Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated players for 18 years, taking them on an epic journey across five continents and through 2,300 years of history. From Ancient Greece to Victorian London, the series has explored the timeless conflict between the Assassins and Templars through 13 mainline games. As we anticipate the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the series, focusing solely on the mainline entries that drive the core narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of each game, check out 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

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

The Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and 17 spinoffs. Beyond video games, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and an upcoming Netflix TV series.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed saga can be daunting. For newcomers, selecting a game based on an era that piques your interest is a solid strategy. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. Alternatively, if you're drawn to more recent entries, consider starting with Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag for its engaging pirate-themed gameplay or Assassin's Creed Odyssey to explore ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

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 Game In Order

There are two primary ways to approach the Assassin's Creed timeline. The first is by following the modern-day storyline, which unfolds chronologically with each game's release. This method is ideal for experiencing the overarching narrative and the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. For those committed to playing through the entire franchise, this is the recommended approach.

The second method is by the historical settings of the games, listed below. While these stories are less interconnected than their modern counterparts, they offer a rich exploration of various historical periods.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

The following summaries contain only mild spoilers to provide context for newcomers.

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

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, fully embraces the open-world RPG genre. Players can choose to play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, blending historical events with mythological elements, featuring figures like Hippocrates and creatures like the Sphinx. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it 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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG elements and serving as a soft reboot. Set during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, ultimately uncovering the Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassins. The modern storyline introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her journey in subsequent games.

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 a more focused and narrative-driven adventure, paying homage to the series' roots with a $50 USD price tag. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, on his journey from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage largely omits the 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 delves into 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, all while navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The modern-day story 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 inaugural Assassin's Creed game sets the stage for the franchise, introducing Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It establishes core gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations, and introduces the Animus and Pieces of Eden. Desmond Miles, the modern protagonist, begins his journey here, setting up the Assassin-Templar conflict in the present.

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 quest for vengeance leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the Assassins and Templars. The modern-day narrative sees Desmond joining forces 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 saga, with him rebuilding Rome's Assassins Guild and hunting the Apple of Eden. In the modern day, Desmond and his team search for the same artifact to prevent 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

Revelations concludes Ezio's story as he searches for Altair's hidden library in Constantinople. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, while Desmond navigates the Animus to escape his coma.

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, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Their paths cross in the Iga province, leading to a shared quest for vengeance. Unlike recent entries, Shadows doesn't feature a modern-day protagonist but connects to the broader narrative through the Animus Hub.

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 is renowned for its naval gameplay, set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players follow Edward Kenway, a pirate drawn into the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee exploring Connor's memories 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 Black Flag and Assassin's Creed III, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The modern-day story 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 seeks to prevent the Templars from accessing the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's story as he and his allies work to avert an apocalypse.

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 Player

Unity is set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian's journey from vengeance to involvement in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day segments, featuring a Helix player, are less impactful and largely consist of cutscenes.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Syndicate features dual protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who aim to liberate London from Templar control while searching for a Piece of Eden. The modern-day story continues with the same Helix player from Unity, 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

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