Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated players for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey across five continents and through 2,300 years of history. From the sands of Ancient Egypt to the bustling streets of Victorian London, the series has explored diverse eras and settings through 13 mainline games. The ongoing narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict has been a central theme, weaving together historical adventures with a modern-day storyline.

With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the mainline Assassin's Creed games. This chronology focuses solely on the main series, as the spinoff games, while enjoyable, do not significantly impact the core narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of the Assassin's Creed games, be sure to check out our detailed guide on 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 franchise boasts 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the gaming world, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the expansive Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but it's best to begin with an era that piques your interest. For those seeking a narrative-rich experience, the original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended for its compelling storytelling. If you prefer more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you 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 approach the Assassin's Creed chronology: by the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing the games in the order of their release dates aligns with the progression of the modern-day narrative, which connects each game and evolves from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. This method is ideal for experiencing the franchise's overarching story and its development over time.

Alternatively, you can explore the games based on their historical settings, which offer a fascinating journey through different periods of history. While the historical narratives are less interconnected than the modern-day ones, they provide a rich backdrop for the series' core gameplay.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

To help newcomers navigate the series, the brief plot summaries below include only mild spoilers such as general plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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 the RPG elements introduced in Origins. Players can choose to play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I. Set during the Peloponnesian War, the game features encounters with historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, blending historical events with Greek mythology and introducing mythical creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Odyssey precedes the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but includes 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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot of the franchise with the introduction of RPG mechanics. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, Origins follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death. Their journey uncovers the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients and leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her role through Origins, 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 marks a return to the series' roots with a more focused, stealth-driven experience priced at $50 USD. The game follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions, as he navigates the streets of Baghdad and eventually joins the Hidden Ones. Unlike other recent entries, Mirage does not heavily feature the modern-day storyline. For more insights, read our comprehensive review of Assassin's Creed Mirage.

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 ventures into Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. Players take on the role of Eivor, leading their clan from resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England. The game intertwines the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients with Eivor's personal story, introducing historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin. Valhalla concludes Layla Hassan's modern-day 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 and sets the stage for the series' enduring success. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair's mission to hunt down nine Templars establishes core gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations. The game also introduces the Animus and the Pieces of Eden, pivotal to the series' narrative. In the present day, Desmond Miles is introduced, setting the foundation for the modern Assassin-Templar conflict.

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 the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans from 2009's AC II through 2011's AC: Revelations. Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance against those who wronged his family, leading him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict across Italy. The game features historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI, while Desmond's modern-day narrative sees him working 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 saga, as he rebuilds Rome's Assassins Guild and pursues the Apple of Eden. The modern-day storyline follows Desmond and the Assassins to Italy in search of the same artifact, which they believe can avert an impending catastrophe. Brotherhood expands on the series' multiplayer aspect, offering a new dimension to the gameplay experience.

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, Revelations, sees an older Ezio journeying to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's past, revealing their interconnected roles in the Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present day, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape "the Black Room" and regain consciousness.

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. Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, and Yasuke, an African samurai, find themselves united by tragedy in a quest for vengeance. The game does not feature its own modern-day protagonist but coincides with the launch of the Animus Hub, which consolidates the franchise and introduces 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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and pirate-themed setting. Players assume the role of Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to AC III's Connor Kenway. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, the protagonist of the Freedom Cry spinoff. In the modern day, an unnamed Abstergo employee relives Edward's memories to create a film, masking Abstergo's true 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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The narrative explores Shay's hunt for a Piece of Eden and features Haytham Kenway, connecting the stories of AC IV and AC III. In the present day, players control another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the modern-day Templars.

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, son of Haytham Kenway, during the American Revolution. Connor's mission to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from the Templars is set against a backdrop of historical figures like George Washington. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's journey as he and the Assassins work to prevent the world's end on December 21, 2012.

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 tumultuous period and seeks vengeance. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day story, presented through cutscenes, involves a player using Abstergo's Helix software, which collects DNA while promoting Templar propaganda.

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, who work to free London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, the game includes encounters with historical figures like Charles Darwin and Alexander Graham Bell. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins to locate a 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

Ubisoft's latest addition to the series is Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to release on March 20. While details on future mainline games are scarce, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in the works at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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