The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

The Assassin's Creed series has been taking us on historical adventures around the globe since its inception in 2007. From the Renaissance era in Italy to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga has captivated players with its rich tapestry of settings and narratives. Each installment offers a blend of action, stealth, and a semi-educational dive into history, setting the franchise apart in a genre often dominated by fantasy realms or contemporary settings.

Despite maintaining its core gameplay mechanics throughout its 14 mainline entries, Assassin's Creed has evolved significantly. Over the years, it has introduced new elements to player progression and expanded its worlds, ensuring that each game feels fresh and engaging.

Choosing the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After much debate and careful consideration, we've curated a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our ranking:

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

11 ImagesPlaying the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.

10. Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review

Assassin's Creed: Revelations concludes the tales of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore, offering a thrilling farewell despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode. From ziplining through Constantinople to engaging with Leonardo Da Vinci, the game is brimming with captivating adventures. It serves as both a culmination of the early Assassin's Creed era and a prelude to future developments.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review

Assassin's Creed games are renowned for their immersive settings, and Syndicate's Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution stands out as particularly memorable. Players can explore factories, race through streets in horse-drawn carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper. The game's unique soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory, adds a distinctive flavor, with separate themes for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. This attention to detail helps create a cohesive world, and the effective combat system, featuring a cane as a weapon, is a highlight.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

While not as revolutionary as Origins, Assassin's Creed Valhalla made significant changes, including more impactful combat and a shift from traditional side quests to world events. This approach makes exploration more natural and rewarding. Although Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, the narrative intertwines historical fantasy with Norse mythology, culminating in an expansive expansion set in the world of Thor and Odin.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review

Continuing the saga of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Brotherhood cements him as a beloved character. Set in an expanded version of Rome, the game enhances the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, including swimming, property management, and firearms. With updated combat and the introduction of multiplayer, Brotherhood remains a cherished entry in the series.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review

Origins transformed the series from a stealth-action game into an expansive open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice and eventually found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The shift to loot-based progression and an action-RPG combat style revitalized the franchise.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review

Unity marked a return to the series' roots after the pirate-themed Black Flag. Launched on next-gen consoles, it showcased impressive graphics and detailed recreations of Paris. Despite a rocky start with bugs and glitches, Unity has since been refined and is now appreciated for its fluid parkour and high-quality assassination missions. The detailed rendering of Notre Dame alone makes it a must-play.

4. 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 refocuses on stealth and assassination. With two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers diverse gameplay experiences, from stealthy infiltrations to samurai combat. The dynamic seasonal changes in the world add to the immersive experience.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Odyssey builds upon Origins' RPG elements, setting the action in the vast and beautiful Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. With a compelling narrative, expansive world, and thrilling naval combat, Odyssey offers a rich experience that keeps players engaged for hours.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with perfecting the series' formula. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat and mobility, and the engaging character of Ezio Auditore da Firenze. The game's setting in the Italian Renaissance and its connection to the present-day narrative made it a standout entry.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review

Black Flag shifted the focus to piracy, introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate turned assassin. The Caribbean setting serves as a vibrant playground for exploration and adventure, with naval combat becoming a highlight of the game. Its seamless transitions between land and sea and engaging pirate-themed gameplay make it a standout in the series.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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And there you have it! These are our top Assassin's Creed games. Do you agree with the rankings? Which game do you think should have made the list? Share your favorite Assassin's Creed in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

For those eager to see what's next, several exciting Assassin's Creed titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to explore the paths of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here's a comprehensive list of the entire Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which ones you've played. See AllAssassin's CreedUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft BucharestAssassin's Creed IIUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite GamesAssassin's Creed II [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoftAssassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft