Assassin's Creed: Chronological Gameplay Guide

Over the past 18 years, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has taken players on an epic journey across five continents, from the ancient landscapes of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London. Spanning 2,300 years of history, the franchise has delivered 13 mainline games, each delving into the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. As we eagerly await the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's dive into the comprehensive timeline of the Assassin's Creed saga. This chronology focuses solely on the mainline games, as the spinoffs, while entertaining, do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.

*For a deeper dive into the historical eras featured in the Assassin's Creed games, explore our detailed guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.*

Jump to:

• How to play in chronological order
• How to play in release order

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 the realm of video games, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting your journey in the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting with so many entries to choose from. If you're drawn to specific historical periods, selecting a game set in an era that fascinates you is a great approach. For fans of rich storytelling, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) stands out with its compelling narrative. If you prefer a more recent entry, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the ancient world of Greece.

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 Game In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed saga: by the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing the games in release order aligns with the progression of the modern-day narrative, which connects each game and evolves from stealth-action to expansive open-world RPGs. This approach is ideal for those seeking to follow the overarching story and witness the franchise's growth over time.

Alternatively, you can explore the games in chronological order based on their historical settings. While the historical narratives are less interconnected, they offer a fascinating journey through different eras. This method is perfect for history enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in specific time periods.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

To keep things fresh for newcomers, the summaries below include only 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 Greece

Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios

Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Odyssey transports players to the heart of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. As either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I, you'll navigate a world filled with historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, alongside mythical creatures such as the Sphinx and Medusa. This game marks a significant shift towards RPG elements, set before the establishment of the Assassin and Templar orders, yet it introduces a crucial Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas.

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

Following a year-long hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins, a soft reboot that introduced RPG mechanics to the series. Set during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. Layla Hassan's modern-day storyline intertwines with the past, enriching the narrative.

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage, released in 2023, offers a more focused experience, harking back to the series' roots with a stealth-driven narrative set in 9th-century Baghdad. You follow the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions, as he embarks on a journey to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature 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

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into the Viking Age, offering one of the largest game worlds in the series. As Eivor, you'll lead your clan from Norway to the fertile lands of England, engaging with historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great, and mythological entities like Odin and Fenrir. The game continues the saga of the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while concluding Layla Hassan's modern-day 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-Ahad

Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad, setting the stage for the series' enduring themes and mechanics. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair's mission to eliminate nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day journey, introducing key elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus.

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

Assassin's Creed II introduces the beloved Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose journey spans three games. Seeking vengeance for his family's murder, Ezio uncovers a conspiracy that leads him across Italy, interacting with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Desmond's modern-day narrative begins to unfold alongside Ezio's historical adventures.

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

Continuing Ezio's story, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood sees him rebuilding Rome's Assassins Guild while pursuing the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and his allies search for the same artifact, crucial to averting an apocalyptic prophecy.

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

In the final chapter of Ezio's trilogy, he travels to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. Revelations connects Ezio's story with Altair's past, revealing deeper insights into the Assassin's Creed narrative. Desmond, trapped in the Animus, navigates his own challenges in the present.

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan, introducing dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Their intertwined paths of vengeance unfold during the late Sengoku period. While lacking a dedicated modern-day protagonist, Shadows integrates with the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity and modern-day subplots.

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

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. As Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway, you'll encounter legendary figures like Blackbeard and Mary Read. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering the truth behind the Assassin-Templar conflict.

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"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac's transformation from Assassin to Templar. As he hunts for a Piece of Eden, you'll encounter Haytham Kenway, connecting the story to the broader Kenway family saga. The modern-day segments continue with another Abstergo employee known as "Numbskull."

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 "Connor" Kenway

Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III spans the American Revolution, with Connor Kenway seeking to protect his tribe and the Grand Temple from Templar control. Featuring historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, the game concludes Desmond's arc as he attempts to prevent a global catastrophe.

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, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian as he navigates the chaos to seek vengeance and uncover a Piece of Eden. While the modern-day storyline is minimal, it involves a player using Abstergo's Helix software, which serves as a tool for Templar propaganda.

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

Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduces the twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who fight to liberate London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, the game features historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day segments continue with the same Helix player from Unity, searching for another 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

The next chapter in the Assassin's Creed saga is Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to release on March 20. While details on future mainline games remain under wraps, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that remakes of older titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in the works at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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