Ubisoft's latest addition to their iconic stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. Set in 16th-century Japan, this game marks the 14th entry in the core series. But where does it stand among its predecessors? We're turning to you to help us rank the mainline games of the Assassin's Creed series, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles stepping into the Animus to experience the life of his ancestor, Altaïr. Fast forward 18 years, and players now take control of Naoe and Yasuke in a rich, historical setting. I've taken a stab at ranking these games based on my personal enjoyment using an IGN Tier List, and you can check out my rankings below:
For me, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains the pinnacle of the series. Its blend of island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast creates what I believe to be the best all-around Assassin’s Creed experience. It shares the S-tier with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly put the series on the map. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might surprise some fans, but I adored the Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Joining it is Unity, whose detailed recreation of French Revolution-era Paris still holds up beautifully a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Do you think Valhalla is too bloated, or that Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? Now's your chance to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where do you think the series should head next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us why you've ranked the games in your chosen order.
