Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated players for nearly two decades, journeying through five continents and covering 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling Victorian London, the series has explored diverse historical settings while weaving the ongoing saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict.
With the much-anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows on the horizon, we've crafted this comprehensive timeline to help you navigate the vast world of Assassin's Creed. This chronology focuses exclusively on the mainline games, as the spinoffs, while enjoyable, do not directly impact the core narrative.
For a deeper dive into the historical eras covered in the Assassin's Creed series, check out our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
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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 spinoff titles. Beyond the video games, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game and look forward to a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.
Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?
Choosing where to begin in the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting, but it's best to start with an era that piques your interest. If you're seeking a narrative-rich experience, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended for its compelling storytelling. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a thrilling pirate adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the vibrant 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 Game In Order
There are two approaches to experiencing the Assassin's Creed series: by the modern-day storyline's progression or by the historical settings of each game.
Modern-Day Storyline Order:
This approach follows the overarching narrative that unfolds in the present day, connecting each game's story. It's ideal for those looking to trace the evolution of the series from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. To follow this path, check out the section on how to play the games by release date.
Historical Settings Order:
This method arranges the games based on their historical periods, which is less about narrative continuity and more about exploring different eras. It's perfect for history enthusiasts wanting to jump directly into the historical action.
The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order
The following summaries contain mild spoilers to give newcomers a taste of the settings, key characters, and overarching themes.
1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C. – 422 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set centuries before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey embraces full RPG mechanics, allowing you to play as either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Spartan King Leonidas I. The game is set during the Peloponnesian War and intertwines historical figures like Hippocrates and Socrates with mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. Though predating the Assassin and Templar orders, it features the powerful 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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins, a soft reboot that introduced RPG elements to the series. Set in the tumultuous period of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra's reign, Origins follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance and ultimately form the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her journey through Odyssey and Valhalla.
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/AReleased in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure that harks back to the series' roots. It follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with mysterious visions, on his journey to becoming an Assassin. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a prominent 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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. You play as Eivor, navigating the Hidden Ones' struggle against the Order of the Ancients while leading their clan from Norway to England. The modern-day story wraps up 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 original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and sets the stage for the franchise. It establishes core gameplay mechanics and introduces pivotal concepts like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's quest to eliminate nine Templars during the Third Crusade intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day journey.
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 story spans from AC II to Revelations. Ezio's quest for vengeance against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy intertwines with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI. The modern-day narrative sees Desmond joining 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
Brotherhood continues Ezio's journey, focusing on rebuilding the Assassins Guild in Rome and retrieving the Apple of Eden. In the modern day, Desmond and the Assassins seek the same artifact to avert the end of the world.
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
Revelations concludes Ezio's trilogy, intertwining his story with Altair's as Ezio seeks the keys to Altair's hidden library. The modern-day narrative follows Desmond's struggle to escape the Animus.
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 Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A
Set during the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, each with unique gameplay. Their paths converge in a tale of vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows integrates with the Animus Hub, offering additional 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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and introduces Edward Kenway, a pirate caught in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering the truth behind their mission.
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"
Rogue serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The modern-day narrative features another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," furthering Templar goals.
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
Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway in his quest to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The modern-day story concludes Desmond's arc.
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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Unity focuses on Arno Dorian during the French Revolution, intertwining with historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte. The modern-day narrative involves a Helix player and is less impactful on the overall story.
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 PlayerSyndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, fighting to liberate London from Templar control. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, seeking 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
Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20. While no new mainline games have been announced, Ubisoft is working on remakes of older titles. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in development at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.Related Content:
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