The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

The Assassin's Creed series has captivated players with its historical adventures since its debut in 2007. From the Renaissance streets of Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's expansive open-world games have offered unique, semi-educational experiences that distinguish them from other action-adventure titles, which often focus on fantasy or modern settings.

While the core elements of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent throughout its 14 mainline games, the series has evolved significantly. Changes in player progression and increasingly vast worlds have kept the franchise fresh and engaging.

Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task. After careful consideration, we've compiled our top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our definitive list:

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

11 ImagesPlaying the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.

10. Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations provided a fitting conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game was a thrilling send-off. From soaring down ziplines in Constantinople to engaging with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations was filled with captivating adventures. It served as both a nod to the series' origins and a preview of future developments, allowing players to bid farewell to the first era of Assassin’s Creed.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review

Assassin's Creed games are as much about their settings as their characters, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is particularly memorable. From sneaking through factories to racing horse-drawn carriages and confronting Jack the Ripper, the game's setting is both fantastical and grounded. The unique, string-heavy score by Austin Wintory adds to the immersive experience, with separate soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry. Additionally, the game's effective combat with a cane is reminiscent of Bloodborne, enhancing the overall experience.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

While not as revolutionary as Origins, Valhalla introduced significant changes. Combat became more impactful, side quests evolved into world events, and the overwhelming amount of loot was reduced, making rewards more meaningful. Eivor's story, though not our favorite, blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology seamlessly. Fans of Norse lore will appreciate the saga's integration into the main campaign and the expansive world of Thor and Odin in the game's lengthy expansion.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

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Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review

Brotherhood continues the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Set in an expanded Rome, the game builds on Assassin's Creed 2's innovations such as swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Ezio's journey is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by updated combat that lets players embrace their inner aggressive assassin. It was also the first in the series to introduce multiplayer, allowing players to compete as Templars.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review

Origins marked a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into an open-world RPG. It's not just historically significant; it's an excellent Assassin's Creed game. The compelling story of Bayek and Aya, the exploration of ancient Egypt, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat reinvigorated the franchise.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review

Unity returned to the series' original tone after Black Flag, showcasing a near 1:1 recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs, Unity has become a fan favorite after patches. Its fluid parkour system, challenging assassination missions, and the stunning depiction of Notre Dame make it a standout title.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review

Set in Feudal Japan, Shadows met the high expectations for this setting. It refocuses on stealth and assassinations with a more restrained open world and RPG elements. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows offers diverse gameplay and a visually stunning world that changes with the seasons.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. With expansive landscapes and thrilling naval warfare, the game offers tense chases and large-scale battles. Its compelling story and charismatic protagonists make it a delight to explore.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed 2 refined the series' formula, introducing dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and swimming. The Italian Renaissance setting and protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze are iconic, and the game's connection between past and present narratives was groundbreaking.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review

Black Flag introduced a pirate protagonist in the Caribbean, turning sailing and naval combat into central gameplay elements. The seamless transition from land to sea, along with engaging ship battles, made it a standout title in both the Assassin's Creed series and the pirate game genre.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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There you have it! These are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Do you disagree with our rankings? Share your favorite Assassin’s Creed game in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

If you're eager to see what's next for the series, keep an eye on upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, offering a unique blend of shinobi and samurai gameplay. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though its release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises to bring new, mysterious, and occult-themed adventures to the franchise.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here's the complete Assassin's Creed series list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See AllAssassin's CreedUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft BucharestAssassin's Creed IIUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite GamesAssassin's Creed II [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoftAssassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft