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

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey across five continents. From Ancient Greece to Victorian London, the series spans an impressive 2,300 years of history through 13 mainline games. The epic tale of the Assassin-Templar conflict continues to evolve, and with the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we present this comprehensive chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as spinoffs do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.

For more detailed insights into the historical eras featured in Assassin's Creed games, explore our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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• How to play in chronological order
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Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

The Assassin's Creed franchise boasts 14 mainline games and 17 additional spinoffs. Beyond video games, the universe expands into a board game and an anticipated TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting, but it's best to dive into the era that piques your interest the most. If you're drawn to exceptional storytelling, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is a stellar choice. For those interested in recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers exhilarating pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you 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

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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 their modern-day storylines or by their historical settings. The modern-day narrative threads through each game, evolving with each release. If you wish to follow the overarching story and witness the franchise's transformation from stealth-action to open-world RPGs, playing in release order is recommended.

Alternatively, playing in chronological order by historical setting provides a fascinating journey through time, though the historical narratives are less interconnected. This approach is more suited for those intrigued by the historical context than as a comprehensive playing guide.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

With newcomers in mind, the following plot summaries contain mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points, historical settings, 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 the RPG elements introduced in Origins, transitioning the series into an open-world RPG. As Cassandra or Alexios, grandchildren of Sparta's King Leonidas I, you navigate the Peloponnesian War, encountering historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, as well as mythological creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. The game occurs before the establishment of the Assassin and Templar orders but features the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.

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, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot and introducing RPG mechanics to the series. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game also touches on Roman history under Julius Caesar. The story begins with a tale of vengeance as Bayek and Aya's quest for justice leads them to uncover the proto-Templar organization, the Order of the Ancients, and ultimately form the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. Layla Hassan's modern-day narrative continues through 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 offers a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure, paying homage to the series' origins. The story follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, as he journeys from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut under the guidance of his mentor Roshan. Unlike other entries, Mirage lacks a prominent modern-day storyline. For more insights, read our full review of Assassin's Creed Mirage.

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 largest game in the series. With an average main story completion time of 60 hours, it integrates historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings such as Fenrir and Odin. The narrative focuses on the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients, alongside Eivor's clan's journey from Norway to England. The modern-day story concludes Layla Hassan's 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 and sets the stage for the franchise's narrative and gameplay foundations. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair hunts nine Templars while the modern-day story introduces Desmond Miles and the ongoing Assassin-Templar conflict. Key concepts like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus are established here.

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 Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose saga spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's Revelations. Ezio's journey starts with vengeance for his family's murder, leading him to uncover a broader conspiracy and interact with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. In the present day, Desmond joins 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 rebuilding Rome's Assassins Guild and seeking the Apple of Eden. In the present day, Desmond and his allies pursue the same artifact to avert an impending 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, Revelations, brings Ezio to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game reveals Ezio's pivotal role in the broader narrative, while in the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room and regain 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

The latest addition to the series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, takes players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, the game explores themes of vengeance and cultural clash. Unlike Mirage, it introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity with modern-day subplots and a rewards system.

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 introduces naval gameplay and stars Edward Kenway, a pirate entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. Set two centuries after Ezio's saga, it features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé. The modern-day narrative follows an Abstergo employee exploring Connor Kenway's life for a film project.

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 IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, as he hunts a Piece of Eden. The modern-day story follows another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the 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

Assassin's Creed III introduces Connor Kenway, set during the American Revolution. Connor's quest to protect his tribe and a First Civilization's Grand Temple unfolds alongside encounters with historical figures like George Washington. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's story as he and the Assassins attempt to prevent an apocalyptic event.

Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki

13. Assassins Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian's journey of vengeance and his involvement in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story, presented through cutscenes, involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's gaming software.

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 features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, fighting Templar control in Victorian London. Historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin appear, while the modern-day narrative follows the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in locating a Piece of Eden.

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 set to launch on March 20. While details on future mainline games remain scarce, Ubisoft is developing remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles. 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.

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