What Order to Play Assassin's Creed Games: A Journey Through Time and Chaos

The Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, is a sprawling franchise that spans centuries, continents, and even dimensions. With over a dozen mainline games and numerous spin-offs, deciding the best order to play them can be as complex as the conspiracy-laden plots themselves. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player looking to revisit the series, this guide will help you navigate the labyrinthine world of Assassin’s Creed.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
Playing the games in the order they were released is the most straightforward method. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the series, from its humble beginnings to its current state of cinematic grandeur.
- Assassin’s Creed (2007): Start with the original game, where you play as Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad during the Third Crusade. This game sets the foundation for the entire series.
- Assassin’s Creed II (2009): Follow Ezio Auditore da Firenze through Renaissance Italy. This game is often considered the best in the series.
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010): Continue Ezio’s story as he builds the Brotherhood in Rome.
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011): Conclude Ezio’s journey and uncover the secrets of Altaïr.
- Assassin’s Creed III (2012): Shift to the American Revolution with Connor Kenway.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013): Sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a pirate turned Assassin.
- Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014): Experience the Templar perspective with Shay Cormac.
- Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014): Explore the French Revolution with Arno Dorian.
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015): Fight for justice in Victorian London with the Frye twins.
- Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017): Travel to ancient Egypt with Bayek, the founder of the Assassin Brotherhood.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018): Embark on an epic journey through ancient Greece as Alexios or Kassandra.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020): Raid and conquer as Eivor, a Viking warrior in medieval England.
2. Chronological Order: A Historical Timeline
For those who prefer a more historical approach, playing the games in chronological order based on their in-universe timelines can provide a unique perspective.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431–404 BCE): Set in ancient Greece, this game is the earliest in the timeline.
- Assassin’s Creed Origins (49–43 BCE): Explore the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood in Ptolemaic Egypt.
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (873–878 CE): Experience the Viking invasion of England.
- Assassin’s Creed (1191 CE): Begin the modern series with Altaïr during the Third Crusade.
- Assassin’s Creed II (1476–1499 CE): Follow Ezio through Renaissance Italy.
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (1499–1507 CE): Continue Ezio’s story in Rome.
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (1511–1512 CE): Conclude Ezio’s journey in Constantinople.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722 CE): Sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway.
- Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752–1760 CE): Experience the Seven Years’ War from a Templar’s perspective.
- Assassin’s Creed III (1754–1783 CE): Fight in the American Revolution as Connor Kenway.
- Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789–1794 CE): Explore the French Revolution with Arno Dorian.
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868 CE): Battle for justice in Victorian London.
3. Thematic Order: A Focus on Story Arcs
If you’re more interested in the overarching narrative, consider playing the games based on their thematic connections.
- The Desmond Saga: Start with Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations, and Assassin’s Creed III. These games follow Desmond Miles as he relives the memories of his ancestors.
- The Kenway Saga: Play Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Rogue, and Assassin’s Creed III. These games focus on the Kenway family and their impact on the Assassin-Templar conflict.
- The Ancient Trilogy: Begin with Assassin’s Creed Origins, followed by Odyssey and Valhalla. These games explore the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Isu, the ancient civilization that predates humanity.
4. Spin-offs and Side Stories: Expanding the Universe
Don’t forget the spin-offs and side stories that add depth to the Assassin’s Creed universe.
- Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: A series of 2.5D side-scrolling games set in China, India, and Russia.
- Assassin’s Creed Liberation: Originally released for the PlayStation Vita, this game follows Aveline de Grandpré in colonial Louisiana.
- Assassin’s Creed Identity: A mobile RPG that allows you to create your own Assassin.
5. Modern Day Storyline: The Hidden Layer
The modern-day storyline is a crucial element of the Assassin’s Creed series, connecting the historical narratives to the present-day conflict between Assassins and Templars.
- Assassin’s Creed: Introduces Desmond Miles and the Animus.
- Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations: Continue Desmond’s journey as he uncovers the secrets of the First Civilization.
- Assassin’s Creed III: Concludes Desmond’s story.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Rogue, Unity, Syndicate: Focus on new modern-day protagonists.
- Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla: Introduce Layla Hassan, a new modern-day protagonist.
6. DLCs and Expansions: Enhancing the Experience
Many Assassin’s Creed games have DLCs and expansions that add new content, characters, and storylines.
- The Tyranny of King Washington (Assassin’s Creed III): An alternate history where George Washington becomes a tyrant.
- Freedom Cry (Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag): Follow Adewale, a former slave turned Assassin.
- The Hidden Ones & The Curse of the Pharaohs (Assassin’s Creed Origins): Explore new regions and mythological elements.
- Legacy of the First Blade & The Fate of Atlantis (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey): Dive deeper into the lore of the First Civilization.
7. Community Recommendations: The Fan Perspective
The Assassin’s Creed community is vast and passionate, with many players offering their own recommendations on the best order to play the games.
- Newcomers: Start with Assassin’s Creed II or Origins, as they are considered the most accessible and well-rounded entries.
- Veterans: Revisit the series in chronological order or focus on the games you missed.
- Completionists: Play every game, DLC, and spin-off in release order to experience the full scope of the series.
8. Personal Preference: The Ultimate Decider
Ultimately, the best order to play Assassin’s Creed games is the one that suits your preferences. Whether you prioritize story, historical accuracy, or gameplay mechanics, the series offers something for everyone.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I skip Assassin’s Creed I and start with Assassin’s Creed II? A: Yes, many players start with Assassin’s Creed II, as it is more polished and accessible. However, playing the first game will give you a better understanding of the series’ lore.
Q: Is it necessary to play the spin-offs? A: While not essential, spin-offs like Assassin’s Creed Chronicles and Liberation add depth to the universe and are worth exploring if you’re a fan.
Q: How important is the modern-day storyline? A: The modern-day storyline is a key element of the series, connecting the historical narratives. If you’re invested in the overarching plot, don’t skip it.
Q: Which game has the best gameplay? A: Opinions vary, but Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla are often praised for their RPG elements and expansive worlds.
Q: Can I play the games out of order? A: Yes, each game is mostly self-contained, so you can play them out of order. However, playing in release or chronological order will provide a more cohesive experience.