The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has consistently offered a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical exploration. Unlike many of its contemporaries, which often transport players to fantastical realms or modern urban settings, Assassin's Creed immerses us in rich historical tapestries, making each game a semi-educational journey through time.
While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained largely consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Changes in player progression, expansive worlds, and narrative depth have kept the franchise fresh and engaging. But which of these games stand out as the best? After much debate, we've narrowed it down to our top 10 Assassin's Creed titles.
So, without further ado, here are our top 10 Assassin’s Creed games.
The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games
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Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations masterfully concludes the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a thrilling and memorable send-off. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with fascinating adventures. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid farewell to two iconic characters after witnessing their growth and adventures.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its setting in 19th-century Victorian London, a city in the throes of industrialization. The game's environment, from sneaking through factories to racing horse-drawn carriages and confronting Jack the Ripper, feels both fantastical and grounded. The unique string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, along with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, adds to the immersive experience. Syndicate's attention to detail and effective combat, including the use of a cane, make it a memorable entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla, while not as revolutionary as Origins, introduces significant changes. The combat feels weightier and more impactful, and traditional side quests are replaced by world events, enhancing exploration and discovery. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more valuable. Eivor's story, blending historical fantasy with Norse mythology, is engaging and offers a feast for fans of the sagas. The game's expansion into the world of Thor and Odin adds a God of War-like dimension to the experience.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's journey, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. The game expands on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies, set against the backdrop of Rome and its countryside. The updated combat allows players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, letting players experience the game from the Templars' perspective. Despite not advancing the formula as much as its predecessor, it remains cherished by many.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice for their murdered son and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, compelling narrative, and shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the series, making Origins a standout title.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity, the first AC game exclusively released on next-gen consoles, showcases a stunning recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have transformed it into a fan favorite. Unity's enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, enabling excellent hit-and-run tactics. Its main assassination missions are a highlight, offering multiple infiltration methods and a detailed depiction of Notre Dame.
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, Assassin's Creed Shadows meets high expectations by refocusing on stealth and infiltration. The game features two playable protagonists: Naoe, with her stealth toolkit, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. The open world, while expansive, is more restrained than in previous titles, offering a balanced experience. The dynamic seasonal changes and the freedom to explore with Naoe's grappling hook and climbing abilities make Shadows a visually and mechanically stunning addition to the series.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world includes stunning vistas and engaging naval warfare. The notoriety system adds tension with cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system involves large-scale battles. Odyssey's compelling story, eccentric side quests, and charismatic protagonist make it a delight to explore, even after completing the main campaign.
Assassin's Creed 2
Assassin's Creed 2 not only proved the series' potential but also set a new standard for video game sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat and mobility, and new features like catacomb missions and an upgradeable villa. Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and enhanced the connection between historical and modern-day narratives. The unforgettable ending, featuring a confrontation with the Pope and a supernatural twist, solidified AC2 as a landmark title.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces a pirate-first, assassin-second protagonist, Edward Kenway, and transforms the Caribbean into a thrilling sandbox. The game's naval combat, built upon Assassin's Creed 3's framework, becomes the highlight, offering seamless transitions between land and sea. Whether hunting merchant ships or battling buccaneers, the freedom to choose between strategic sailing and direct combat makes Black Flag not only a standout Assassin's Creed game but also one of the best pirate games ever.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListEvery Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
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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.
Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games
If you're wondering what's coming next in the world of Assassin's Creed, there are a few titles to keep on your radar. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just released and sees you following the path of both a shinobi and samurai in Feudal Japan. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is also in the works for mobile devices, but has no confirmed release date yet. If that's not enough Assassin's Creed goodness for you, beyond those we have Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe to look forward to, the mysterious and occult-looking adventure that's set to bring new ideas to the series.
Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist
From 2007's debut title to the upcoming console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played.See All
