Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From the Renaissance era in Italy to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world games have offered a unique blend of education and entertainment, setting them apart from other games in their genre that often focus on fantasy or modern settings.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent throughout its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Changes include revamped player progression systems and increasingly expansive worlds.

Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task. After much debate, we've compiled our top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here are our top 10 Assassin's Creed games.

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

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

Assassin's Creed: Revelations concluded the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore, offering a memorable and thrilling farewell. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game was filled with exciting adventures, from ziplining in Constantinople to interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci. Revelations served as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid farewell to the first era of Assassin's Creed.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

Assassin's Creed games are as much defined by their settings as their protagonists. Assassin's Creed Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London, amidst industrialization, stands out as one of the most memorable. Players can sneak through factories, race horse-drawn carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper, grounding the game in a setting that feels both fantastical and real.

The game's immersive atmosphere is enhanced by Austin Wintory's string-heavy score, unique for the series, with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. These details contribute to a cohesive world. Moreover, Syndicate offers a unique combat experience with the use of a cane, reminiscent of Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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

While Assassin's Creed Valhalla didn't revolutionize the series like Origins, it made significant changes. Combat became more impactful, traditional side quests were replaced by world events for more organic exploration, and the amount of loot was streamlined, making rewards feel more meaningful.

Eivor's story, whether played as male or female, is engaging and blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology seamlessly. Fans of Norse mythology will appreciate the sagas' prominent role in the main campaign and the expansive world of Thor and Odin in the game-length expansion, which echoes God of War.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

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

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continued Ezio Auditore da Firenze's story, solidifying him as a beloved protagonist. Set in an expanded Rome and its countryside, the game built on Assassin's Creed 2's new mechanics like swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. This chapter of Ezio's journey is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by updated combat that allowed players to embrace their inner aggressive assassin.

It was also the first Assassin's Creed game to introduce multiplayer, enabling players to assume the role of Templars and compete against friends. While it may not have pushed the series forward as much as its predecessor, Brotherhood remains cherished as one of the best.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Origins marked a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it from a stealth-focused action-adventure into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Yet, beyond its historical significance, Origins is a stellar Assassin's Creed game.

The compelling narrative of Bayek and Aya, driven by their quest for justice after their son's murder, and their eventual founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood, captivates players. The world of ancient Egypt is breathtaking to explore, and while subsequent games refined many of its mechanics, Origins' introduction of loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series for its fans.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

After the swashbuckling adventure of Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots. As the first Assassin's Creed game exclusive to next-gen consoles, Unity showcased stunning graphics and a near 1:1 recreation of Paris, still impressive today.

Despite a troubled launch marred by bugs and an overwhelming map, Unity has since become a fan favorite thanks to numerous patches. Its enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, enabling excellent hit-and-run tactics. The main assassination missions are standout moments, offering varied infiltration methods. Plus, the detailed recreation of Notre Dame alone makes Unity worth experiencing.

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 during the Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows met the high expectations set by fans. The game refocuses on stealth and assassination, with a more restrained open world and RPG elements for a balanced experience.

Shadows introduces two playable protagonists: Naoe, skilled in stealth, and Yasuke, a formidable fighter embodying the samurai spirit. Playing as both characters offers a rich experience, with Naoe's grappling hook and climbing abilities allowing exploration of the series' most stunning landscapes, which dynamically change with the seasons.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds on Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting them against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's expansive world is filled with stunning vistas, both on land and at sea, where naval warfare makes a triumphant return.

The revamped notoriety system adds tension with cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system allows players to participate in large-scale battles. The narrative, which can take over 60 hours to complete, is engaging and supported by charismatic protagonists, whether male or female. Even after the main story, the world remains a joy to explore.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

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

Assassin's Creed 2 not only proved the series' potential but also set the standard for sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions with greater flexibility, improved combat, and the ability to swim. New features like catacomb missions tested parkour skills, while the upgradeable villa encouraged collecting items. Innovative weapons and gear from Leonardo da Vinci kept gameplay fresh.

Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an iconic protagonist. The story seamlessly connected historical and modern-day narratives, culminating in an unforgettable finale where Ezio confronts the Pope and an otherworldly deity communicates with Desmond in the present.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Developer: 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 from assassins to pirates, introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate first and assassin second. The Caribbean setting offered a sandbox playground filled with islands, treasure, and activities, enhanced by an engaging upgrade system.

Naval combat, expanded from Assassin's Creed 3, became the highlight of Black Flag. Players could engage in thrilling ship battles, seamlessly transitioning between land and sea. Whether hunting merchant ships or battling fearsome pirates, the freedom to choose tactics—from circling and bombarding to ramming and boarding—made every encounter exhilarating. Black Flag not only stands as one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also one of the finest pirate games ever made.

### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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These are our top Assassin's Creed games. Do you agree with our rankings? Is there another game you think should have made the list? Share your favorite Assassin's Creed in the comments below.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

Curious about what's next for Assassin's Creed? Keep an eye out for Assassin's Creed Shadows, which just released and lets you navigate Feudal Japan as both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices but has no confirmed release date yet. And for those craving more, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, set to introduce new concepts to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the 2007 debut to upcoming titles across consoles, PC, mobile, and VR, here's the entire Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All

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