Assassin's Creed: Full Timeline Revealed

Assassin's Creed Shadows marks the latest chapter in the renowned series, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan during the Sengoku Period. This setting places it right at the midpoint of the Assassin's Creed historical timeline. The series, known for its non-linear chronological progression, spans from ancient civilizations to the early 20th century, delving into pivotal historical events and offering players a rich tapestry of narratives.

With 14 mainline games and counting, the Assassin's Creed universe presents an increasingly complex timeline. To help fans navigate this intricate narrative, IGN has meticulously analyzed the lore to construct a comprehensive timeline that organizes all the key events in chronological order. This guide is invaluable for understanding the overarching story and how each game interconnects within the series.

The Isu Era

75,000 BCE

To fully grasp the Assassin's Creed timeline, it's essential to start with the lore of the Isu. In ancient times, a highly advanced race known as the Isu ruled Earth. These god-like beings created humans as their servants, controlling them with powerful artifacts called the Apples of Eden. However, human resistance, led by Adam and Eve, sparked a revolutionary war after they stole an Apple of Eden. The conflict lasted a decade until a catastrophic solar flare wiped out the Isu, allowing humanity to rise and inherit the Earth.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

431 to 422 BCE - Peloponnesian War

Set during the Peloponnesian War, Assassin's Creed Odyssey follows the mercenary Kassandra as she uncovers The Cult of Kosmos, a secretive group manipulating the war. Kassandra's journey reveals her connection to the Isu through her grandfather, the legendary Spartan King Leonidas. Her mission to dismantle the Cult involves destroying an Isu device used for predicting the future. Kassandra also reconnects with her father, Pythagoras, another Isu descendant, who entrusts her with the Staff of Hermes, granting her immortality and the role of guardian over Atlantis.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

49 to 43 BCE - Ptolemaic Egypt

In the time of Cleopatra, Assassin's Creed Origins introduces us to Bayek, a peacekeeper whose family is targeted by The Order of the Ancients. This organization, linked to the Cult of Kosmos, aims to control Egypt through political manipulation and the use of Isu artifacts. After a tragic loss, Bayek and his wife Aya fight back, eventually founding The Hidden Ones, a precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, to counter The Order's global ambitions.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

861 - Islamic Golden Age

Set almost a century after Origins, Assassin's Creed Mirage follows Basim, a street thief turned assassin, as he investigates The Order of the Ancients in Baghdad. His journey leads him to an Isu temple beneath the fortress of Alamut, where he discovers his past life as the Isu Loki and vows to exact revenge on his ancient captors.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

872 to 878 - Viking Invasion of England

Continuing Basim's story, Assassin's Creed Valhalla sees him travel with a Viking clan to England in pursuit of The Order. The clan's leader, Sigurd, and his sibling Eivor uncover the tyranny of King Alfred, a member of The Order. The narrative delves into the Isu lore further, revealing Eivor and Sigurd as reincarnations of Odin and Týr, respectively. Basim, seeking revenge as Loki, is ultimately trapped in a simulation by Eivor, allowing her to return as a hero to her settlement.

Assassin’s Creed

1191 - Third Crusade

By the time of the Third Crusade, The Hidden Ones have evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood, facing off against The Knights Templar, successors to The Order of the Ancients. Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin, navigates the Holy Land to thwart the Templars' plans to use the Apple of Eden. His journey uncovers betrayal within his ranks, leading him to assume leadership of the Brotherhood.

Assassin’s Creed 2

1476 to 1499 - Italian Renaissance

In the vibrant setting of the Italian Renaissance, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze joins the Assassin Brotherhood seeking vengeance against the Templar-aligned Borgia family. His quest leads him to an Isu vault beneath the Vatican, where he encounters the Isu Minerva, who foretells an impending apocalypse and hints at the importance of Isu vaults around the world.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood

1499 to 1507 - Italian Renaissance

Ezio's journey continues as he rebuilds the weakened Assassin Brotherhood and confronts the Borgia's Papal Army. After reclaiming the Apple of Eden, he secures it in an Isu vault beneath the Roman Colosseum, safeguarding it from the Templars.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations

1511 to 1512 - Ottoman Civil War

Seeking more Isu knowledge, Ezio travels to Masyaf, discovering Altaïr's library. His quest to secure the library's keys leads him to Constantinople, where he allies with the Ottoman Assassins against the Byzantine Templars. Inside the library, Ezio learns of the Grand Temple from Jupiter, understanding his role in passing on crucial information to future generations.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

1579 - Sengoku Period

Set in feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows follows Yasuke, an African samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi, as they navigate the political landscape under Oda Nobunaga's unification efforts. Their stories intertwine, leading them to confront shared challenges and enemies.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

1715 to 1722 - Golden Age of Piracy

During the Golden Age of Piracy, Edward Kenway becomes entangled in a Templar conspiracy involving The Observatory, an Isu device for spying. His journey from piracy to Assassinhood sees him ally with the pirate Bartholomew Roberts, ultimately choosing to protect the world from the Templars' control.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue

1752 to 1776 - French and Indian War

Shay Patrick Cormac's disillusionment with the Assassin Brotherhood leads him to the Templars after causing an earthquake in Lisbon. His quest to stop the Assassins from accessing more Isu temples intersects with Haytham Kenway, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Assassin’s Creed 3

1754 to 1783 - American Revolution

Haytham Kenway's son, Connor, becomes an Assassin seeking revenge against the Templars during the American Revolution. His journey culminates in a confrontation with his father, securing the key to the Isu Grand Temple and thwarting the Templars' plans.

Assassin’s Creed Liberation

1765 to 1777 - Spanish Occupation of Louisiana

Aveline de Grandpré, an Assassin in New Orleans, uncovers a Templar plot to control Louisiana using slave labor to uncover an Isu temple. Her journey reveals the deeper connections to the Isu rebellion led by Eve.

Assassin’s Creed Unity

1789 to 1794 - French Revolution

Arno Dorian, an Assassin during the French Revolution, uncovers a Templar plot led by François-Thomas Germain, who seeks to ignite revolution using an Isu weapon. Arno's journey intertwines with the Templar Élise, culminating in a tragic confrontation that secures the Sage's remains from the Templars.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

1868 - Victorian England

In Victorian London, twins Jacob and Evie Frye tackle the Templar control over the city, seeking The Shroud, an Isu artifact. Their efforts dismantle the Templar leadership and secure The Shroud, furthering the Assassin Brotherhood's victories.

Transition Period

1914 to 2012

The Assassin's Creed series frames its historical narratives within a modern-day storyline. During this transition period, the Templars establish Abstergo Industries, a pharmaceutical company that develops the Animus, a device for exploring ancestral memories, to control the future through the past.

Assassin’s Creed 1, 2, Brotherhood, Revelations, and 3

2012

Desmond Miles, a descendant of Altaïr and Ezio, is abducted by Abstergo to locate Isu artifacts. With the help of Assassin mole Lucy Stillman, Desmond escapes and learns of an impending apocalypse. His journey through his ancestors' memories leads him to sacrifice himself to prevent the disaster, unleashing the Isu Juno.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

2013

Abstergo continues its search for Isu technology by exploring Edward Kenway's memories. The narrative introduces the modern-day Sage, John Standish, whose plans are thwarted, keeping Juno's existence secret.

Assassin’s Creed Unity

2014

Abstergo releases Helix, allowing public access to genetic memories. An Assassin initiate explores Arno Dorian's life, securing the remains of the Sage François-Thomas Germain from Abstergo.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

2015

The initiate's mission continues, exploring Jacob and Evie Frye's memories to locate The Shroud. The Assassins race against Abstergo to prevent the creation of a living Isu, with Juno manipulating events from the shadows.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

2017

Layla Hassan, an Abstergo researcher, develops a new Animus and explores the memories of Bayek and Aya, discovering the origins of The Hidden Ones. She is recruited by the Assassin Brotherhood, led by William Miles.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

2018

Using DNA from the Spear of Leonidas, Layla explores Kassandra's memories and discovers Atlantis. Kassandra reveals Layla's role in balancing the Assassin and Templar conflict, passing on the Staff of Hermes before her death.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

2020

Layla investigates magnetic field fluctuations, exploring Eivor's memories to locate the Yggdrasil computer. Her journey leads her to work with Desmond's consciousness to prevent future apocalypses, while Basim escapes and continues his quest as Loki.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the debut title in 2007 to upcoming projects, the Assassin's Creed series offers a diverse range of experiences across consoles, PCs, mobile, and VR. Here's a comprehensive list of the entire series, allowing fans to track their progress and explore the vast world of Assassin's Creed.