Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has been a thrilling journey through history, captivating players with its unique blend of action, adventure, and historical exploration. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the mythical landscapes of Ancient Greece, Ubisoft's franchise has not only entertained but also provided a semi-educational glimpse into various historical eras. This approach has set Assassin's Creed apart from its peers, which often focus on fantasy or modern settings.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. It has introduced new progression systems and expanded its worlds, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task. After careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. So, let's dive into our top 10 Assassin’s Creed games.
The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games
11 Images
Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations serves as a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some unremarkable additions like the Den Defense mode, it remains a thrilling and memorable send-off. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to engaging with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with fascinating adventures.
This final chapter for Ezio and Altair not only celebrates their past but also hints at the future direction of the series. It offers fans a chance to bid farewell to the first era of Assassin’s Creed.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed games are defined as much by their settings as by their protagonists. Assassin's Creed Syndicate transports players to 19th Century Victorian London during its industrial boom, offering a memorable and immersive experience. Activities such as sneaking around factories, racing horse-drawn carriages, and confronting Jack the Ripper ground the game in a setting that feels both fantastical and real.
The game's string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory adds a unique auditory layer, with separate soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry. These small details contribute to a cohesive world. Moreover, Syndicate stands out for its effective combat with a cane, reminiscent of Bloodborne.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
While not as revolutionary as Origins, Assassin's Creed Valhalla made significant changes to the series. Combat feels weightier and more impactful, traditional side quests have been replaced by organic world events, and the loot system has been streamlined, making rewards feel more valuable.
Eivor's story, though not the most beloved among protagonists, is engaging and seamlessly blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology. Fans of Viking lore are treated to an immersive experience, with the main campaign and a game-length expansion dedicated to the world of Thor and Odin, almost turning Valhalla into a cousin of God of War.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's saga, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite protagonist. Set in an expansive Rome and its countryside, the game builds on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. The chapter is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by updated combat that lets players embody the aggressive assassin they always wanted to be.
It was also the first game in the series to introduce multiplayer, allowing players to step into the shoes of the Templars and compete with friends. While not as innovative as its predecessor, Brotherhood remains cherished by many as one of the best.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Origins marked a pivotal moment for Assassin’s Creed, transitioning it from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, Origins is an excellent Assassin’s Creed game in its own right.
The story of Bayek and Aya, driven by the quest for justice and the founding of the Assassin’s Brotherhood, is deeply compelling. The ancient Egyptian setting is a marvel to explore, and while subsequent games improved on its mechanics, the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series for fans.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Following the swashbuckling adventures of Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed Unity returned to the series' roots. As the first AC game exclusively released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, Unity was a graphical powerhouse, featuring near 1:1 recreations of Paris with bustling crowds of NPCs.
Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have transformed Unity into a fan favorite. Its enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, perfect for hit-and-run tactics. The main assassination missions are standout moments, offering multiple infiltration options. Additionally, the detailed depiction of Notre Dame adds significant value to the 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-requested Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows met towering expectations. The game refocuses on assassinations, emphasizing stealth and infiltration while maintaining a balanced open-world and RPG experience compared to Odyssey and Valhalla.
Featuring two playable protagonists for the first time since Syndicate, Shadows offers diverse gameplay styles. Naoe's stealth-focused toolkit contrasts with Yasuke's brutal samurai combat. Exploring the dynamic landscapes of Japan, complete with seasonal changes, provides an immersive and astonishing experience.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece amidst the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world boasts stunning vistas, both on land and sea, with engaging naval warfare.
The notoriety system creates tense cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system involves large-scale battles. Odyssey offers a compelling story, eccentric side quests, and a charismatic protagonist, whether playing as male or female. Even after completing the main story, there's much to explore and enjoy in its rich world.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin’s Creed 2 not only validated the series' formula but also set a benchmark for video game sequels. It introduced more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and better mobility, including the ability to swim. New catacomb missions tested players' parkour skills, while the upgradeable villa encouraged collecting and investing.
Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an iconic protagonist, and connected the historical and modern-day narratives in an unforgettable way. The climactic fistfight with the pope and the otherworldly connection to Desmond in the present day made for a thrilling conclusion.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Black Flag introduced a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, shifting the focus from assassination to high-seas adventure. The Caribbean setting offers a sandbox playground filled with islands, treasures, and activities. The game's upgrade system made hunting and harpooning engaging, while naval combat became a highlight, building on Assassin’s Creed 3's framework.
Whether engaging in thrilling ship battles or boarding enemy vessels, Black Flag offers unparalleled freedom and excitement. Its seamless transition between land and sea enhances player choice, allowing for diverse combat strategies. Black Flag not only stands as one of the best Assassin’s Creed games but also as one of the greatest pirate games ever made.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListEvery Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
You may also like: The Best Games Like Assassin's Creed.
And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Do you disagree with the ranking? Do you 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
If you're eager to see what's next for Assassin's Creed, keep an eye out for several exciting titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, allows you to navigate the paths of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though it lacks a confirmed release date. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure that will bring fresh ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From the debut title in 2007 to upcoming projects across consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and VR, here is the complete Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which games you've played.
See All
