Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide - News

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated players for 18 years, transporting them across five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history through its 13 mainline games. From Ancient Greece to Victorian London, the series has consistently explored the epic conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we present a detailed chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline games to guide you through the central narrative of this storied franchise.

For more detailed insights into the historical eras covered in the Assassin's Creed series, explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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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 series boasts 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise extends to a board game and an upcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to begin in the Assassin's Creed timeline depends on your interests. For those drawn to historical settings, consider starting with the era that intrigues you most. If you're looking for a narrative-rich experience, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling storytelling. For a more recent entry with unique gameplay, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the world of ancient 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 Games in Order

There are two primary approaches to experiencing the Assassin's Creed series: by the modern-day storyline's progression or by the historical settings of the games. Playing in release order follows the modern-day narrative's timeline, which is ideal for understanding the overarching story and witnessing the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

Conversely, playing in chronological order based on the historical settings allows you to explore the historical narratives independently, which can be more appealing for those interested in specific time periods.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

The following summaries include mild spoilers such as broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions, tailored for newcomers to the series.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraced RPG elements, transforming the series into an open-world RPG. You play as either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical accuracy with Greek mythology, introducing figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and mythical beings like the Sphinx and Medusa. Though it precedes the formation of the Assassins and Templars, it features a significant 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 brief hiatus, Assassin's Creed Origins marked a soft reboot, introducing RPG mechanics to the series. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya's journey of vengeance that evolves into a broader conflict against the Order of the Ancients, leading to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassins. The modern-day storyline introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her role through subsequent games.

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

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and a narrative-driven experience. It follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with mysterious visions, as he navigates his path to becoming a key figure in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a 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 Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. It follows Eivor and their clan's migration from Norway to England, intertwining their personal journey with the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game concludes 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 inaugural Assassin's Creed game sets the stage for the franchise, introducing Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and foundational gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations. It also introduces the Animus and the Pieces of Eden, pivotal to the series' narrative. The game follows Altair's mission to eliminate nine Templars during the Third Crusade, while the modern-day story introduces Desmond Miles and the contemporary Assassin-Templar conflict.

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 protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans from AC II to Revelations. Ezio's journey begins with vengeance for his family's murder, leading him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict across Italy. The game features historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and introduces Desmond to the modern-day 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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Brotherhood continues Ezio's saga, focusing on his efforts to rebuild the Assassins Guild in Rome and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the modern-day narrative, Desmond and his allies search for the same artifact to avert 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

Revelations concludes Ezio's story as he seeks Altair’s hidden library in Constantinople. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, revealing their roles in the broader narrative. In the modern-day, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape a comatose state.

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 Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Set during Japan's late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Their paths converge in a quest for vengeance. Unlike other recent entries, Shadows does not feature a dedicated modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the overall Assassin's Creed experience.

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

Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather of Connor Kenway from AC III. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and explores Edward's unwitting involvement in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee exploring Connor's memories 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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Rogue bridges AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin who becomes a Templar. The game follows his hunt for a Piece of Eden, with appearances by Haytham Kenway. In the present, you play as another Abstergo employee aiding 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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Set during the American Revolution, AC III follows Connor Kenway's efforts to protect his tribe and a First Civilization site from Templar control. The game features historical figures like George Washington. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins work to prevent the world's end.

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, Unity follows Arno Dorian's journey of vengeance amidst the Assassin-Templar conflict. Historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte are featured. The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, involves a player using Abstergo's Helix software.

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

Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. The game includes historical figures like Charles Darwin and extends into a future sequence during WWI. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now assisting the Assassins.

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 installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20. While details on future mainline games are scarce, Ubisoft is reportedly working on remakes of older titles. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in development at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive Assassin's Creed Jade has been delayed to 2025.

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