How to Play the Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

Over its 18-year history, Ubisoft's *Assassin's Creed* franchise has captivated players with its sprawling narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict. Journeying across five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history, 13 mainline games have woven a rich tapestry of intrigue and action. With the upcoming *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, we present a chronological overview of the main series, excluding spin-offs for clarity.

For a deeper dive into the historical eras explored in *Assassin's Creed*, explore our comprehensive timeline guide.

Jump to:

• Chronological Order
• Release Order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

Currently, the main series boasts 14 titles, complemented by 17 spin-off games. Beyond video games, an Assassin's Creed board game exists, and a Netflix TV series is reportedly in development.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

The Assassin's Creed timeline offers numerous starting points. Choosing a game set in a personally appealing historical era is recommended. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. Alternatively, Black Flag, with its captivating pirate gameplay, or Odyssey, set in ancient Greece, provide excellent entry points for those preferring more recent titles.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

Two approaches exist for navigating the Assassin's Creed chronology. The first follows the modern-day storylines, progressing chronologically with each release. This is ideal for experiencing the overarching narrative and witnessing the franchise's evolution. The second option, detailed below, orders games by their historical settings. This approach is beneficial for those interested in exploring the historical contexts individually.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

The following plot synopses contain only mild spoilers.

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

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set centuries before other mainline games, *Odyssey* expands on the RPG elements introduced in *Origins*. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, navigating the Peloponnesian War and encountering historical and mythological figures. The game features a key Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas, predating the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders.

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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

A soft reboot introducing RPG mechanics, *Origins* is set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra. Bayek and Aya uncover a proto-Templar organization and form the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. Layla Hassan is introduced as the present-day protagonist.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A

A stealth-focused adventure, *Mirage* follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, whose story plays a crucial role in *Valhalla*. The game is less focused on the 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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set in Norse history and mythology, *Valhalla* features Eivor and their clan's journey from Norway to England. The game blends historical and mythological figures, continuing the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients.

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
Historic Protagonist: Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The first game introduces Altaïr and foundational gameplay elements. It introduces key narrative concepts like Pieces of Eden and the Animus, and establishes the modern-day Assassin-Templar conflict through Desmond Miles.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Introducing Ezio, this game follows his quest for vengeance, uncovering a larger conspiracy and interacting with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci.

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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

A continuation of Ezio's story, *Brotherhood* sees him rebuild Rome's Assassin Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden.

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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The conclusion of Ezio's trilogy, *Revelations* unites his story with Altaïr's, as Ezio searches for Altaïr's hidden library in Constantinople.

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 Japan
Historic Protagonist: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Set during the Sengoku period, *Shadows* features dual protagonists and lacks a modern-day storyline. The game coincides with the release of the Animus Hub.

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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Known for its naval gameplay, *Black Flag* stars Edward Kenway, grandfather of Connor. It features real-life pirates and introduces Adéwalé.

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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

A bridge between *AC III* and *AC IV*, *Rogue* follows Shay Patrick Cormac's transformation from Assassin to Templar.

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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké:ton "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Set during the American Revolution, *AC III* follows Connor's efforts to protect his tribe and a First Civilization temple.

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 France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, *Unity* stars Arno Dorian and features historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set in Victorian London, *Syndicate* features twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, working to liberate London from Templar control.

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

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

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is the newest release. Information on future mainline games is currently limited, although remakes of older titles are in development.

A Netflix live-action series and Tencent's mobile title, *Assassin's Creed Jade*, are also in the works.

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