Assassin's Creed is a beloved gaming franchise renowned for its engaging storytelling, intricate historical settings, and thrilling stealth-based gameplay. With numerous installments released over the years, newcomers and veterans alike often find themselves wondering the best way to experience the series. Playing the games in chronological order offers an immersive journey through the ages, allowing players to witness the evolution of the Assassin-Templar conflict across centuries.
Determining the ideal order to play Assassin's Creed games can be daunting due to the franchise's expansive timeline and interconnected narratives. Each game transports players to different historical periods, from ancient Egypt to revolutionary America, making it essential to follow a sequence that enhances the overarching story. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering a clear path for those eager to delve into the rich lore of Assassin's Creed.
Whether you're a seasoned Assassin or a potential recruit, understanding the chronological sequence of the series can significantly enrich your gaming experience. This guide will provide insights into each game's setting, protagonist, and contribution to the overall narrative. By exploring Assassin's Creed in order, you will appreciate the franchise's depth and complexity, unraveling the mysteries of the past while honing your skills as a master Assassin.
Table of Contents
- What is Assassin's Creed About?
- Why Play Assassin's Creed in Chronological Order?
- How Does the Story Unfold in Assassin's Creed?
- Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order
- What Are the Key Themes in Assassin's Creed?
- Assassin's Creed Origins
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Assassin's Creed
- Assassin's Creed II
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
- Assassin's Creed Revelations
- Assassin's Creed III
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- Assassin's Creed Rogue
- Assassin's Creed Unity
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate
- Assassin's Creed Modern-Day Storyline
- Conclusion
What is Assassin's Creed About?
Assassin's Creed is a series of action-adventure games developed by Ubisoft, centered around the millennia-old conflict between two secret societies: the Assassins and the Templars. The Assassins strive to promote peace and liberty, while the Templars seek order and control through any means necessary. The games explore various historical periods, blending real-world events with fictional narratives that delve into themes of free will, power, and morality.
Why Play Assassin's Creed in Chronological Order?
Playing the Assassin's Creed games in chronological order allows players to experience the series' timeline as it unfolds, offering a coherent grasp of the historical events and character developments. As the story spans centuries and continents, following the chronological order provides context for the progression of the Assassin-Templar conflict and the evolution of the Assassin Brotherhood. It also enhances the player's understanding of the interconnected narratives across different eras.
How Does the Story Unfold in Assassin's Creed?
The Assassin's Creed series is known for its intricate storytelling, weaving historical events with personal tales of intrigue and betrayal. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of the Animus, a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors. This dual-layered storytelling approach combines past and present narratives, as modern-day descendants of Assassins and Templars search for powerful artifacts known as Pieces of Eden. Each game introduces new settings, characters, and mysteries, contributing to the overarching saga.
Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order
The following list presents the Assassin's Creed games in the order that their historical narratives occur. This sequence provides players with a seamless journey through the ages, enhancing the understanding of the Assassin's Creed lore:
- Assassin's Creed Origins - Set in ancient Egypt, exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood.
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey - Takes place during the Peloponnesian War, focusing on the conflict between Athens and Sparta.
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Follows the Viking invasion of England, introducing the Norse perspective.
- Assassin's Creed - The original game set during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land.
- Assassin's Creed II - Chronicles the life of Ezio Auditore in Renaissance Italy.
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - Continues Ezio's story as he battles the Borgia family in Rome.
- Assassin's Creed Revelations - Concludes Ezio's journey while revealing the fate of Altair.
- Assassin's Creed III - Set during the American Revolution, featuring the story of Connor Kenway.
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - Explores the Golden Age of Piracy through Edward Kenway.
- Assassin's Creed Rogue - Follows Shay Cormac during the Seven Years' War, offering a Templar perspective.
- Assassin's Creed Unity - Set during the French Revolution, introducing Arno Dorian.
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate - Set in Victorian London, featuring the Frye twins.
What Are the Key Themes in Assassin's Creed?
The Assassin's Creed series explores several recurring themes that resonate throughout its various installments:
- Freedom vs. Control - The core conflict between the Assassins and Templars revolves around the balance between liberty and order.
- Historical Accuracy - Each game meticulously recreates historical settings, blending real events with fictional narratives.
- Moral Ambiguity - The series challenges players to question the ethics and motivations of both Assassins and Templars.
- Legacy and Ancestry - Through the Animus, players explore the memories of their ancestors, connecting past and present.
- Power and Corruption - The pursuit of Pieces of Eden highlights the corrupting influence of power.
Assassin's Creed Origins
Assassin's Creed Origins transports players to ancient Egypt, immersing them in a world of pharaohs, pyramids, and political intrigue. Set during the Ptolemaic period, the game follows Bayek of Siwa, a Medjay warrior, as he seeks vengeance for the death of his son. In the process, Bayek becomes a key figure in the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood.
What Makes Assassin's Creed Origins Unique?
Assassin's Creed Origins stands out for its expansive open world, allowing players to explore iconic locations such as Alexandria, Memphis, and the Great Pyramids. The game introduces an overhauled combat system, incorporating RPG elements like skill trees and gear upgrades. Its detailed recreation of ancient Egypt offers a breathtaking backdrop for the series' origins.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey transports players to ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, a pivotal conflict between Athens and Sparta. Players assume the role of a mercenary, either Alexios or Kassandra, as they embark on a quest to reunite their family and uncover a hidden conspiracy. The game's open-world design encourages exploration of Greece's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene islands.
What Sets Assassin's Creed Odyssey Apart?
Assassin's Creed Odyssey introduces a branching narrative with multiple endings, influenced by player choices. The game emphasizes character development and dialogue options, allowing players to shape their journey. The inclusion of naval combat and mythological elements adds depth to the experience, making Odyssey a standout installment in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla immerses players in the Viking Age, following Eivor, a Norse warrior, as they lead their clan in the conquest of England. The game explores themes of identity, loyalty, and destiny, as players navigate the political landscape of the British Isles. Valhalla's open world features a dynamic environment, with activities like raids, settlements, and alliances enhancing the gameplay.
Why is Assassin's Creed Valhalla Significant?
Assassin's Creed Valhalla expands on the franchise's RPG mechanics, offering extensive customization options for Eivor's skills, gear, and appearance. The game emphasizes the importance of player choices, shaping the narrative and relationships with other characters. Valhalla's rich depiction of Norse mythology and history provides a unique perspective on the Viking era, making it a significant addition to the series.
Assassin's Creed
The original Assassin's Creed introduced players to the series' core gameplay mechanics and narrative structure. Set during the Third Crusade, the game follows Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin tasked with eliminating nine Templar targets to restore the Brotherhood's honor. The game's innovative parkour system and emphasis on stealth gameplay laid the foundation for the franchise's success.
What Made the Original Assassin's Creed Groundbreaking?
Assassin's Creed revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its seamless integration of parkour, stealth, and combat mechanics. The game's historical setting and attention to detail provided a unique gaming experience, immersing players in the medieval world. Its success paved the way for future installments, establishing Assassin's Creed as a staple in the gaming industry.
Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II follows the journey of Ezio Auditore, a Florentine nobleman turned Assassin, during the Italian Renaissance. The game expands on the original's mechanics, introducing new gameplay features such as dual hidden blades, economic systems, and a dynamic world. Ezio's story of revenge, discovery, and growth is a central pillar of the series.
How Did Assassin's Creed II Improve the Series?
Assassin's Creed II enhanced the franchise with its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and refined gameplay mechanics. The game's open-world design allowed players to explore iconic Renaissance cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. Its rich storytelling and character development made it a fan favorite, solidifying Ezio as one of the most beloved protagonists in gaming history.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he battles the Borgia family in Renaissance Rome. The game introduces the Brotherhood system, allowing players to recruit and train fellow Assassins to aid in missions. Brotherhood's multiplayer mode marked a new milestone for the series, offering players competitive and cooperative gameplay options.
What is Unique About Assassin's Creed Brotherhood?
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood expands the series' mechanics by integrating the Brotherhood system, which adds strategic depth to gameplay. The game's detailed recreation of Rome and its historical landmarks provides an immersive experience. Brotherhood's multiplayer mode was a significant addition, offering diverse modes and character customization options, enhancing the series' appeal.
Assassin's Creed Revelations
Assassin's Creed Revelations concludes Ezio's journey as he travels to Constantinople to uncover the secrets of Altair. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the hook blade and bomb crafting, enhancing the player's arsenal. Revelations explores themes of legacy and closure, providing a satisfying conclusion to Ezio's story.
Why is Assassin's Creed Revelations Important?
Assassin's Creed Revelations ties together the narratives of Altair and Ezio, offering players a deeper understanding of the series' lore. The game's setting in Constantinople provides a fresh backdrop for the series, while new gameplay mechanics add variety to the experience. Revelations' emphasis on closure and continuity makes it a crucial installment in the Assassin's Creed saga.
Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed III takes players to the American Revolution, following the story of Connor Kenway, a half-Mohawk, half-English Assassin. The game introduces naval combat, a dynamic weather system, and an expansive open world. Connor's journey explores themes of identity, freedom, and justice against the backdrop of a fledgling nation.
How Did Assassin's Creed III Innovate the Series?
Assassin's Creed III introduced groundbreaking features such as naval combat, which became a staple of the series. The game's open-world design allowed players to explore diverse environments, from bustling cities to untamed wilderness. Its exploration of American history and the Revolution's complexities added depth to the narrative, making it a landmark entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag transports players to the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. The game follows Edward Kenway, a charismatic pirate captain turned Assassin, as he navigates the treacherous waters of the New World. Black Flag is renowned for its immersive naval combat, extensive open world, and vibrant depiction of pirate life.
What Makes Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Stand Out?
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag stands out for its expansive and detailed open world, offering players the freedom to explore the Caribbean's islands, seas, and settlements. The game's naval combat mechanics are a highlight, providing thrilling ship battles and exploration. Black Flag's rich portrayal of pirate culture and history makes it a unique and beloved installment in the series.
Assassin's Creed Rogue
Assassin's Creed Rogue offers a fresh perspective on the series by placing players in the role of a Templar. Set during the Seven Years' War, the game follows Shay Cormac, a former Assassin who joins the Templars after a crisis of faith. Rogue explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, offering a unique narrative twist.
Why is Assassin's Creed Rogue a Unique Experience?
Assassin's Creed Rogue provides a different viewpoint by allowing players to experience the Templar side of the conflict. The game's setting in the North Atlantic and River Valley offers diverse environments and naval gameplay. Rogue's narrative challenges players to reconsider their perceptions of the Assassins and Templars, adding depth to the series' lore.
Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity takes place during the French Revolution, introducing players to Arno Dorian, a young Assassin seeking justice and redemption. The game features a meticulously recreated Paris, complete with iconic landmarks and a dynamic crowd system. Unity emphasizes cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up for various missions.
What Sets Assassin's Creed Unity Apart?
Assassin's Creed Unity's recreation of Paris during the French Revolution is a standout feature, offering a vibrant and immersive setting. The game's enhanced parkour system and cooperative multiplayer mode provide new gameplay experiences. Unity's focus on character development and historical accuracy makes it a notable entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Syndicate is set in Victorian London, following the story of the Frye twins, Jacob and Evie, as they work to liberate the city from Templar control. The game introduces new mechanics such as the rope launcher and twin-character gameplay, offering diverse playstyles. Syndicate's depiction of industrial-era London provides a unique backdrop for the series.
Why is Assassin's Creed Syndicate Significant?
Assassin's Creed Syndicate's setting in Victorian London offers a fresh perspective on the series, with its industrial landscapes and historical figures. The game's twin-character system allows players to switch between Jacob and Evie, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. Syndicate's emphasis on innovation and exploration makes it a significant addition to the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Assassin's Creed Modern-Day Storyline
The modern-day storyline in Assassin's Creed serves as a connecting thread across the series, exploring the ongoing battle between Assassins and Abstergo Industries, a Templar front. Players step into the shoes of Desmond Miles, Layla Hassan, and other characters, uncovering secrets of the past and the present. This narrative layer adds depth to the series, linking historical events to contemporary mysteries.
How Does the Modern-Day Storyline Enhance Assassin's Creed?
The modern-day storyline in Assassin's Creed provides a unique narrative framework, allowing players to explore the implications of history on the present. It offers continuity across different games, revealing the motivations and strategies of both Assassins and Templars. This storyline adds intrigue and complexity to the series, enriching the player's experience.
Conclusion
The Assassin's Creed series offers a rich tapestry of history, storytelling, and gameplay, making it a beloved franchise among gamers. Playing the games in chronological order allows players to experience the evolution of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order across the ages. By exploring the series' diverse settings and narratives, players gain a deeper understanding of the complex themes and characters that define Assassin's Creed.
Whether you're a newcomer or a long-time fan, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for experiencing Assassin's Creed in order. From ancient Egypt to revolutionary America, each installment offers a unique window into the past, inviting players to become part of an epic saga that spans centuries. Embark on this journey and uncover the secrets of the Assassin's Creed universe.
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