released a year after Revelations, Assassin’s Creed III was in development shortly after the released of the second game in the series back in 2010. Only made extremely obvious by the wholly overhauled game engine, the seemingly infinite number of additions, and a plot and story that is so delicately and well handled that many critiques couldn’t help but praise the game for undertaking such a task. Among the list of additions to the game is the biggest, and most unexpected, naval battles and missions.

AC3 Screenshot

Not only was the size of the world much more substantial than ever before, the depth of the story more profound than previously attempted, and the combat much more fluid and enjoyable, but developers added an entirely new element to the mix changing the game as a whole. The naval missions opened up the world much more and let players enjoy all that the Eastern United States has to offer during the Revolutionary War. The passive income came back with a much more established presence than in previous installments of the franchise as well.

The world of Assassin’s Creed is much bigger than previously thought, and it’s up to you to see how the rise of the American Revolutionary War plays into the eternal feud between the Templars and the Assassins. Explore what it means to be truly free as the new assassin, Connor.

6. Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation

AC Liberation Game Cover
  • Released: October 30, 2012
  • Systems: PS Vita, PS3, PC, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Reception: Mixed

As Connor fights against the Templars in the depths of the Revolutionary War, Aveline de Gradpre spends 12 years eradicating the bias that she grew up with in New Orleans and the surrounding bayou during the Seven Years’ War.

Assassin’s Creed III Liberation initially released as a PS Vita exclusive but later was re-released on other systems, likely due to a poor sales record. Coinciding directly with the events of AC III, Liberation follows in the footsteps of the series’s first female protagonist Aveline as she uses the traditional gameplay expected in the series to take out the Templar presence in New Orleans. Much like Assassin’s Creed III, Liberation also brought new things to the series when compared to Brotherhood, mainly involving the Vita’s touchscreen and touchpad.

AC Liberation Screenshot

Though the game received mixed reviews, mainly due to the story being so in-and-out that it detracted from the otherwise unique environment developed throughout the game, few could argue against the soundtrack. Liberation’s soundtrack was so successful that many considered it to be the best the series has to offer, as it won multiple awards in 2012, outranking Assassin’s Creed III.

Dedicated to the Creed that all Assassin’s follow, join Aveline as she brings freedom and free will to the people in Louisiana towards the end of the French and Indian War. Liberate the people deserving freedom and discover more information about the First Civilization than ever before.

6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

AC4 Game Cover
  • Released: October 29, 2013
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, SP4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Reception: Exceedingly Positive

The Golden Age of Pirates, a time of unrest and oceanic combat. Also the timeframe for the Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag entry into the Assassin’s Creed series. Following the Grandfather of Connor, Edward Kenway, through his journey as a Pirate across the entirety of the Carribean.

Expanding further than ever before on a single aspect of gameplay, Black Flag introduced the world to what many critics considered to be the best pirate simulation game around. Developers doubled down on the naval components from Assassin’s Creed II and essentially perfected them. Not only is the world made to build on the Naval capabilities by being based in a mostly Oceanic setting, but the people and the pacing are all building off this core game mechanic.

AC4 Screenshot

Stealth and naval missions are obviously at the top of the list for this addition to the AC universe. However, many tasks left critics with a sour taste in their mouths. Most guilty were the eavesdropping and tailing missions that many felt should have been left out entirely. While AC III found promise for taking the story very seriously, AC IV took a different approach by making the setting and story more innately enjoyable and being a little more loose with its depth.

Find yourself atop the mast of the Jackdaw, a Spanish Brig from the early 1700s, as the naval assassin pirate king, Edward Kenway. Pillage and deceive your way through the Carribean and make a name for yourself as the pirate that you are in this exciting addition to the Assassin’s Creed collection.

7. Assassin’s Creed: Rogue

AC Rogue Game Cover
  • Released: November 11, 2014
  • Systems: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Reception: Mixed

Shay Patrick Cormac, a recruit into the world of Assassins and Templars, is tasked with sneaking into Templar establishments and discovering the whereabouts of other Pieces of Eden. However, on his journey, Shay is discouraged by the actions and turns to the unthinkable.

Continuing shortly after the events of Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed: Rogue decides to embark in a slightly different direction than any other AC game thus far. Venture into a world more focused on the enemy, the Templars, than on the Assassins themselves. Building also off the success of Black Flag, Rogue offers players more of the Naval battles and missions that made its successor so prosperous but offers little more in terms of variety.

AC Rogue Screenshot

A good number of critics found the gameplay and story to be compelling and a welcome departure from the norm. However, an equal amount of critics found the opposite to be accurate and felt the game to be more of a DLC to Black Flag than as a standalone title. Unfortunately, this led to Rogue being one of the lowest-rated games in the AC lineup thus far, that’s to say it still received as high as an 8.5/10 by many reviewers.

Trouble on the open waters and tips of the world lead to the rocky coasts and turbulent times in New York as you join Shay Patrick Cormac in redefining what it means to be an Assassin and standing for what’s right. Is the quest for the Apple of Eden worth everything?

8. Assassin’s Creed: Unity

AC Unity Game Cover
  • Released: November 11, 2014
  • Systems: PC, PS4, Xbox One
  • Reception: Mixed

The French Revolution, a tumultuous time in Europe for many, but if it weren’t for the actions of Arno Victor Dorian, it might’ve been much worse. Join Arno as he uncovers the truth behind the revolution and all the conspirators who profited from it.

While being released the same date at Rogue, Assassin’s Creed: Unity was the first AC to be released on the new generation of consoles and was chronologically after the events of Rogue. Sadly, Unity met with a similar level of complaints, most stemming from the initial release of the game, which led to a tarnished sales record and overall experience for most.

AC Unity Screenshot

Outside of a beautiful world, fun gameplay based around fencing, and a story that many found to be tantalizing and refreshing in the AC lineup, Unity was faulty from the start. Riddled with bugs and other graphical errors that prevented gameplay made the newest additions like cooperative story missions, character customizability, and a more developed land stealth system lackluster and hard to enjoy.

An open rebellion, a troubled youth, and the continuous war between the Templars and the Assassins bring Arno Victor Dorian to the center of Paris during the French Revolution in 1789. Yet, an unintended love and loyalty lead Arno into the depths of conspiracy, treason, and the mysteries behind the Sages. Who truly comes out victorious when it’s a war amongst friends and family?

9. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles

AC Chronicles Game Cover
  • Released: April 21, 2015 – February 9, 2016
  • Systems: PS4, Xbox One, PC
  • Reception: Mixed

While not exactly a main entry in the series, we felt the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles still deserves a mention because of their popularity. Embark on a tale of three heroes, all vying for the rights of their people. Join Shao Jun, Arbaaz Mir, and Nikolai Orelov as they attempt to halt the actions of the Templars and reinvigorate the Assassin’s way.

AC Chronicles Screenshot

Originally released separately, the three Chronicles games were ultimately combined to tell a longer three-part story. Chronicles took a significant departure from the other games, venturing into the world of 2.5D stealth games. Removing the open-world aspects that were paramount to AC games, and delving more into the roots of what makes the Assassin’s Creed franchise what it is. Sadly, with the unfortunate release of Unity, these three games were met with inadequate responses, and many felt it was too much of a departure from the series.

Surrounded in mysteries and an impressively unique art style for each part, Chronicles China, India, and Russia all allow for you to venture into the various regions of the world and vanquish all Templar meddling.

10. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

AC Syndicate Game Cover
  • Released: October 23, 2015
  • Systems: PS4, Xbox One, PC
  • Reception: Positive

The Industrial Revolution, a time of advancements of all kinds with technologies previously thought to be impossible. In Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, you’ll take control of the underground and bring back the rights of the people as the twins Jacob and Evie Frye.

Jumping ahead more than any other entry into the AC universe, we find ourselves in the dead of the Industrial Revolution in 1868 and within the bustling cityscape of London. Following this new jump through time, many additions and alterations to the gameplay were necessary, carriages, a rope launcher that allows for quick transport, the railroad that makes for an iconic backdrop to the setting, and many more additions, to name a few.

AC Syndicate Screenshot

While it was an improvement over the quality of Unity, Syndicate was met with either love or general disinterest. Due to the quality assurance failures of Unity, and the lack of a well thought out PR recovery, Syndicate met with lackluster sales and little to no marketing. Despite this, reviewers tended to appreciate not only the setting, but the cast, gameplay, and the combat as well.

Itching to get into the depths of the Industrial Revolution and reawaken the London Assassins brotherhood, Jacob and Evie Frye decide to change things from the inside. Follow the twin protagonists as they work their way through the London underbelly in retaliation against the Templars who control the city.

11. Assassin’s Creed: Origins

AC Origins Game Cover
  • Released: October 27, 2017
  • Systems: PS4, Xbox One, PC
  • Reception: Favorable

In Assassin’s Creed: Origins, players will be vanquishing foes and discovering the beginning of everything as you take the helm of Bayek and his wife Aya, uncovering the secrecy behind the Order of the Ancients.

Following a small leave of production, Ubisoft comes back with the next addition to the AC universe, Origins. As the name implies, you play through the journey of the first Assassins as they develop what the Creed really means. Introducing new combat mechanics that use hit-boxes, the ability to control other animals and use them momentarily, and lastly, the introduction to an arena mode makes for this iteration to be a most unique addition to the series since Black Flag.

AC Origins Screenshot

The robust combat system didn’t go unnoticed by critics either. Most found the game to be delightfully refreshing, and the world development became so well detailed that many historians complimented Origins as the closest representation of early Egypt we might ever see. The combat only benefitted from the introduction to the many different weapons that had a range and weight incorporate, making the experience that much more satisfying. Complete with two add-ons that take players further into the realm of Egypt, Origins proves that Ubisoft truly knows what it takes to make a solid AC game.

The Assassin’s Creed, a way of life depicted throughout ten games, is developed and lived for the first time in this journey through Egypt. Join the oath sworn Medjay of Egypt, Bayek, alongside his eagle companion Senu as they uncover the truth surrounding the Order of the Ancients. Find a deeper truth about the world as a whole, setting events of every AC since into motion.

12. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

AC Odyssey Game Cover
  • Released: October 5, 2018
  • Systems: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
  • Reception: Favorable

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, is the latest entry in the series. Being a descendant of the Spartan king Leonidas I, you’ll choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra and discover for yourself how you’d like to align. Either with the Assassins or the Templars.

Departing from the typical AC formula and into much more of an RPG-like game has given players much more out of a new title than they were expecting. Already being surprised by Origins and not expecting nearly as much the following year, Ubisoft delivered once again, honing the aspects of Origins that many found favorable into a well-crafted experience. Much like Syndicate, Odyssey ventured down the path of customizability, where the main character is someone the player decides.

AC Odyssey Screenshot

Taking place in the realm of Greek mythos and culture, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey also embarks on a journey through abilities and skill trees that allow for even more customization, while providing a level of mysticism previously unseen in the games. These additions have pleased many gamers and critics and lead Odyssey close to the top on many lists of top AC games.

Go the farthest back yet with the child of Leonidas I, uncover secrets of Greek mythos, and experience the world of Assassin’s Creed like never before in this newest addition to the series.

The Future of Assassin’s Creed

Although Odyssey was released just recently, rumors have already spread about the next upcoming title in the Assassin’s Creed collection. Sources from Kotaku confirmed that the next entry in the series will be a Viking themed game that will be released sometime in 2021. It’s going to be difficult for Ubisoft to meet expectations this time around, following on the heels of the successful works of Origins and Odyssey.

If you’re interested in even more Assassin’s Creed lore, media, and information, there are some other main games in the series we didn’t touch on, four collections, one theatrical film, three short films, a potential Netflix tie-in, and at least eleven graphic novels to get your fix. We recommend stopping by the Assassin’s Creed Wiki at Fandom.

Happy gaming!

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