The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

Since its 2007 debut, the *Assassin's Creed* series has taken players on thrilling historical journeys, from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's open-world adventures offer a unique blend of action and history, setting themselves apart from other games with their focus on real-world settings and meticulously researched historical details. Each installment unveils a captivating conspiracy, providing a (semi) educational glimpse into the past.

While the core gameplay loop has remained consistent across the 14 mainline entries, *Assassin's Creed* has evolved significantly over the years, with innovations in progression systems and ever-more expansive game worlds. Choosing the best games is a challenge, but after careful consideration, we present our top 10 mainline entries.

Here are our top 10 *Assassin's Creed* games:

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

Playing the latest game? 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

A thrilling conclusion to Altaïr and Ezio's sagas, *Revelations*, despite some minor additions like Den Defense, delivers a memorable send-off. From ziplining through Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo da Vinci, the game is packed with exciting adventures. It's a fitting farewell to the first era of *Assassin's Creed*, celebrating the past while hinting at the future.

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 is as crucial as the protagonists, and *Syndicate*'s 19th-century Victorian London, in the throes of industrialization, is arguably the most memorable. Exploring factories, racing carriages, and even facing Jack the Ripper grounds the game in a realistic yet fantastical setting. Austin Wintory's unique score further enhances the atmosphere. The game also stands out for its effective cane combat.

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, *Valhalla* makes significant improvements. Combat is more impactful, world events replace traditional side quests, and loot management is streamlined. Eivor's story is engaging, blending historical fantasy and Norse mythology exceptionally well. The game offers a rich experience for fans of Norse mythology, with a major 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's story, *Brotherhood* solidifies his status as a fan favorite. It expands on Rome and its surroundings, building upon *Assassin's Creed II*'s mechanics—swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. The game is filled with charm and drama, offering more aggressive combat options. It also introduced multiplayer, allowing players to experience the game from the Templar perspective.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

A turning point for the series, *Origins* transformed *Assassin's Creed* into a full-fledged open-world RPG. The story of Bayek and Aya, founding the Assassin Brotherhood, is compelling. Ancient Egypt is a marvel to explore, 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* boasts impressive graphics, particularly its recreation of Paris. While its launch was plagued by bugs, subsequent patches have significantly improved the game. The enhanced movement system is arguably the series' most fluid, and the assassination missions are a highlight.

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*, creating a tighter experience. The dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, offer diverse playstyles, and the game features stunning visuals.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Building on *Origins*' combat and RPG elements, *Odyssey* is set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The vast and beautiful world, both land and sea (with returning naval warfare), is a highlight. The notoriety system creates tense chases, and the nation system allows for large-scale battles. The story is compelling, and the protagonist is charismatic.

2. Assassin's Creed II

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

A significant improvement over the original, *Assassin's Creed II* introduced more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and improved mobility, including swimming. The Italian Renaissance setting is beautifully realized, and Ezio Auditore da Firenze is an iconic protagonist. The game also features memorable additions to the present-day storyline.

1. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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

A departure from previous entries, *Black Flag* features a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway. The Caribbean setting is a massive sandbox filled with treasure and activities. Naval combat is a significant focus, offering engaging ship-to-ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. The game is considered one of the best pirate games ever made.

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This is our top 10 list. Do you disagree? Let us know your favorites in the comments!

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

Several *Assassin's Creed* titles are on the horizon. *Assassin's Creed Shadows* (recently released) takes players to feudal Japan, and *Assassin's Creed Jade* (mobile) is set in ancient China. Further into the future is *Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe*, promising a new direction for the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From 2007 to the present, here's the complete *Assassin's Creed* series. Log in to track your progress. See All!