Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on an epic journey across five continents over the past 18 years, immersing them in the centuries-old conflict between the Assassins and Templars. Spanning 2,300 years of history, the series has explored diverse eras and locations, from Ancient Greece to Victorian London, through 13 mainline games. As we anticipate the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's delve into the comprehensive timeline of the mainline Assassin's Creed games.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of each Assassin's Creed game, be sure to check out our detailed guide on 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 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, there's also an Assassin's Creed board game and an upcoming TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting, but selecting a game set in an era that piques your interest is a great approach. The original Ezio trilogy—comprising Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations—stands out for its compelling narrative and beloved protagonist. 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

You can approach the Assassin's Creed chronology in two ways: by the modern-day storylines or by historical settings. The modern-day narrative progresses with each game's release, making it ideal for experiencing the overarching story and the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. For a comprehensive playthrough, we recommend following the release order.

Alternatively, exploring the games by their historical settings can be a fascinating journey through time, though these stories are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot summaries with mild spoilers to help series newcomers understand the 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, taking players to Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I, encountering historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato. The game blends history with mythology, featuring creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. Though set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it includes 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 Hassan

Assassin's Creed Origins, released in 2017, marked a soft reboot for the series, introducing RPG mechanics and setting the stage in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra. The story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her arc 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/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to the series' roots with a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure set in 9th Century Baghdad. The game follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, on his journey to becoming a key figure in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a 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 explores Norse history and mythology, offering the series' largest game to date. Players guide Eivor and their clan from resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England, amidst the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game integrates real-life figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin. 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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The first Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It establishes key series elements like the Animus and Pieces of Eden, and sets the stage for the Assassin-Templar conflict that unfolds over the next 15 years. The present-day narrative introduces Desmond Miles, whose story continues through Assassin's Creed III.

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 beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose journey spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's Revelations. Ezio's quest for vengeance leads him through Italy, encountering historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI. In the present day, Desmond begins his association 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

Brotherhood continues Ezio's story, as he rebuilds the Assassins Guild in Rome and seeks the Apple of Eden. In the present day, Desmond and his allies search for the same artifact to avert a prophesized 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 journey with Altair's as Ezio searches for the keys to Altair's hidden library in Constantinople. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape a coma 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 JapanHistoric Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A

Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Their paths cross in a tale of vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that integrates modern-day subplots and a reward system across the franchise.

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 and follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather to AC III's Connor Kenway. Set in the Caribbean, the game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and involves the Assassin-Templar conflict centered around The Observatory. The modern-day narrative follows an Abstergo employee exploring Connor's life for a film project.

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 serves as a bridge between AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, in his quest for a Piece of Eden. The present-day storyline involves another Abstergo employee, dubbed "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 the Grand Temple from Templar interference. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's storyline as he attempts to prevent a world-ending event.

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 as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story involves a Helix player, using Abstergo's gaming software to collect DNA data.

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 Player

Syndicate introduces dual protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate Victorian London from Templar control. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, seeking another Piece of Eden.

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

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