Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on a thrilling journey across five continents, from Ancient Greece to Victorian London, spanning an impressive 2,300 years of history over 13 mainline games. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's explore the complete chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline games that drive the core narrative forward.

For a deeper dive into the historical eras featured in the Assassin's Creed games, be sure to check out our comprehensive 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?

The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the realm of video games, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game, and a much-anticipated TV series is reportedly in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Embarking on the Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting, but starting with a game set in an era that piques your interest can be a great approach. If you're drawn to compelling narratives, the original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its exceptional storytelling. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers engaging pirate-themed gameplay, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the 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

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

When considering the Assassin's Creed chronology, you have two primary options:

1. In the Order of Modern-Day Storylines: This approach aligns with the series' overarching narrative, which unfolds through the present-day storylines. Playing the games in the order of their release dates allows you to follow the evolution of the modern-day plot and witness the franchise's shift from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

2. By Historical Settings: Alternatively, you can play the games in the order of their historical settings. While these stories are less interconnected than the modern-day narratives, they form the bulk of your gameplay experience and offer a fascinating journey through various historical periods.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

For newcomers to the series, the following brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers, focusing on 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 Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, transforming the series from stealth-based action to an expansive open-world RPG. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato with mythological creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders, Odyssey introduces a crucial Piece of Eden—the Spear of Leonidas.

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 Hassan

After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics to the series. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, Origins follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the proto-Templar organization, the Order of the Ancients. Their journey leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. In the present day, Layla Hassan takes center stage, linking Origins to Odyssey and Valhalla.

Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' roots with a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure set in 9th-century Baghdad. As Basim Ibn Ishaq, a 17-year-old street thief with nightmarish visions, you embark on a journey that sets the stage for his pivotal role in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Guided by his mentor Roshan, Basim's story is a narrative-driven homage to the original Assassin's Creed games. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature the present-day storyline.

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 Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. As Eivor, you lead your clan from a resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England, navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game seamlessly blends real-life historical figures with mythological elements, including Fenrir and Odin. Valhalla concludes Layla Hassan's modern-day story 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 Miles

The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad, setting the stage for the franchise's enduring success. Taking place during the Third Crusade, Altair hunts down nine Templars while the present-day narrative introduces Desmond Miles and the modern Assassin-Templar conflict. This game establishes foundational gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations, alongside key narrative concepts such as the Pieces of Eden and the Animus.

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 Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans from AC II through AC: Revelations. Seeking vengeance for the deaths of his father and brother, Ezio uncovers a larger conspiracy, traversing Italy from Florence to the Vatican. The game introduces historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. In the present day, Desmond begins 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 Miles

Continuing from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows Ezio as he seeks revenge and works to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild. The game also involves the pursuit of the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern Assassins search for the same artifact in Italy, aiming to avert a prophesized apocalypse.

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 Miles

The final installment of the Ezio trilogy, Revelations, brings Ezio's journey to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. Ezio's quest for wisdom intertwines with Altair's memories, culminating in Ezio's significant role in the broader narrative. In the present, a comatose Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room and return to consciousness.

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/A

Set during the late Sengoku period in Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, unite in a quest for vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows does not feature a modern-day protagonist but coincides with the Animus Hub, enhancing the game's narrative and gameplay experience.

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 Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and stars Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather of AC III's Connor Kenway. Set two centuries after Ezio's trilogy, the game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and Benjamin Hornigold. Edward inadvertently becomes embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict while searching for the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day narrative follows an unnamed Abstergo employee reliving Connor's life.

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"

Serving as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, Assassin's Creed Rogue follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an Irish-American Assassin turned Templar, on his quest for a Piece of Eden. The game features Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway, linking it to the broader narrative. In the present, you play as another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," serving 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 Miles

Assassin's Creed III begins with Haythem Kenway before focusing on his son, Ratonhnhaké:ton, known as Connor. Set during the American Revolution, Connor seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's arc, as he works to prevent the 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. Assassin's Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, a French Assassin seeking vengeance and embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. Historical figures include Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day narrative is less impactful, focusing on a Helix player navigating Abstergo's gaming software.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Set in Victorian London, Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who aim to liberate the city from Templar control and seek a Piece of Eden. Historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin make appearances. The modern-day storyline continues with the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in their quest.

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 details on future mainline games are scarce, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is reportedly in the works at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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