Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has traversed an impressive historical landscape over the past 18 years, taking players through five continents and covering 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The ongoing saga of the Assassins and Templars has provided fans with a rich tapestry of stories, each set in a unique era.

With the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've crafted a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline to date. This guide focuses solely on the mainline entries, as spinoffs, while enjoyable, do not directly contribute to the core narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed, explore our detailed guide on the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play in release order### Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

14 ImagesHow Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

There are currently 14 mainline Assassin's Creed games, complemented by 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise extends into a board game and a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting your journey into the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting, yet exciting. Consider beginning with an era that captivates you the most. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is often hailed for its compelling narrative and character development. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the ancient world of 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 AmazonHow to Play the Assassin’s Creed Game In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series. The first is by following the modern-day storyline's progression, which ties together the overarching narrative of the series. Playing the games in release order allows you to witness the evolution from stealth-focused action to expansive open-world RPGs, making it the ideal approach for those committed to the entire franchise.

Alternatively, you can explore the games in the order of their historical settings, which offers a fascinating journey through time. This method is more suited for those interested in the historical aspect rather than the continuous narrative.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

For newcomers, the following plot summaries 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 HassanSet nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces the RPG genre, enhancing the mechanics introduced in Origins. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, navigating the Peloponnesian War and interacting with historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato. The game blends history with mythology, introducing mythical creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. It predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but features a key 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 HassanFollowing a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot with the introduction of RPG elements. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death and uncover the Order of the Ancients, leading to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassins. The modern-day storyline introduces Layla Hassan, who 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 returns to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and narrative. It follows 17-year-old Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, who eventually becomes a key figure in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Mirage is set in 9th-century Baghdad and emphasizes a more concise, story-driven experience compared to recent titles.

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 delves into Norse history and mythology, becoming the largest game in the series to date. Players follow Eivor's journey from Norway to England, engaging with historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin. The game continues the struggle between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients, culminating in Layla Hassan's storyline.

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 original Assassin's Creed game, set during the Third Crusade, introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and the foundational elements of the series, including climbing and assassinations. It also introduces the Animus and the Pieces of Eden, pivotal to the series' narrative. The modern-day storyline begins with Desmond Miles, setting the stage for the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.

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, a beloved character whose story spans across three games. His journey begins with a quest for vengeance, leading him through Renaissance Italy and interactions with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci. The modern-day plot sees Desmond aligning 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 MilesContinuing Ezio's saga, Brotherhood sees him rebuilding Rome's Assassin Guild while pursuing the Apple of Eden. The modern-day narrative follows Desmond and the Assassins in their search for the same artifact, crucial to preventing 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 MilesThe final chapter of Ezio's story, Revelations, takes him to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, providing a deeper understanding of the Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the "Black Room."

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 installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game offers unique gameplay experiences and focuses on a narrative of vengeance. It introduces the Animus Hub, a platform unifying the Assassin's Creed series and enhancing the modern-day 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 EmployeeAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set two centuries after Ezio's trilogy. You play as Edward Kenway, a pirate embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict, interacting with historical pirates like Blackbeard. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Connor Kenway'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"Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a narrative bridge between AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The modern-day story follows another Abstergo employee, nicknamed "Numbskull," working for the 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 seeks to prevent the Templars from accessing the Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's storyline in the present day.

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 set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story, reduced to cutscenes, follows a player using Abstergo's Helix software, which is used to spread Templar propaganda.

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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. The game spans 1868, featuring historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell. The modern-day narrative 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

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, the latest addition to the franchise, is set to release on March 20. While no details on future mainline games have been disclosed, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed remakes of older titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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