The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on thrilling journeys through various historical eras, from the Renaissance in Italy to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Egypt. Ubisoft's commitment to blending open-world exploration with historical settings has distinguished the series, offering players a unique blend of action, stealth, and education. Unlike many contemporaries that often focus on fantasy or modern urban environments, Assassin's Creed immerses players in rich historical contexts, making each game a compelling narrative and educational experience.

Over the years, while maintaining its core mechanics, the series has evolved significantly. From changes in player progression to the expansion of its worlds, Assassin's Creed has continuously adapted and grown. With 14 mainline entries, pinpointing the best games in the series is no small feat. After careful consideration, we've compiled our top 10 Assassin's Creed games, celebrating the best the franchise has to offer.

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

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations serves as a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a thrilling finale. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to memorable encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is filled with engaging adventures. It marks a fitting end to the early era of Assassin's Creed, celebrating its past while hinting at future directions.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its setting in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution, a period that vividly comes to life. The game's world is enhanced by Austin Wintory's unique string-heavy score, with distinct themes for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. The setting is further enriched by activities like sneaking through factories, racing carriages, and confronting Jack the Ripper, making Syndicate's environment feel both fantastical and grounded. The cane as a weapon adds a stylish touch to combat, reminiscent of games like Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

Assassin's Creed Valhalla refines the series' formula with significant changes. Combat feels more impactful, and traditional side quests are replaced with world events that encourage exploration. The game also streamlines the overwhelming amount of loot from previous titles, making rewards more meaningful. While Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story seamlessly blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering a rich narrative. The expansion into the realm of Thor and Odin further enhances the experience, echoing the epic feel of God of War.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore's saga, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. The game expands Rome and its countryside, building on Assassin's Creed 2's innovations such as swimming, property management, firearms, and ally recruitment. Ezio's journey is filled with charm and drama, enhanced by updated combat that allows players to embrace a more aggressive style. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective as players could take on the role of 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

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

Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transitioning from stealth-focused action to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game offers a vast world to explore, and its story follows Bayek and Aya, who seek justice and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The move to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series, making Origins a standout both historically and in terms of gameplay.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

Assassin's Creed Unity brought the series back to its roots with a focus on stealth and assassination, set against the backdrop of a stunningly detailed Paris during the French Revolution. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs, Unity has since been polished and now offers one of the most fluid parkour systems in the series. Its main assassination missions are among the best, offering diverse infiltration methods and stunning visuals, particularly of landmarks like Notre Dame.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review

Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills the long-awaited dream of exploring Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. The game refocuses on stealth and assassinations, with a more restrained RPG approach compared to its predecessors. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows offers a dynamic experience that blends stealth with samurai combat. The world, with its seasonal changes, is breathtaking and enhances the immersive experience.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements, setting the action in the vibrant world of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast landscapes, both on land and sea, are breathtaking, and its naval combat is a highlight. The notoriety system adds tension, while the nation struggle system allows for large-scale battles. Odyssey's story, featuring a charismatic protagonist, is engaging, and the world is filled with countless treasures and quests to discover.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

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

Assassin's Creed 2 not only proved the series' potential but set a new standard for sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat and mobility, and new features like catacomb exploration and villa upgrades. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic Ezio Auditore, whose journey is deeply intertwined with the present-day narrative. The ending, featuring a confrontation with the Pope and a divine revelation, remains one of the most memorable in the series.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag breaks the mold with its pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, offering a fresh take on the series. The Caribbean serves as a sandbox for adventure, with islands to explore and a robust upgrade system tied to hunting and naval combat. The seamless transition between land and sea, coupled with exhilarating ship battles, makes Black Flag a standout. Whether engaging in naval warfare or boarding enemy ships, the game delivers a thrilling pirate experience, cementing its place as one of the best in the series and a top pirate game.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Disagree with the ranking? Think another entry should have been on the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

If you're eager for more Assassin's Creed adventures, several upcoming titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing you to explore the lives of a shinobi and samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the original 2007 release to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here's a comprehensive list of the entire Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track your progress and see which titles you've explored.

See AllAssassin's CreedUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft BucharestAssassin's Creed IIUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite GamesAssassin's Creed II [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoftAssassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft