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Since its debut in 2007, the *Assassin’s Creed* series has taken players on immersive historical journeys across some of the most iconic periods and locations in human history—from the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the epic landscapes of Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's long-running open-world franchise offers more than just action-packed gameplay; it serves as a (semi-)educational portal into the past, blending real-world events with fictional conspiracies in a way that sets it apart from other entries in the genre, which often lean toward fantasy realms or modern urban settings.
While the core gameplay mechanics—stealth, parkour, and assassination—have remained consistent throughout the series’ 14 mainline titles, each installment has introduced meaningful changes, including new progression systems, evolving combat styles, and increasingly expansive worlds. With so many entries, it can be hard to determine which ones stand out above the rest.
After extensive discussion (and a few passionate debates), we’ve compiled our list of the top 10 mainline *Assassin’s Creed* games. These are the titles that best represent the series' evolution, innovation, and storytelling prowess.
The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games
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Playing the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.
10. Assassin's Creed: Revelations
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations brought closure to two of the franchise’s most beloved characters—Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore—in a finale that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. Set in Constantinople, the game expanded on previous mechanics, introducing ziplines and refining city traversal. Despite mixed reactions to features like Den Defense mode, the emotional send-off for Altair and Ezio made this a memorable chapter.
9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015
Set during the industrial revolution in Victorian London, Syndicate offered a gritty, grounded setting filled with carriages, factories, and even Jack the Ripper. The dual protagonists Jacob and Evie brought fresh dynamics to gameplay, and Austin Wintory’s score elevated the atmosphere. Its unique blend of stealth, melee combat, and exploration helped make it one of the more distinctive entries in the series.
8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020
While not as revolutionary as Origins, Valhalla refined many of the RPG elements introduced in earlier games. Combat felt weightier, world events replaced generic side quests, and loot management became more streamlined. Eivor’s story wove together Norse mythology and historical fiction in an engaging narrative, while expansions allowed players to explore the mythological realms of Asgard and beyond.
7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010
Following up Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood built upon its predecessor’s foundation with improved combat, recruit mechanics, and the introduction of competitive multiplayer. Ezio’s continued journey through Rome offered charm, drama, and satisfying assassin gameplay, making it a fan favorite among early entries in the series.
6. Assassin's Creed Origins
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017
Origins marked a turning point for the franchise, transforming Assassin’s Creed into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, it featured a compelling origin story for the Assassins’ Order, deepened character progression, and introduced a more dynamic combat system. Though later entries would polish these ideas further, Origins laid the groundwork for the series’ modern direction.
5. Assassin's Creed Unity
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014
Set during the French Revolution, Unity aimed to deliver a visually stunning and historically rich experience in Paris. While its launch was plagued by bugs and performance issues, post-launch patches significantly improved the game. It offered some of the smoothest parkour in the series and some of the most creative assassination missions, all set against a breathtaking recreation of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
4. Assassin's Creed Shadows
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025
Long requested by fans, Shadows finally brings Assassin’s Creed to Feudal Japan. With a renewed focus on stealth and infiltration, it strips back some of the RPG-heavy mechanics of recent entries for a tighter, more focused experience. Dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke offer contrasting playstyles—one rooted in agility and stealth, the other in brute strength—making for a balanced and engaging adventure.
3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018
Set in Ancient Greece, Odyssey expanded on the RPG mechanics introduced in Origins. With massive open-world environments, naval battles, and a branching narrative that let players choose their protagonist, it offered unprecedented freedom. The cat-and-mouse chases and large-scale faction conflicts added tension and variety, making it one of the most immersive entries in the series.
2. Assassin's Creed II
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009
Assassin’s Creed II proved that the original concept had potential when executed properly. Ezio Auditore quickly became the face of the franchise, thanks to his charisma and memorable storyline. Gameplay improvements included swimming, better combat, customizable weapons, and a home base system. It also laid the foundation for future innovations and remains a defining entry in the series.
1. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013
With Black Flag, Ubisoft took a bold step by centering the story around a pirate rather than a traditional assassin. Edward Kenway’s journey through the Caribbean offered seamless land-sea exploration, thrilling naval battles, and a vibrant world teeming with hidden treasures. The game revitalized the series and remains one of the most beloved entries, especially for its unforgettable pirate-themed
