Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on a thrilling journey through history over its 18-year run. The iconic Assassin-Templar conflict has spanned five continents, from the ancient world of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London, covering over 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline games that are essential to the series' overarching narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore 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?

There are currently 14 mainline Assassin's Creed games, with an additional 17 spinoff games. Beyond video games, the franchise extends into other media with an Assassin's Creed board game and a forthcoming 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 consider diving into a period that fascinates you. For a classic experience, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) offers some of the best storytelling in the series. If you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag provides a unique pirate-themed adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the ancient world of Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

There are two approaches to exploring the Assassin's Creed chronology. The first is by following the modern-day storylines, which are the connective tissue of each game's narrative. This method is recommended for experiencing the franchise's evolution and the overarching story, as the present-day events progress with each game's release. You can find this order in the section on how to play the Assassin's Creed games by release date.

The second option is to play the games based on their historical settings, which offer the bulk of your gameplay experience. While the historical stories are less interconnected than their modern counterparts, this order can be a fascinating way to explore different eras.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot synopses designed for newcomers, containing only mild spoilers such as broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraced RPG elements, shifting the series from stealth-based action to open-world RPG. Playing as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, you navigate the Peloponnesian War, encountering historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, while blending history with mythology, including creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it features a crucial 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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Following a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, a soft reboot introducing RPG mechanics. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the story begins as a tale of vengeance for Bayek and Aya, but evolves into a larger political conspiracy against the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients. Their journey leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins. The modern-day story introduces Layla Hassan, who continues 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 returns to the series' roots with a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure. It stars a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, who later plays a significant role in Valhalla. Under the guidance of his mentor Roshan, Basim escapes Baghdad to reach the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage lacks 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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the series' largest game, exploring Norse history and mythology. It follows Eivor and their clan's journey from a barren Norway to the fertile lands of England, intertwining the Hidden Ones' conflict with the Order of the Ancients. The game integrates real-life figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Fenrir and 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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed sets the stage 300 years after Valhalla, introducing Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and foundational gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations. It also establishes key narrative concepts such as the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's mission to hunt nine Templars during the Third Crusade intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day struggle against the Assassins and Templars.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose journey spans from AC II to Revelations. Ezio seeks vengeance for his family's murder, leading him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict across Italy. He interacts with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI. In the present day, Desmond begins 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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Continuing directly from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows Ezio's quest to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern Assassins search for the same artifact in Italy to avert 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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The conclusion of the Ezio trilogy sees an aging Ezio travel to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library, intertwining his story with his predecessor's. Revelations reveals Ezio's broader role in the Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, 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 JapanHistoric Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A

Set in the late Sengoku period of Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, each with unique gameplay. Yasuke, an African samurai serving Oda Nobunaga, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, unite in a quest for vengeance. While lacking a modern-day protagonist, Shadows coincides with the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' modern-day elements.

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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Known for its naval gameplay, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather to AC III's Connor Kenway. Set two centuries after Ezio's trilogy, it features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, later the protagonist of Freedom Cry. Edward's journey into the Assassin-Templar conflict leads him to the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee tasked with reliving Connor's life.

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 NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Serving as a narrative bridge between AC III and AC IV, Assassin's Creed Rogue follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an Irish-American Assassin who becomes a Templar. He hunts a Piece of Eden with guidance from Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway. The modern-day story involves another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," serving the 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 AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway, son of Haythem Kenway, during the American Revolution. Connor seeks to protect his tribe and the Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc as he and the Assassins attempt to avert the end of the world.

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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, who becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. Historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte appear, while the modern-day story, devoid of gameplay, involves a player using Abstergo's Helix software, which serves 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 dual protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, working to liberate London from Templar control. Set primarily in 1868, it includes historical figures like Charles Darwin. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in their quest for 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

Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20. While no details on future mainline games are available, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed remakes of older 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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