Embarking on the journey through the Assassin's Creed series is akin to stepping into a world filled with historical intrigue, stealthy assassinations, and epic adventures. With each installment, Ubisoft, the masterminds behind this iconic franchise, has crafted intricate narratives that transport players through pivotal moments in history. From the bustling streets of ancient cities to the vast open seas, Assassin's Creed games have consistently delivered exceptional storytelling and immersive gameplay. As a fan or a newcomer, understanding the chronological order of these games can enhance your appreciation of the series' rich tapestry.
The popularity of Assassin's Creed is indisputable, with millions of players worldwide captivated by its unique blend of history and fiction. The series has grown exponentially since its inception, spawning not only numerous sequels but also spin-offs and adaptations. Whether you're reliving the memories of past games or diving into the series for the first time, knowing the sequence of Assassin's Creed games in order will help you navigate its complex lore and character arcs.
As you delve deeper into the Assassin's Creed universe, you'll discover the interconnectedness of each installment, with storylines and characters weaving together to create a larger narrative. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Assassin's Creed games in order, offering insights into the chronological progression and key highlights of each game. From iconic protagonists like Ezio Auditore to the enigmatic Desmond Miles, this journey through time promises to be an unforgettable one. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world where history is rewritten, and the line between reality and fiction blurs.
Table of Contents
- What is the Assassin's Creed Series About?
- Who are the Main Protagonists in Assassin's Creed?
- How to Play Assassin's Creed Games in Order?
- Assassin's Creed: The Beginning of an Epic Journey
- Assassin's Creed II: Introducing Ezio Auditore
- What Makes Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Stand Out?
- Assassin's Creed Revelations: Unraveling the Mysteries
- Why is Assassin's Creed III Pivotal to the Series?
- The Naval Adventures of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- How Does Assassin's Creed Unity Change the Game?
- Assassin's Creed Syndicate: The Industrial Revolution's Impact
- The Origins of the Brotherhood in Assassin's Creed Origins
- What to Expect in Assassin's Creed Odyssey?
- Valhalla Awaits in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- The Future of Assassin's Creed: What's Next?
What is the Assassin's Creed Series About?
The Assassin's Creed series is a collection of action-adventure games developed by Ubisoft. Set in various historical periods, the games follow the centuries-old conflict between the Assassins, who fight for peace and free will, and the Templars, who desire control and order. The series uniquely blends historical accuracy with fictional narratives, allowing players to explore, interact, and complete missions in open-world environments. Each game introduces new characters, locations, and gameplay mechanics, ensuring a fresh experience with every installment.
Who are the Main Protagonists in Assassin's Creed?
Throughout the Assassin's Creed series, players assume the roles of various protagonists, each with their own unique stories and abilities. Some of the most notable characters include:
- Altair Ibn-La'Ahad - The protagonist of the original Assassin's Creed game, set during the Third Crusade.
- Ezio Auditore da Firenze - A beloved character who features prominently in Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations, exploring the Italian Renaissance.
- Connor Kenway - The half-Mohawk, half-English protagonist of Assassin's Creed III, set during the American Revolution.
- Edward Kenway - A charismatic pirate and assassin in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, exploring the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy.
- Bayek of Siwa - The main character in Assassin's Creed Origins, exploring the roots of the Brotherhood in ancient Egypt.
- Kassandra/Alexios - The protagonists of Assassin's Creed Odyssey, set during the Peloponnesian War in ancient Greece.
- Eivor - A Norse Viking raider leading their clan in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, set in the Viking Age.
How to Play Assassin's Creed Games in Order?
To fully appreciate the intricate storylines and character development in the Assassin's Creed series, it's recommended to play the games in their release order. Here's a comprehensive list of the mainline Assassin's Creed games:
- Assassin's Creed (2007)
- Assassin's Creed II (2009)
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (2010)
- Assassin's Creed Revelations (2011)
- Assassin's Creed III (2012)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (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)
Playing the games in this order will provide a coherent understanding of the overarching narrative and character relationships. Additionally, each game can be enjoyed as a standalone experience, offering unique gameplay mechanics and historical settings.
Assassin's Creed: The Beginning of an Epic Journey
Released in 2007, the original Assassin's Creed game introduced players to the world of the Assassins and Templars. Set during the Third Crusade, players assume the role of Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, an elite Assassin tasked with eliminating key Templar targets to bring peace to the Holy Land. The game features a unique blend of stealth, parkour, and combat mechanics, setting the foundation for future installments. Its innovative gameplay and engaging story captivated players, establishing Assassin's Creed as a groundbreaking franchise.
Assassin's Creed II: Introducing Ezio Auditore
The release of Assassin's Creed II in 2009 marked a significant leap forward for the series. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game follows the journey of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a young nobleman who becomes an Assassin to avenge his family's betrayal. With a richly detailed open world, players explore iconic cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, encountering historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci. Assassin's Creed II introduced varied mission types, improved combat mechanics, and a compelling narrative, solidifying Ezio as a fan-favorite protagonist.
What Makes Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Stand Out?
Continuing Ezio's story, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood was released in 2010, expanding on the gameplay and narrative elements of its predecessor. Set in Rome, players lead a brotherhood of Assassins to dismantle the corrupt Borgia family and liberate the city from their grip. The game introduced new features, such as recruiting and managing Assassin allies, enhancing the strategic depth of gameplay. With its engaging story, refined mechanics, and introduction of multiplayer modes, Brotherhood remains a standout entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed Revelations: Unraveling the Mysteries
In 2011, Assassin's Creed Revelations brought closure to Ezio's story while connecting it to Altair's legacy. Set in Constantinople, the game follows Ezio as he searches for keys to unlock Altair's hidden library. Alongside the main narrative, players experience Altair's memories, gaining insights into his life and motivations. Revelations introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the hookblade and bomb crafting, adding depth and variety to exploration and combat. The game also refined the multiplayer experience, offering new modes and customization options.
Why is Assassin's Creed III Pivotal to the Series?
Assassin's Creed III, released in 2012, marked a significant turning point for the franchise. Set during the American Revolution, the game introduced Connor Kenway, a half-Mohawk, half-English Assassin fighting for justice and freedom. The game's expansive open world, spanning colonial cities and frontier wilderness, offered players unprecedented freedom in exploration and mission variety. New gameplay mechanics, such as naval combat and a revamped combat system, provided fresh experiences. Assassin's Creed III also concluded Desmond Miles' modern-day story arc, setting the stage for future installments.
The Naval Adventures of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
With the release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag in 2013, the series took to the high seas, offering players an exhilarating pirate adventure. Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, players assume the role of Edward Kenway, a charismatic pirate and Assassin navigating the treacherous Caribbean waters. The game introduced naval combat and ship customization, allowing players to engage in epic sea battles and explore a vast open-world environment. Black Flag's compelling narrative, diverse gameplay, and stunning visuals made it a standout entry in the franchise.
How Does Assassin's Creed Unity Change the Game?
Released in 2014, Assassin's Creed Unity brought players to the heart of the French Revolution, with its intricate depiction of Paris and its iconic landmarks. Players take on the role of Arno Dorian, an Assassin seeking redemption amidst the chaos of revolution. Unity introduced cooperative multiplayer missions, allowing players to team up with friends for shared experiences. The game also featured enhanced parkour mechanics and a new combat system, offering greater fluidity and precision. Despite its initial technical challenges, Unity received praise for its ambitious scope and attention to detail.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate: The Industrial Revolution's Impact
Assassin's Creed Syndicate, released in 2015, transported players to Victorian-era London during the Industrial Revolution. Players assume the roles of siblings Jacob and Evie Frye, leading a gang of Assassins to liberate the city from Templar control. Syndicate introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the rope launcher and dual-character system, allowing players to switch between the Frye twins for unique abilities and perspectives. The game's rich historical setting, engaging narrative, and dynamic open world made it a noteworthy installment in the series.
The Origins of the Brotherhood in Assassin's Creed Origins
With the release of Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, the franchise underwent a major transformation, introducing RPG elements and a revamped combat system. Set in ancient Egypt, the game follows Bayek of Siwa, the last Medjay, as he seeks vengeance and uncovers the foundations of the Assassin Brotherhood. Origins' expansive open world, immersive storytelling, and meticulous attention to historical detail captivated players and critics alike. The game's new mechanics, such as skill trees, gear upgrades, and exploration-focused gameplay, marked a fresh direction for the series.
What to Expect in Assassin's Creed Odyssey?
Building on the success of Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey was released in 2018, set during the Peloponnesian War in ancient Greece. Players choose between two protagonists, Kassandra or Alexios, mercenaries with ties to the Assassin Brotherhood. Odyssey expanded the RPG elements introduced in Origins, offering branching storylines, dialogue choices, and multiple endings. The game's vast open world, diverse quests, and engaging naval combat provided players with countless hours of exploration and adventure. Odyssey's emphasis on player agency and narrative depth further solidified the Assassin's Creed series as a leader in the action-RPG genre.
Valhalla Awaits in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Released in 2020, Assassin's Creed Valhalla brought players to the Viking Age, following the journey of Eivor, a Norse raider leading their clan to settle in England. Valhalla continued the series' evolution with expanded RPG elements, settlement building, and a renewed focus on narrative-driven exploration. The game's breathtaking landscapes, engaging combat, and rich historical context offered players an immersive Viking experience. Valhalla's emphasis on storytelling, character development, and player choice ensured its place as a standout entry in the franchise.
The Future of Assassin's Creed: What's Next?
As the Assassin's Creed series continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the franchise. Ubisoft has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay, exploring new historical periods and innovative mechanics. With each installment, the series expands its rich lore, introducing new characters, conflicts, and mysteries. As the franchise moves forward, players can expect more thrilling adventures, immersive worlds, and captivating narratives, ensuring the legacy of Assassin's Creed endures for years to come.