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Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

by Joshua Apr 15,2025

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, transporting players across five continents and through 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The epic saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict has taken us from the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling alleys of Victorian London, offering a rich tapestry of historical exploration and thrilling action.

With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the Assassin's Creed series to date. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as spinoffs, while entertaining, do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.

For more detailed information on the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, be sure to check out our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological order
How to play in release order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

Currently, there are 14 mainline Assassin's Creed games, alongside 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into a board game and a TV series that's in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

The Assassin's Creed series offers multiple entry points, and the best starting point often depends on your interest in historical periods. For a compelling narrative, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended due to its well-crafted storyline. If you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the fascinating world of ancient 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 Amazon

How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

You can approach the Assassin's Creed series in two ways. First, you can play them in the order of their modern-day storylines, which progress chronologically with each release. This method is ideal for following the overarching narrative and experiencing the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. If you plan to play through the entire series, this is the recommended approach.

Alternatively, you can play the games in the order of their historical settings. While these stories are less interconnected, they offer a deep dive into various historical eras, which can be fascinating for history enthusiasts.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

For those new to the series, the summaries below contain only mild spoilers, including broad plot points, historical settings, 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 before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, transitioning the series from stealth-based action to an open-world RPG experience.

You play as either Cassandra or Alexios, the grandchildren of Sparta's King Leonidas I. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens, featuring historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato. Odyssey intertwines historical events with Greek mythology, introducing mythical creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa.

The narrative predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but includes a crucial Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas.

*Pieces of Eden are powerful technological artifacts created by a precursor race known as The First Civilization. These artifacts and the First Civilization are recurring elements that link the past and modern storylines in 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 HassanFollowing a year-long hiatus, Ubisoft returned in 2017 with Assassin's Creed Origins, a soft reboot that introduced RPG mechanics to the series.

Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra in Ancient Egypt, Origins also touches on the Roman period under Julius Caesar. Many Assassin's Creed stories start as personal quests for vengeance but expand into broader political conspiracies. Origins follows Bayek and Aya, who, after their son's death, uncover the proto-Templar organization known as the Order of the Ancients and eventually establish the Hidden Ones, the forerunners of the Assassins.

Layla Hassan, the modern-day protagonist, is introduced here and continues through Odyssey and Valhalla.

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 departure from recent open-world RPGs, offering a $50 USD, stealth-focused adventure as a homage to the original games.

Set in 9th-century Baghdad, it follows the 17-year-old Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief plagued by nightmarish visions, who later becomes a significant character in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Mirage narrates Basim's journey with his mentor Roshan towards the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut.

Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a significant modern-day storyline. For more details, you can read 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 explores Norse history and mythology, making it the largest game in the series. It takes an average of 60 hours to complete its main story, according to How Long to Beat.

Set during the Viking Age, Valhalla blends historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great with mythological beings such as Fenrir and Odin. The game continues the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients, while also focusing on Eivor's personal journey from Norway to England.

The modern-day storyline seemingly wraps up Layla Hassan's three-game arc.

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, set 300 years after Valhalla, introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and establishes key gameplay elements such as climbing and assassinations.

Set during the Third Crusade, Altair hunts down nine Templars while Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist, is introduced to the Assassin-Templar conflict and the Animus, a device that allows reliving ancestral memories through DNA.

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, whose story spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's AC: Revelations, making him one of the series' most beloved characters.

Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance but leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the Assassins and Templars. The game takes players across Italy, introducing historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI.

In the present day, Desmond starts working 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, with him rebuilding Rome's Assassins Guild and seeking the Apple of Eden.

In the modern-day narrative, Desmond and the Assassins travel to Italy to find the same Apple of Eden, which is crucial to preventing an apocalyptic event.

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 MilesIn the final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, an aging Ezio journeys to Constantinople in search of Altair’s hidden library, uncovering more about the Assassin-Templar conflict.

In the present, Desmond, trapped in a coma, navigates the Animus to escape "the Black Room" and regain consciousness.

Revelations also boasts one of the series' most memorable trailers, first showcased 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 Japan Historic protagonist: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/AThe latest addition to the Assassin's Creed series, Shadows, is set during the civil wars of the late Sengoku period in Feudal Japan. It features dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, each with distinct gameplay styles.

Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, unite in a quest for vengeance. Unlike recent entries, Shadows does not have its own modern-day protagonist but coincides with the launch of the Animus Hub, integrating additional modern-day subplots and a reward system.

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 introducing naval gameplay and is set two centuries after Ezio's story and 40 years before Assassin's Creed III.

The game follows Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to AC III's Connor Kenway, interacting with historical figures like Blackbeard and Mary Read. Edward becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict while searching for The Observatory, a First Civilization site.

In the modern-day, an unnamed Abstergo employee relives Connor's life to create a film, masking Abstergo's true intentions.

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 serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, as he hunts for a Piece of Eden.

The modern-day narrative features another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working under the modern-day Templars.

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 MilesSet during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and the Grand Temple from the Templars.

The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's journey as he and the Assassins attempt to avert the prophesized end of the world.

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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Unity is primarily set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian on his quest for vengeance amidst the Assassin-Templar conflict.

Historical figures such as Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI appear in the game. The modern-day story, reduced to cutscenes, follows a player using Helix, Abstergo's Animus-powered gaming software, which serves Templar propaganda and collects user DNA.

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 PlayerSet in 1868, Assassin's Creed Syndicate follows twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye as they work to free London from Templar control and locate a Piece of Eden.

Historical figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin appear, with a side mission extending the timeline to WWI. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now collaborating with the Assassins to find another Piece of Eden in London.

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 release on March 20. While no information is available on future mainline games, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed several remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development.

A live-action Assassin's Creed series is still in the works at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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