Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has journeyed across five continents and 2,300 years of history, captivating players with its intricate Assassin-Templar conflict. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to explore the full timeline of this iconic series. This guide focuses solely on the mainline Assassin's Creed games, which are central to the overarching narrative.

For more in-depth information on the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, 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 currently boasts 14 mainline games and 17 additional spinoffs. Beyond the video games, there's also an Assassin's Creed board game and a forthcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting the Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting, but choosing a game based on a historical period you're fascinated by is a great approach. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. For those interested in more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, 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

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by following the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing in release order aligns with the progression of the modern-day narrative, providing a cohesive experience of the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. This approach is ideal for understanding the overarching story.

Alternatively, playing in chronological order based on historical settings offers a unique perspective on the Assassin-Templar saga across different eras. This method is more about exploring historical periods than following a continuous storyline.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot summaries for each game, designed with newcomers in mind. These contain mild spoilers focused on broad plot points, settings, and key characters.

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 embraced RPG elements, marking a significant shift from stealth-based action. Players control Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I of Sparta, navigating the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical events with Greek mythology, featuring encounters with figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and mythical creatures such as the Sphinx and Medusa. While set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it includes 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 year-long hiatus, Assassin's Creed Origins marked a soft reboot in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics. Set during the Ptolemaic era in Egypt, the game follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for vengeance against the Order of the Ancients leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues as the protagonist 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–???)

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' stealth roots, offering a more focused narrative experience. Players follow the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with mysterious visions, as he journeys to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not feature a significant 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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla dives into Norse history and mythology, offering an expansive world. Players control Eivor, leading their clan from Norway to England, while navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game concludes Layla Hassan's modern-day 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 during the Third Crusade. It sets the stage for the series' core elements, including the Animus and Pieces of Eden, and introduces the modern-day protagonist, Desmond Miles, setting the foundation for the Assassin-Templar narrative.

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 Ezio Auditore, a beloved character whose story spans three games. Set in Renaissance Italy, Ezio's journey from vengeance to uncovering a larger conspiracy involves encounters with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli. In the modern day, Desmond begins his collaboration 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 Ezio's saga, Brotherhood sees him rebuilding the Assassins Guild in Rome while pursuing the Apple of Eden. The modern-day story follows Desmond and his team to Italy, seeking the same artifact to avert an impending catastrophe.

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

Revelations concludes Ezio's trilogy, intertwining his story with Altair's as Ezio seeks Altair's library in Constantinople. The modern-day narrative finds Desmond trapped in the Animus, striving to escape and regain 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 JapanHistoric protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/A

Set during Japan's Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, and Yasuke, an African samurai. Their paths cross in a quest for vengeance. While lacking a modern-day protagonist, Shadows integrates with the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity.

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

Black Flag introduces naval gameplay, following pirate Edward Kenway during the Golden Age of Piracy. Edward's adventures lead him into the Assassin-Templar conflict and the search for the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee uncovering Connor Kenway's past.

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"

Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The modern-day story involves 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 Miles

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and a First Civilization temple from Templar interference. The modern-day storyline concludes Desmond's journey, as he and his allies work to prevent an apocalypse.

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

Unity is set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian's journey through vengeance and the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day narrative is minimal, focusing on a player using Abstergo's Helix software.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now assisting 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 is the latest addition to the series, set to release on March 20. While no other mainline games have been announced, Ubisoft is working on remakes of earlier entries. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in development at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile game, Assassin's Creed Jade, is slated for 2025.