Assassin's Creed: Chronological Gameplay Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey across five continents and spanning over 2,300 years of history through 13 mainline games. The saga of the Assassins and Templars has explored diverse settings from Ancient Greece to Victorian London, offering players a rich tapestry of historical and fictional narratives.

With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to revisit the franchise's timeline. This guide focuses on the mainline games, which are crucial to understanding the overarching Assassin's Creed narrative. For more detailed insights into the historical settings of these games, you can explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play in release order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

14 Images

How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series being developed by Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but it's best to begin with an era that piques your interest. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of Ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

0See it at Amazon

How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by the order of the modern-day storylines or by the historical settings. Playing in release order follows the modern-day narrative, which progresses chronologically and provides a cohesive story arc. This method is recommended for those looking to experience the entire franchise and witness its evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

Alternatively, playing in chronological order by historical setting offers a historical journey through the series, though these stories are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Here's a detailed look at each mainline game, listed in chronological order of their historical settings. These synopses include mild spoilers covering broad plot points, historical contexts, and character introductions.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, marking a significant shift from stealth-based action to an expansive open-world RPG. Players take on the role of Cassandra or Alexios, grandchildren of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical accuracy with Greek mythology, introducing iconic figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, as well as mythical creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa.

Odyssey is set before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but features a crucial Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas. These Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the First Civilization, pivotal to connecting past and present storylines across the series.

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

Following a brief hiatus after releasing annual titles from 2009 to 2015, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics to the series. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game explores Ancient Egypt and extends its historical scope to Rome under Julius Caesar. Origins follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for vengeance against their son's killers leads them to uncover the Order of the Ancients, a precursor to the Templars, and to form the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins.

Layla Hassan is introduced as the modern-day protagonist, continuing her arc across Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.

Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage marks a return to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and narrative. Priced at $50 USD, it's a more compact experience compared to recent open-world RPGs. The game follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, on his journey from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut under the guidance of his mentor Roshan.

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 delves into Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. Players take on the role of Eivor, navigating the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while leading their clan from resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England. The game intertwines historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great with mythological entities such as Fenrir and Odin.

The modern-day narrative concludes Layla Hassan's three-game arc.

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 inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad, set during the Third Crusade. This title laid the foundation for the series, introducing core gameplay mechanics and narrative elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus, a device that allows modern-day protagonists to relive historical memories through DNA.

The game follows Altair's quest to assassinate nine Templars and introduces Desmond Miles, whose journey through the modern Assassin-Templar conflict runs through to Assassin's Creed III.

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 the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's AC: Revelations. Ezio's quest for vengeance against those who killed his father and brother leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy and become central to the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game takes players through iconic Italian locales like Florence and the Vatican, introducing Ezio to historical figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli.

In the present day, Desmond Miles begins his collaboration with the Assassins.

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 directly from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees Ezio facing new challenges in Rome. His mission involves rebuilding the Assassins Guild and retrieving the Apple of Eden, a crucial Piece of Eden. In the present, Desmond and his allies search for the same artifact in Italy to avert a prophesized apocalypse.

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 final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Assassin's Creed Revelations, sees an older Ezio seeking Altair's hidden library in Constantinople. His journey involves unlocking keys tied to Altair's memories, revealing Ezio's place in the broader Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, Desmond, trapped in the Animus, works to escape the "Black Room" and return to consciousness.

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 protagonist: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/A

Set during the civil wars of the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, unite in a quest for vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows does not feature a dedicated modern-day protagonist but integrates with the new Animus Hub, which unifies the Assassin's Creed franchise and introduces additional modern-day subplots.

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 and is set two centuries after Ezio's story. It follows Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Assassin's Creed III's protagonist Connor Kenway, as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict and searches for the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day narrative involves an unnamed Abstergo employee reliving Connor's memories to create a film, masking the Templars' true intentions.

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 serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, featuring Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, on a mission to hunt down a Piece of Eden. The game includes Haytham Kenway, son of Edward Kenway and father of Connor Kenway. In the present, players assume the role of another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," serving the modern-day Templars.

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

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway, who seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's arc as he and his allies work to prevent the prophesized end of the world.

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

Assassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution and follows Arno Dorian, who becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict while seeking vengeance. The game features historical figures such as Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day narrative, which lacks gameplay and focuses on cutscenes, involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's Animus-powered gaming software, to experience 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)

Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control while seeking a Piece of Eden. The game features historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now collaborating with the Assassins to locate another Piece of Eden in London.

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

For those interested in experiencing the series by release order, here is 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 there's no information on future mainline games, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

Related Content:

• Far Cry Games in Order
• God of War Games in Order
• The Legend of Zelda Games in Order
• Final Fantasy Games in Order
• Shop the coolest Assassin's Creed merch at the IGN Store