The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players since its inception in 2007, taking us on thrilling journeys through various historical settings. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient ruins of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has masterfully blended historical accuracy with engaging narratives, setting it apart from its genre peers who often focus on fantasy realms or contemporary cities.
While the core gameplay mechanics have largely remained consistent throughout its 14 mainline entries, Assassin's Creed has continually evolved, introducing fresh mechanics for player progression and expanding its expansive worlds.
So, which Assassin's Creed games stand out as the best? After much discussion and debate, we've curated a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here they are, ranked from 10 to 1:
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Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations provides a poignant conclusion to the tales of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game remains a thrilling and memorable send-off. From exhilarating zipline rides in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is brimming with captivating adventures. This final chapter not only celebrates the legacy of these iconic characters but also hints at the future direction of the series.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate transports players to the industrial age of Victorian London, a setting that vividly comes to life through its bustling factories, horse-drawn carriage chases, and confrontations with notorious figures like Jack the Ripper. The game's unique string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory adds a distinct flavor, complementing the dual protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry's individual soundtracks. Syndicate's attention to detail and cohesive world-building, coupled with its effective cane combat, make it a memorable entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla, while not as revolutionary as Origins, brought significant changes to the series. It introduced more impactful combat, replaced traditional side quests with organic world events, and streamlined loot management, making rewards feel more valuable. Eivor's story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering fans an immersive experience. The extensive expansion into Thor and Odin's realm elevates Valhalla to near-God of War levels, making it a standout title.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood further develops Ezio Auditore da Firenze's saga, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Set primarily in Rome, the game expands on mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, such as swimming, property management, firearms, and recruiting allies. With its charm, wit, and drama, Brotherhood offers a refined combat experience, allowing players to embrace their inner assassin. It also introduced multiplayer, adding a competitive edge to the series.
Assassin's Creed Origins marked a pivotal shift, transforming the series into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, it remains a compelling entry with a riveting story about Bayek and Aya, whose quest for justice leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood. The game's ancient Egyptian setting is breathtaking, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series, earning it a cherished spot among fans.
Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots, focusing on stealth and assassination. As the first game exclusively released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, it showcased stunning graphics and detailed recreations of Paris. Despite a rocky launch marred by bugs, Unity has since been polished into a fan favorite. Its enhanced parkour system and intricate assassination missions, set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered Notre Dame, make it a standout entry.
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review
Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills the long-standing fan desire to explore Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. It refocuses the series on stealth and assassination, offering a more restrained yet expansive open world. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows provides varied gameplay experiences. Naoe's stealth abilities and Yasuke's samurai prowess complement each other, allowing players to explore a breathtaking world that dynamically changes with the seasons.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements, setting the action against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Its vast, vibrant world, stunning vistas, and engaging naval warfare are highlights. The game's notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth, while its charismatic protagonist and eclectic side quests ensure a memorable experience. Odyssey's world is a joy to explore even after completing the main storyline.
Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with perfecting the series' formula. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and the ability to swim, enriching gameplay. New features like catacomb missions, an upgradeable villa, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions kept the experience fresh. Set during the Italian Renaissance, ACII introduced the iconic Ezio Auditore da Firenze and wove together past and present narratives in a thrilling manner, culminating in an unforgettable climax.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces a pirate-themed adventure, featuring protagonist Edward Kenway, who is first and foremost a pirate. The Caribbean setting serves as a vibrant sandbox, filled with islands to explore, treasures to find, and activities to engage in. The game's naval combat, building on Assassin's Creed 3, becomes the highlight, allowing players to engage in thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag is not only a top Assassin's Creed title but also a standout pirate game.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListYou may also like: The Best Games Like Assassin's Creed.
And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Disagree with the ranking? Think another entry should have been on the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments.
If you're eager to see what's next for the Assassin's Creed series, keep an eye on upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing you to explore Feudal Japan through the eyes of a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises an occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the franchise.
From the series' debut in 2007 to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the comprehensive list of every Assassin's Creed game. Log in to track your progress and see which ones you've played.
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