Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has been a thrilling journey through history, spanning an impressive 2,300 years and covering five continents. From Ancient Greece to Victorian London, the Assassin-Templar conflict has been the backbone of 13 mainline games over the past 18 years. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's dive into the complete chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline entries that drive the series' narrative forward.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of these 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?

Currently, the main series boasts 14 Assassin's Creed games, with an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the digital realm, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game, and there's a highly anticipated Assassin's Creed TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting your Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting with so many options. If you're intrigued by a specific historical period, that might be the perfect starting point. However, the original Ezio trilogy—comprising Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations—remains a fan favorite due to its compelling narrative and character development. For those interested in more recent titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a thrilling pirate adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of Ancient Greece.

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Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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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 approaches. The first is by following the modern-day storyline, which connects each game's narrative and progresses chronologically with each release. If you want to experience the overarching story and witness the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs, playing the games by release date is recommended.

The second approach is based on the historical settings of the games, which, while less interconnected, offer a fascinating journey through different eras. This method is more about exploring historical periods of interest rather than following a continuous narrative.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological list of the mainline Assassin's Creed games, with brief plot summaries that include mild spoilers such as broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraced RPG elements, transforming the series from stealth-based action to an open-world RPG. As either Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, you navigate the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. The game intertwines historical figures like Hippocrates and Socrates with mythological elements such as the Sphinx and Medusa. It predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.

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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Following a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death. Their journey leads them to uncover the Order of the Ancients, a proto-Templar group, and eventually form the Hidden Ones, the first iteration of the Assassins. Layla Hassan is introduced as the modern-day protagonist, a role she continues in 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 is the latest entry and a homage to the series' early days. Priced at $50 USD, it's a more focused stealth adventure centered around Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with mysterious visions. The game follows his journey from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a prominent modern-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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, making it the largest game in the series with a main story that can take up to 60 hours to complete. As Eivor, you lead your clan from a resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England, weaving the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients with personal tales of migration and battle. The modern-day storyline concludes Layla Hassan's 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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed game, set during the Third Crusade, introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and lays the groundwork for the series. It established key gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations and introduced narrative elements such as the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's quest to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' introduction to the modern-day Assassin-Templar conflict.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans from AC II to Revelations. Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance against those who wronged his family, leading him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict. Set in Italy, the game features encounters with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI. 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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Continuing directly from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows Ezio as he rebuilds Rome's Assassins Guild and seeks the Apple of Eden. The modern-day storyline sees Desmond and his allies in Italy, searching for the same artifact to prevent the world's prophesized end.

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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Revelations, sees an older Ezio traveling to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's memories, revealing the Italian assassin's role in the broader narrative. In the present, 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 Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A

The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. With dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers unique gameplay experiences. Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, come together on a quest for vengeance. Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that integrates 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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and is set two centuries after Ezio's adventures. As Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway from AC III, you encounter historical pirates like Blackbeard and Mary Read. Edward's journey pulls him into the Assassin-Templar conflict and the search for the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day story follows an unnamed Abstergo employee tasked with 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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. Shay's quest to hunt a Piece of Eden intersects with Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway. In the present, you play as another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," working for 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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III follows the story of Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, during the American Revolution. As Connor, you protect your tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from Templar threats. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins work to prevent the world's end.

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 France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, a French Assassin entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict and a personal quest for vengeance. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI. The modern-day story, lacking gameplay, follows a Helix player experiencing Abstergo's Animus-powered software.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control and seek a Piece of Eden. Set primarily in 1868, the game features historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin. The modern-day storyline continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins.

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

If you prefer to follow the evolution of the series and its modern-day narrative, play the games in the order they were released:

• 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)

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