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Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey across five continents and through 2,300 years of history. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling alleys of Victorian London, the series has explored diverse eras and settings through its 13 mainline games. As we eagerly await the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's delve into the comprehensive timeline of the Assassin's Creed saga, focusing solely on the mainline entries that drive the central narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical contexts of these games, be sure to check out our full 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 17 spinoffs, not to mention an Assassin's Creed board game and an upcoming TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but it's best to begin with an era that piques your interest. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. For those interested in more recent titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players 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 ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing in release order follows the modern-day narrative, which is crucial for understanding the overarching story and the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. For those interested in the historical aspect, playing in chronological order by setting provides a fascinating journey through time.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot summaries with mild spoilers to help newcomers navigate 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 embraces RPG elements, transforming the series into an open-world adventure. Players take on the role of Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I of Sparta, during the Peloponnesian War. The game intertwines historical events with Greek mythology, featuring encounters with figures like Hippocrates and mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.

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

After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot. Set during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day story 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/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure that pays homage to the series' roots. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, as he navigates Baghdad and eventually joins the Hidden Ones. 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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla explores Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. Players follow Eivor and their clan as they migrate from Norway to England, engaging in the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game blends historical figures like King Harald Fairhair with mythological elements like Odin. The modern-day story concludes 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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade, laying the foundation for the series' core gameplay and narrative elements. It introduces the Pieces of Eden and the Animus, setting the stage for the time-hopping Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story introduces Desmond Miles, whose journey continues through AC III.

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 Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Ezio's quest for vengeance against those who killed his family leads him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict, taking players through iconic Italian locales and introducing historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci. In the present, Desmond begins his work with 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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he rebuilds the Assassins Guild in Rome and seeks the Apple of Eden. The modern-day narrative follows Desmond and the Assassins as they search for the same artifact to prevent 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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees an older Ezio searching for 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 present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room.

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. The game follows their intertwined paths of vengeance, set against the backdrop of civil wars. Shadows does not feature a modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity.

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

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set two centuries after Ezio's trilogy. Players follow Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway, as he becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Edward's memories.

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"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game features Haytham Kenway and focuses on Shay's hunt for a Piece of Eden. The modern-day story involves another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull."

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

Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway during the American Revolution, as he seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day 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, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict and seeks vengeance. 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

Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye as they work to liberate London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, the game includes historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, searching for 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 release on March 20. While no details on future 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 Assassin's Creed Jade has been delayed to 2025.

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