Ubisoft's latest addition to the beloved stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. But how does it stack up against its predecessors? With over 30 games in the franchise, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR games, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles entering the Animus to experience the life of his ancestor Altaïr. Fast forward to 2025, and we find ourselves immersed in the world of 16th-century Japan, playing as Naoe and Yasuke. Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the 14th core installment in the series. I've taken the liberty of ranking these games based on my personal enjoyment, using an IGN Tier List. Here's how I see it:
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick. Its blend of island exploration, ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters creates the quintessential AC experience for me. It shares the S-tier with Assassin’s Creed 2, which truly elevated the series to new heights. I've also placed Valhalla in the A-tier, which might raise eyebrows, but I thoroughly enjoyed its Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Joining it is Unity, whose depiction of Paris during the French Revolution remains breathtaking even after a decade.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too expansive or believe Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? Why not create your own tier list and see how your S, A, B, C, and D tiers compare with the rest of the IGN community?
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where would you like the series to venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and tell us why you've ranked the games the way you have.