Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on an epic journey through history, covering five continents and over 2,300 years across 13 mainline games. With the highly anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows on the horizon, let's explore the Assassin's Creed timeline to date. This chronology focuses solely on the mainline games, as the spinoffs, while entertaining, do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of each Assassin's Creed game, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play in release order### Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

14 ImagesHow Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

Currently, there are 14 mainline Assassin's Creed games, complemented by 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the video game realm, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game, and a TV series is reportedly in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting, but selecting a game set in an era that fascinates you is a great approach. For those interested in the series' storytelling prowess, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) stands out with its compelling narrative. If you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey transports you to 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

0See it at AmazonHow to Play the Assassin’s Creed Game In Order

The Assassin's Creed chronology can be approached in two ways. First, you can follow the sequence of the modern-day storylines, which evolve with each game's release. This method is ideal for experiencing the franchise's overarching narrative and its transition from stealth-based action to expansive open-world RPGs. If you're committed to playing through the series, this is the recommended path.

Alternatively, you can explore the games based on their historical settings, which, while less interconnected, offer a fascinating journey through different eras of human history.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

For those new to the series, the summaries below contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points, historical contexts, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla HassanSet nearly 400 years earlier than any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraced RPG elements, transforming the series into a vast open-world experience.

You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, navigating the tumultuous Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. The game blends historical accuracy with mythological elements, featuring encounters with iconic figures like Hippocrates and mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa.

Odyssey is set before the Assassin and Templar orders' formation, yet it introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a significant Piece of Eden.

*Pieces of Eden are advanced artifacts crafted by the First Civilization, a precursor race. These artifacts are a recurring theme, linking the past and present storylines across the series.

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 HassanAssassin's Creed Origins, released in 2017, marked a soft reboot for the series, introducing RPG mechanics and a fresh narrative approach.

Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game also touches on Roman history under Julius Caesar. Origins follows Bayek and Aya's quest for vengeance, which evolves into a larger battle against the proto-Templar group, the Order of the Ancients. Their journey leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins.

Layla Hassan's modern-day story intertwines with the historical narrative, setting the stage for subsequent games.

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/AReleased in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to the series' roots, offering a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure set in 9th-century Baghdad.

The game follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a young thief with prophetic visions, on his journey from the streets of Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' stronghold at Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage focuses less on the modern-day narrative.

For a detailed look, check out our full 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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla HassanAssassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, making it the largest game in the series to date.

As Eivor, you lead your clan from the resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England, battling both the Order of the Ancients and personal adversaries. The game seamlessly integrates historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological elements such as Fenrir and Odin.

Valhalla concludes Layla Hassan's three-game arc in the modern-day narrative.

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 MilesThe inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade, setting the foundation for the series' success.

It establishes core gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations, and introduces the Animus, the device that allows modern protagonists to relive their ancestors' memories. Altair's quest to eliminate nine Templars is mirrored by Desmond Miles' modern-day conflict with the 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 MilesAssassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a fan-favorite protagonist whose journey spans three games.

Ezio's quest for vengeance against those who wronged his family unfolds against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy, from Florence to the Vatican. He encounters historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli, becoming central to the Assassin-Templar conflict.

In the modern day, Desmond Miles begins his alliance 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 MilesAssassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story, focusing on his efforts to rebuild the Assassins Guild in Rome and retrieve the Apple of Eden.

The modern-day narrative follows Desmond and his team to Italy, searching for the same artifact 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 MilesThe final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees an older Ezio journey to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library, intertwining his story with his predecessor's.

In the present, Desmond, trapped in the Animus, navigates his way back to consciousness with the help of a past user.

Revelations is also celebrated for its iconic trailer, first shown at E3 2011.

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 protagonist: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/AThe upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period, featuring dual protagonists with distinct gameplay paths.

Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, are united by tragedy and driven by vengeance. Shadows does not have its own modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity and adding 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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo EmployeeAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and stars Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway from Assassin's Creed III.

Set in the Caribbean, Edward encounters legendary pirates like Blackbeard and navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict while seeking the Observatory, a First Civilization site.

In the modern day, an unnamed Abstergo employee relives Connor's life for a film project, uncovering deeper Templar agendas.

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"Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narrative gap between Assassin's Creed III and IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar.

Shay's quest for a Piece of Eden intersects with the story of Haytham Kenway, linking back to both Edward and Connor Kenway.

In the present, you play as "Numbskull," an Abstergo employee furthering Templar goals.

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 MilesAssassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway's journey during the American Revolution, protecting his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from Templar control.

The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc as he and the Assassins work to prevent a global catastrophe.

Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki

13. Assassins Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix PlayerSet during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian's quest for vengeance and his involvement in the Assassin-Templar conflict.

The modern-day narrative, devoid of gameplay, follows a Helix player, experiencing the story through Abstergo's gaming software designed to spread 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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, working to liberate London from Templar influence while pursuing a Piece of Eden.

The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in locating another 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 launch on March 20, marking the latest entry in Ubisoft's storied franchise. While no details on future mainline games are available, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development.

Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is still in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive Assassin's Creed Jade has been delayed to 2025.

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