Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has been a thrilling journey through history for nearly two decades. Spanning five continents and covering 2,300 years, the saga of the Assassins and Templars has captivated millions of players worldwide. With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to revisit the epic timeline of the series. Below, we've compiled a detailed chronology of the mainline Assassin's Creed games, focusing solely on the core narrative and excluding spinoffs for clarity.
For a deeper dive into the historical settings of these games, explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
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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 an impressive collection, with 14 mainline games and 17 additional spinoffs. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into a board game and a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.
Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?
Choosing your entry point into the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting, but consider starting with a game set in a historical period that fascinates you. For those interested in narrative depth, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling storytelling. Alternatively, newer fans might enjoy the pirate adventures of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag or the mythological journey of Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
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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PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order
You can approach the Assassin's Creed series in two ways: by following the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings of each game.
Modern-Day Storyline: The series' overarching narrative unfolds through the modern-day sequences, which progress with each game's release. This approach is ideal for experiencing the franchise's evolution and the continuous story arc. Simply follow the release order listed below to stay aligned with the modern-day plot.
Historical Settings: If you're more interested in the historical periods and less concerned with the overarching narrative, playing the games in chronological order of their settings can provide a fascinating historical journey. This method is more about exploring different eras than following a continuous story.
The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order
Here's a detailed look at the mainline Assassin's Creed games arranged by their historical settings, with mild spoilers to give you a sense of each game's narrative and setting.
1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set during the Peloponnesian War, Assassin's Creed Odyssey dives deep into the world of Ancient Greece. As either Cassandra or Alexios, you'll navigate the conflict between Sparta and Athens, meeting historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, while also encountering mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. This game predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but introduces the powerful Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas.
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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set in the vibrant world of Ancient Egypt, Assassin's Creed Origins marks a soft reboot for the series, introducing RPG mechanics. As Bayek of Siwa, you'll journey through a tale of vengeance that evolves into a larger conspiracy against the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients. This journey ultimately leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins.
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/AAssassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and narrative. Set in 9th Century Baghdad, you'll follow Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young thief with mysterious visions, as he rises within the ranks of the Hidden Ones. 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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes you to the heart of Norse history and mythology. As Eivor, you'll lead your clan from Norway to England, navigating the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while encountering historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin.
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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. This game laid the foundation for the series, introducing key elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's quest to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' introduction to 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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans across three games. Seeking vengeance for his family's murder, Ezio uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving the Assassins and Templars. The game takes you through iconic Italian locales and introduces historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci.
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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Continuing Ezio's journey, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees him rebuilding the Assassins Guild in Rome while pursuing the Apple of Eden. The modern-day storyline follows Desmond's quest to prevent an apocalyptic event, intertwining with Ezio's past.
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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The conclusion of Ezio's trilogy, Assassin's Creed Revelations, sees him seeking Altair's hidden library in Constantinople. The game blends Ezio's story with flashbacks to Altair's life, culminating in a pivotal moment for the series' overarching narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape a comatose state.
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 JapanHistoric Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A
Set during the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, with unique gameplay styles. Their stories converge in a quest for vengeance amidst Japan's civil wars. Unlike other recent entries, Shadows focuses on the historical narrative without a modern-day protagonist, though it introduces the Animus Hub for additional content.
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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. As Edward Kenway, you'll navigate the pirate life and the Assassin-Templar conflict, interacting with figures like Blackbeard and Mary Read. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Edward'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
11. Assassin's Creed Rogue (1752–1760)
Primary setting: 18th Century American NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"
Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narrative between Assassin's Creed III and IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. Set in the American Northeast, the game follows Shay's hunt for a Piece of Eden. The modern-day story 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
12. Assassin's Creed III (1754–1783)
Primary setting: 18th Century Colonial AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed III takes place during the American Revolution, with you playing as Connor Kenway, seeking to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In the modern-day, Desmond's story reaches its climax as he works to prevent an apocalypse.
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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, a French Assassin entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day narrative is less prominent, focusing on a Helix player uncovering Arno's memories.
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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they work to liberate London from Templar control. Set in 1868, the game features historical figures like Charles Darwin and Alexander Graham Bell. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins.
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
If you prefer to follow the series' release order to track the evolution of both gameplay and the modern-day storyline, here's the sequence:
- 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
The next installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20. While no further mainline games have been announced, Ubisoft is working on remakes of older titles. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in development at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive Assassin's Creed Jade has been delayed to 2025.
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