Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series has been captivating players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the mythical landscapes of Ancient Greece, Ubisoft's open-world franchise has offered a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical exploration. Each installment dives into different eras, providing not just thrilling gameplay but also a semi-educational journey through history. This approach distinguishes Assassin's Creed from its peers, which often favor fantasy realms or modern settings.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have largely remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. From changes in player progression to the expansion of its worlds, each game has brought something new to the table.

Choosing the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After careful consideration and spirited debates, we've compiled our top 10 mainline entries in the series. Let's dive into our list of the 10 best Assassin's Creed games.

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

11 ImagesPlaying the latest game in the series? 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

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations concluded the epic tales of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offered a thrilling finale. From ziplining across Constantinople to engaging with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations was packed with memorable adventures. It served as both a farewell to the series' first era and a glimpse into its future, allowing fans to bid adieu to beloved characters after their transformative journeys.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review

Assassin's Creed games are as much about their settings as their protagonists, and Syndicate's Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is particularly unforgettable. Players can explore factories, race horse-drawn carriages, and even confront Jack the Ripper, creating an immersive, yet fantastical experience. The game's unique soundtrack by Austin Wintory, along with distinct themes for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, adds to the rich atmosphere. Syndicate's attention to detail and innovative combat, including the use of a cane, make it a standout entry.

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 as revolutionary as Origins, Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduced significant changes. The combat feels more impactful, traditional side quests have been replaced by world events, enhancing exploration, and the loot system is streamlined, making rewards feel more meaningful. Eivor's story, set against the backdrop of Norse mythology, offers a captivating blend of historical and mythical elements. The game's expansion into the realm of Thor and Odin adds an epic dimension, appealing to fans of both history and mythology.

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 Auditore da Firenze's saga, Brotherhood solidified him as a fan-favorite. Set in an expanded Rome, the game builds on Assassin's Creed 2's mechanics, introducing swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Ezio's journey is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by refined combat that allows players to embrace their inner assassin. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by allowing players to play as Templars. Though it may not have pushed the series forward as much as its predecessor, it remains a beloved entry.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Origins marked a pivotal shift for the series, transitioning from a stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, it offers a stunning world to explore, while its story of Bayek and Aya seeking justice and founding the Assassin's Brotherhood is deeply engaging. The introduction of loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the franchise, making Origins not just a significant entry but also a great Assassin's Creed game in its own right.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review

Unity returned to the series' roots with its focus on stealth and assassination, set against the backdrop of revolutionary Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, Unity has since been polished into a fan favorite. Its enhanced parkour system offers fluid movement, and the main assassination missions are among the best in the series. The detailed recreation of Paris, including landmarks like Notre Dame, adds to the game's allure.

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 the long-requested era of Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows refocuses on stealth and assassination. With a more restrained open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors, it offers a tighter, more focused experience. Featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows allows players to explore its stunning world from different perspectives, with Naoe's stealth skills and Yasuke's combat prowess complementing each other. The dynamic landscapes that change with the seasons further enhance the game's immersive quality.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Odyssey builds on Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world is filled with stunning vistas and engaging naval warfare. The notoriety system adds tension to the gameplay, while the nation struggle system allows players to influence large-scale battles. With a compelling story and a charismatic protagonist, Odyssey offers an immersive experience that continues to captivate players long after the main story concludes.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed 2 solidified the series' formula, delivering on the promise of the original game. It introduced more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and new mobility options like swimming. The Italian Renaissance setting, coupled with the introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, provided a rich backdrop for the series' narrative. The game's integration of historical elements with its modern-day story was groundbreaking, culminating in a memorable finale that showcased the series' potential.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review

Black Flag introduced a unique twist by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, in the Caribbean. The game transformed the Caribbean into a sandbox playground, filled with islands to explore and treasures to discover. Its naval combat, built upon the framework of Assassin's Creed 3, became a highlight, offering thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag not only stands out as one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also as one of the finest pirate games ever made.

### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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That concludes our list of the top Assassin's Creed games. Do you agree with our rankings, or do you think another game should have made the cut? Share your favorite Assassin's Creed game in the comments below.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

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Looking forward to what's next in the Assassin's Creed universe? Assassin's Creed Shadows has recently been released, allowing players to explore Feudal Japan through the eyes of a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is on the horizon for mobile devices, though it doesn't have a confirmed release date yet. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure that will introduce new elements to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the series' debut in 2007 to upcoming projects across consoles, PCs, mobiles, and VR, here's the entire Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played.

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