Assassin's Creed Games Ranked: A Tier List

The latest addition to Ubisoft’s stealth-action open-world saga, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. As fans eagerly dive into this new chapter, the question arises: where does it stand among the rest of the series? While the franchise boasts over 30 titles under its belt, we’re focusing solely on the mainline games here, leaving behind mobile, side-scrolling, VR experiences, and spin-offs like Bloodlines and Liberation.

It all began in 2007 when players first took on the role of Desmond Miles, stepping into the shoes of his ancestor Altaïr. Fast forward 18 years, and the series now transports us to 16th-century Japan, where players assume control of Naoe and Yasuke. This marks the 14th installment in the core series, and I’ve taken a stab at ranking them in an IGN Tier List based purely on my personal enjoyment of each title. Check out my rankings below:

For me, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remains the standout entry, blending island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast into an unforgettable experience. It’s joined by Assassin’s Creed II in the S-tier, widely credited with elevating the series to new heights. Valhalla sits comfortably in the A-tier for me, thanks to its captivating Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Interestingly, Unity also lands in the A-tier, largely due to its breathtaking recreation of Revolutionary Paris, which still dazzles a decade later.

But what do you think? Do you agree with my rankings, or do you believe Valhalla suffers from bloat, or perhaps that Assassin’s Creed II isn’t as stellar as others claim? Why not create your own tier list and compare it with the IGN community?

Rank the mainline Assassin’s Creed games yourself:
[Insert Tier List Tool]

Enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Where do you think the series should head next, and why? Let’s hear your ideas!