The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

Since its 2007 debut, the *Assassin's Creed* series has taken us on a thrilling journey through history. From the Italian Renaissance to Ancient Greece, Ubisoft's open-world adventures offer a unique blend of historical exploration and thrilling conspiracies. Unlike many games that focus on fantasy or modern settings, *Assassin's Creed* provides a (semi) educational glimpse into the past, setting it apart from its genre peers.

While the core gameplay has remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, with innovations in progression systems and ever-expanding game worlds. Choosing the best games is a challenge, but after careful consideration, we've compiled our top 10 mainline *Assassin's Creed* titles.

Here are our top 10 Assassin's Creed games:

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.

10. Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review

Assassin's Creed: Revelations provided a thrilling conclusion to Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore's sagas. Despite additions like the Den Defense mode, it offered a memorable send-off. From Constantinople's ziplines to encounters with Leonardo da Vinci, Revelations was filled with captivating adventures. This final chapter celebrated the past while hinting at the future, allowing a proper farewell to the first era of *Assassin's Creed*.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review

The setting often defines *Assassin's Creed* games, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London, in the midst of industrialization, is arguably the most memorable. Exploring factories, racing carriages, and even confronting Jack the Ripper, the game creates a fantastical yet believable atmosphere. Austin Wintory's score, distinct from previous entries, further enhances the immersive experience. The dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, even have their own unique soundtracks. The effective cane combat is also a noteworthy feature.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

While not revolutionary like Origins, Valhalla introduced significant changes. Combat is heavier and more impactful, world events replace traditional side quests, and loot management is streamlined. Eivor's story is engaging, blending historical fantasy and Norse mythology masterfully. Fans of Norse mythology will be particularly pleased with the sagas' central role and the expansion set in the world of Thor and Odin.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review

Continuing Ezio Auditore da Firenze's story, Brotherhood solidifies his status as a fan favorite. It expands upon Rome and its surroundings, building on Assassin's Creed II's mechanics – swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. The story is charming, witty, and dramatic, with updated combat allowing for aggressive playstyles. It also introduced multiplayer, pitting players as Templars or Assassins.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review

Origins marked a pivotal moment, transforming *Assassin's Creed* from a stealth-focused title into a full-fledged open-world RPG. The story of Bayek and Aya, seeking justice and founding the Assassin Brotherhood, is compelling. Ancient Egypt is a breathtaking setting, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review

A return to the tone of the original *Assassin's Creed*, Unity was a graphical powerhouse for its time, featuring a detailed recreation of Paris. While its launch was plagued by bugs, subsequent patches have transformed it into a fan favorite. The enhanced movement system offers fluid parkour, and the assassination missions are considered among the best in the series.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review

Set in feudal Japan, Shadows fulfills a long-standing fan request. It refocuses on assassinations, emphasizing stealth and infiltration. The open world and RPG elements are more restrained than in Odyssey and Valhalla, resulting in a balanced experience. The dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, offer diverse playstyles, and the game boasts stunning visuals and dynamic seasonal changes.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Odyssey expands upon Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of ancient Greece. It's a vast and vibrant game with stunning visuals, featuring a return to naval warfare. The notoriety system creates tense chases, and the nation struggle system allows participation in large-scale battles. The story is compelling, and the protagonist is charismatic, offering a rewarding experience even after completion.

2. Assassin's Creed II

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed II significantly improved upon the original, offering more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat and mobility (including swimming), and new catacomb missions. The upgradeable villa provided a reason to collect items, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions kept gameplay fresh. The Italian Renaissance setting and the introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze as a protagonist are highlights.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review

Black Flag deviates from previous entries by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway. The Caribbean setting provides a vast and entertaining sandbox, with numerous islands and activities. The naval combat, building upon Assassin's Creed III, is a highlight, offering thrilling sea battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. The freedom to engage in naval combat makes it a standout entry in the series and a fantastic pirate game.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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This is our top 10 *Assassin's Creed* games. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments!

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

Several *Assassin's Creed* titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, has recently launched. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a new direction for the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the 2007 debut to upcoming projects, here's the entire *Assassin's Creed* series. Log in to track your progress.