Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated gamers for over 18 years, taking them on an epic journey through history and across five continents. From the ancient landscapes of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London, the series spans an impressive 2,300 years through 13 mainline games, weaving the timeless conflict between the Assassins and Templars into real historical events.
As we eagerly await the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a detailed chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline to date. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, excluding spinoffs which, while entertaining, are less integral to the overarching narrative.
For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed, explore our comprehensive 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, alongside 17 spinoffs. Beyond video games, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series being developed by Netflix.
Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?
Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting. For those new to the series, consider beginning with a game set in an era that piques your interest. The Ezio trilogy—comprising Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations—stands out with its compelling narrative and character development. If you're drawn to more recent titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players 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 Games In Order
There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin’s Creed timeline: by the order of the games' modern-day storylines or by their historical settings.
Option 1: Modern-Day Storyline Order
This approach follows the progression of the present-day narrative, which evolves with each game release. If you wish to explore the series in this manner, refer to the section on playing the games by release date. This method is ideal for those looking to follow the overarching story from start to finish, witnessing the franchise's transition from stealth-action to expansive open-world RPGs.
Option 2: Historical Setting Order
Below, we present the games according to their historical settings. While these stories are less interconnected than the modern-day narrative, they form the bulk of your gameplay experience. This order is particularly useful for those interested in exploring the historical contexts of each game.
The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order
We've crafted brief plot synopses with mild spoilers for series newcomers, focusing on broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.
1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)
Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, evolving the series from stealth-based action to a robust open-world experience. As Cassandra or Alexios, grandchildren of Sparta's King Leonidas I, you navigate the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens, encountering historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato. The game blends historical events with mythology, featuring creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Though set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it introduces a key 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 in 2017, marking a soft reboot with the introduction of RPG mechanics. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game spans Ancient Egypt and Rome, culminating in the rule of Julius Caesar. The story begins with personal vengeance but expands into a broader political conspiracy. Bayek and Aya uncover the proto-Templar organization, the Order of the Ancients, and ultimately form the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day story introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her arc 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 marks a return to the series' roots with a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure. It stars a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions, who later becomes a pivotal character in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Mirage focuses on Basim's journey under the mentorship of Roshan, as he escapes Baghdad to reach the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage largely omits the present-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. The main story spans 60 hours and integrates historical events with Norse mythology, featuring real-life figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings such as Fenrir and Odin. The game continues the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients, while also telling the personal story of Eivor and their clan's migration from Norway to England. The modern-day narrative 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 game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It establishes key gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations, as well as the series' core narrative elements, including the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's mission to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day conflict between Assassins and Templars.
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 the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Ezio's quest for vengeance against those who killed his father and brother leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy and engage in the Assassin-Templar conflict across Italy. The game features historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI, while Desmond begins his journey with 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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he seeks to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern-day Assassins search for the same artifact to avert a prophesized catastrophe.
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
The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy brings his story full circle, intertwining it with Altair's. An aging Ezio seeks Altair's hidden library in Constantinople, uncovering crucial memories and his role in the broader narrative. In the present, 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 JapanHistoric Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A
Set during the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Yasuke, an African samurai serving Oda Nobunaga, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, are united by tragedy in their quest for vengeance. The game features unique gameplay for each protagonist and coincides with the release of the Animus Hub, enhancing the modern-day experience without a dedicated protagonist.
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
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set two centuries after Ezio's trilogy. Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway, navigates the Caribbean, encountering real-life pirates like Blackbeard and uncovering the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee reliving Connor's life for a film project, masking more sinister intentions.
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"
Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narrative between AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, as he hunts a Piece of Eden. The modern-day story involves another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," serving the Templars' agenda.
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
Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway during the American Revolution, as he seeks to protect his tribe and a First Civilization Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc, culminating in a race to avert an apocalyptic event.
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
Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict and seeks vengeance. The modern-day story, while less impactful, involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's Animus-powered gaming 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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who aim to liberate London from Templar control while seeking a Piece of Eden. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in their quest.
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 release on March 20, 2024. While details on future mainline games remain scarce, Ubisoft is actively working on remakes of several older titles. Meanwhile, 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.Related Content:
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- Shop the coolest Assassin's Creed merch at the IGN Store
