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How to Play the Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

by David Apr 15,2025

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has traversed a vast historical landscape over its 18-year journey, taking players through five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The central narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict has unfolded from the settings of Ancient Greece to Victorian London, providing a rich tapestry of historical immersion and thrilling gameplay.

With the eagerly anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we’ve compiled a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline to date. This guide focuses exclusively on the mainline games, as the spinoffs, while enjoyable, do not significantly contribute to the overarching narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of each Assassin's Creed game, be sure to check out our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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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, offering diverse experiences for fans. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into other media, including a board game and an upcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing a starting point in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but selecting a game based on your interest in its historical setting is a great approach. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling storytelling, making it an excellent entry point for those drawn to Renaissance Italy. If you prefer more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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PS4, 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 approach the Assassin’s Creed chronology. The first is to follow the order of the games' modern-day storylines, which is ideal for those wanting to experience the evolving narrative of the present-day conflict between the Assassins and Templars. This method reflects the series' progression from stealth-action to expansive open-world RPGs. For those committed to playing through the entire franchise, this order is recommended to fully appreciate the overarching story.

Alternatively, you can play the games in the order of their historical settings. While the historical narratives are less interconnected than their modern counterparts, they offer immersive journeys through various eras. This approach is more suitable for those interested in exploring specific historical periods.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

With new players in mind, the following brief plot synopses contain only mild spoilers, including 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 embraces RPG elements, transforming the series from stealth-based action to an open-world RPG. Players can choose to play as Cassandra or Alexios, the grandchildren of Sparta's King Leonidas I, navigating the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. The game weaves historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato with mythological creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, Odyssey introduces 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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Following a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot and the introduction of RPG mechanics. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, Origins blends historical events with the personal journey of Bayek and Aya, who seek vengeance for their son's death. Their quest uncovers the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients, leading to the formation of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern story introduces Layla Hassan, who becomes the protagonist for Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

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Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure that pays homage to the series' origins. It follows the story of 17-year-old Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, as he escapes Baghdad and joins the Hidden Ones at Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage lacks 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, offering the series' largest game to date. Players follow Eivor's journey from resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England, navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. The game integrates real historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great with mythological elements like Fenrir and 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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade, laying the foundation for the franchise's core gameplay mechanics and narrative. It introduces key elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus, setting the stage for the Assassin-Templar conflict that spans centuries. In the present day, Desmond Miles embarks on his journey, intertwining past and present narratives.

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 Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the series' most beloved protagonists, whose journey spans from 2009's AC II to 2011's AC: Revelations. Ezio seeks to avenge his family's death, uncovering a broader conspiracy and engaging with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI. In the present, Desmond continues his work 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

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story, as he seeks to rebuild Rome's Assassins Guild and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the present day, Desmond and his team search for the same artifact, hoping to prevent 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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees the seasoned assassin seeking Altair's hidden library in Constantinople. Ezio's journey intertwines with Altair's memories, revealing his place in the larger Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus, working to escape 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 newest addition to the series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, the game explores their intertwined paths of vengeance. Unlike other recent entries, Shadows does not feature a modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the franchise's connectivity and adding modern subplots.

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 introduces naval gameplay, set two centuries after the Ezio trilogy and 40 years before Assassin's Creed III. Players take on the role of Edward Kenway, a pirate embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee reliving Connor's life to create a film, uncovering deeper Templar schemes.

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, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. In the modern day, players take on the role of 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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III unfolds during the American Revolution, following Connor Kenway's efforts to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's arc as he and his team strive 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's quest for vengeance amidst the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, follows a Helix player uncovering Templar propaganda.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

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Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Syndicate features dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they work to liberate London from Templar control. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now assisting the Assassins in locating a 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

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Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20. While details on future mainline games remain undisclosed, Ubisoft has confirmed several 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.