Assassin’s Creed games in order, by release and story timeline

As a seasoned connoisseur of video games, I must say that the Assassin’s Creed series has always been a delightful journey through history. Each game offers a unique perspective on various eras, from the cradle of civilization to the vibrant feudal Japan.

If you’re eager to jump into the Assassin’s Creed series of video games, it would be helpful to understand their sequence for smooth gameplay.

Starting with the numerous releases since the series debuted on Xbox 360 and PS3 can feel overwhelming. Choosing where to begin can be challenging.

Luckily, Ubisoft made sure the series was adaptable for the future, and arranging them in chronological order based on the modern-day narrative is quite straightforward.

Explore this guide to learn about playing the Assassin’s Creed series in the sequence of their releases, as well as in chronological story order.

How to play the Assassin’s Creed games in release date order

The Assassin’s Creed series by Ubisoft was launched way back in 2007, starting with the initial game that was made available on personal computers, as well as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles.

Today, the series remains vibrant, and the latest installment in 2023, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, pays tribute to its origins while delving back into the stealth-focused essence of the franchise. In 2025, players can expect another grand RPG journey with Shadows.

Here is the complete list of Assassin’s Creed games in release date order:

Assassin’s Creed (2007 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed: Altaïr’s Chronicles (2008 | DS)
Assassin’s Creed II (2009 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (2009 | PSP)
Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery (2009 | DS)
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed III (2012 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U)
Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (2012 | PS Vita)
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U)
Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry (2014 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U)
Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (2015 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia (2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles collection (2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS Vita)
Assassin’s Creed Identity (2016 | iOS, Android)
Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018 | PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR (2024 | applicable VR headsets)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)
Assassin’s Creed: Jade (TBC | smartphones)

A large number of the games listed can be played on contemporary systems either through backward compatibility features or updated versions.

In the series we’re discussing, the games highlighted in bold are regarded as the primary installments. While the side games are enjoyable and worth trying out, if you want a smooth, straightforward experience within the franchise, it’s advisable to focus on the main series games.

Assassin’s Creed games in story timeline order

Instead of choosing to play the games based on their settings, it’s most advantageous to follow the story sequence as presented in the modern-day tales. This is the primary method connecting each game within the series, apart from the Ezio trilogy (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations).

As a cinephile immersed in the world of gaming, I can easily trace the storyline’s progression from the initial release, with each subsequent title adding another chapter to the ongoing narrative in a manner that keeps me hooked and eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Here is how to play the Assassin’s Creed games in story timeline order:

Assassin’s Creed

Stepping back in time as a movie critic, I found myself immersed in the 2007 original that ignited the Assassin’s Creed phenomenon. In this captivating tale, I find myself in the shoes of Desmond Miles, a contemporary protagonist who plunges into the Animus to assume the role of his forebearer, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a 12th-century assassin during the Third Crusade. Altaïr’s mission? To retrieve an artifact from the clutches of the Templars. This epic journey transports players through history and offers a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and intrigue.

Assassin’s Creed II

In the second installment, Desmond’s contemporary storyline carries on, and in an unusual twist, he employs the Animus to assume command over another one of his assassin forebears, specifically Ezio Auditore da Firenze, during the zenith of the Renaissance (approximately 1476-1499).

Ezio’s on a mission of revenge against those who killed his brothers and father.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

In the sequel to “Assassin’s Creed II,” titled “Brotherhood,” you follow the ongoing narrative of the character, Ezio. Unlike before, Desmond makes a return to prevent the prophesied apocalypse from happening in 2012. The game is set during the Italian Wars (1500-1507) and your mission is to reestablish the Assassin Brotherhood within Italy by playing as Ezio.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

The game Revelations marks the conclusion of the trilogy starring Ezio Auditore. In this installment, you assume control over an older Ezio, during the timeframe of 1511-1512. Your mission is to locate five keys to open a library that Altaïr constructed.

Assassin’s Creed III

Assassin’s Creed III concludes Desmond’s timeline and wraps up the initial saga of the series’ contemporary narrative. In this installment, Desmond re-enters the Animus to assume command of his ancestor, Connor (also known as Ratonhnhaké:ton), in a continued effort to prevent the prophesied 2012 catastrophe.

In this game, the action takes place in Colonial America from 1754 to 1783, and it revolves around a compelling story about a father and son who are on opposing sides – one is a prominent Templar, while the other is an assassin. The backdrop of the American Revolution adds dramatic flair to some breathtaking scenes.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

In contrast to earlier installments featuring Desmond Miles, Black Flag marks the debut of the series without a modern-day protagonist. Instead, you assume the role of an anonymous Abstergo employee and the Welsh pirate, Edward Kenway, who is on a quest to discover The Observatory.

I, a humble narrator, embark on an exhilarating journey through the annals of history as Edward’s pirate escapades sweep me across the vibrant West Indies during the legendary era of Piracy (1715-1726). This grand chronicle unfolds a vast cartography, brimming with lush landscapes and treasures ripe for the taking.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue

In III and Black Flag, Rogue deviates from the usual storyline by allowing players to assume the role of a Templar instead of an Assassin. Unlike other games, you control Numbskull, a staff member at Abstergo, working for the Templars in present day.

As a dedicated movie buff, I find myself transported back in time, stepping into the boots of Shay Patrick Cormac amidst the tumultuous era of the French and Indian War (1752-1760) that echoed across North America – from bustling New York to the vibrant streets of Port-au-Prince. My mission is personal and urgent: I hunt relentlessly for the Templar assassins, seeking justice and uncovering the truth behind their nefarious actions.

Assassin’s Creed Unity

In this installment of the series, we find ourselves in Paris amidst the tumultuous period known as the French Revolution (from 1789 to 1794). It promised a tighter, more compact experience compared to Black Flag, and even introduced cooperative gameplay. However, it gained notoriety for an extensive catalog of bugs.

The game features the character Arno Dorian, who is an assassin seeking revenge after his father was murdered by Shay Patrick Cormac. Set in a contemporary context, you follow along as an anonymous Helix player experiences these events. By this stage in the series, it’s well-known for its stories of vengeance.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

Set in Victorian-era London spanning from 1868 to 1916, Syndicate puts you in the shoes of Jacob and Evie Frye, twin assassins, as they embark on a quest to unearth a relic known as a Piece of Eden hidden within the heart of 19th-century London, using the same enigmatic Helix player character from Unity.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Origins kicks off a fresh chapter in the Assassin’s Creed series, focusing on Layla Hassan’s contemporary adventures. This game serves as a reboot for the franchise, offering an expansive open-world RPG experience instead of the traditional assassination missions. It features revamped combat and character progression systems.

In this game, you take on the role of Bayek from Siwa, a precursor to an assassin in ancient Egypt, during the years 49-43 BC. Driven by the loss of his son, Bayek embarks on a quest for vengeance while uncovering the origins of the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

In historical chronology, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey progresses Layla Hassan’s contemporary storyline as she seeks the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus and the mythical city of Atlantis. This adventure places you in command of either Cassandra or Alexios (with one serving as the main adversary) within Ancient Greece, during the Peloponnesian War spanning from 431-422 BC.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

In Layla Hassan’s contemporary tale, the game Valhalla places you as Eivor Varinsdottir/Varinsson, a Viking raider, during the Viking invasions of Britain from 872-878 AD. The objective is to found a new Viking clan in England and revive the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Mirage signifies a return to the fundamental elements of the series, departing from the extensive RPG gameplay observed in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. Instead, it’s positioned in 9th-century Baghdad and delves into the narrative of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character initially introduced in Valhalla. Essentially, Mirage is a prequel to Valhalla, unfolding a decade prior to its events.

Feel free to enjoy playing both ‘this’ and ‘Valhalla’, with no strict sequence required. However, for the most coherent experience when considering their release dates, we recommend starting with ‘Valhalla’ first.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Returning to the role-playing game (RPG) aspect of Odyssey, Origins, and Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is situated in feudal Japan. In this game, you control two main characters: the shinobi assassin Naoe and the samurai Yasuke. You can switch between them whenever you prefer.

2024-12-17 17:35