Ubisoft's latest addition to its acclaimed series of stealth-action open-world games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. As fans dive into the adventures of Naoe and Yasuke set in 16th-century Japan, the question arises: where does this new installment rank among the series' mainline entries? With over 30 games under the Assassin’s Creed banner since its inception in 2007 with Desmond Miles and Altaïr, we focus here solely on the core series, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the 14th entry in the mainline series, and I've taken the liberty of creating a personal tier list based on enjoyment. Here's how I rank them:

Topping my S-tier is Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, which remains my favorite due to its perfect blend of island exploration, ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters. It shares the top spot with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly launched the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might be a surprising choice for some, but I thoroughly enjoyed its Viking-themed combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Alongside it is Unity, whose breathtaking recreation of Paris during the French Revolution remains a visual marvel even after a decade.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too bloated or believe Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? You're invited to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community.
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where would you like the series to venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how you've ranked the games and why.