Assassin's Creed Games Ranked: A Tier List

The latest installment in Ubisoft’s acclaimed stealth-action franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has arrived, transporting players to 16th-century Japan with the dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th mainline entry in the series, it raises the evergreen question: where does it stand among the franchise's legacy? We’re putting that decision in your hands.

Since the series began in 2007 with Desmond Miles diving into the Animus to relive the life of Altaïr, Assassin’s Creed has evolved dramatically—both in scope and gameplay. From Renaissance Italy to Revolutionary France, from Norse fjords to feudal Japan, each chapter has brought its own flavor to the open-world formula. For this ranking, we’re focusing solely on the core entries, excluding mobile titles, spin-offs like Liberation or Bloodlines, and VR experiences.

Below is my personal tier list based on enjoyment, immersion, and overall experience:

Simon Cardy's Assassin’s Creed Tier List

At the top sits Assassin’s Creed II—the title that truly defined the series’ identity. Its rich storytelling, charismatic characters, and meticulously crafted Renaissance world make it a timeless classic. Sharing the S-tier is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, a fan-favorite for good reason. The thrill of sailing the Caribbean, engaging in naval combat, and exploring sun-drenched islands delivers the most complete Assassin’s Creed experience for me.

In the A-tier, you’ll find Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While some may argue it's overly expansive, I embraced its deep Viking-inspired combat and became oddly obsessed with the Orlog board game. Also in this tier is Assassin’s Creed Unity, which continues to impress with its breathtaking recreation of Paris during the French Revolution—a visual marvel even years later.

Don’t see eye-to-eye with this ranking? Think Valhalla is too bloated? Feel AC2 doesn’t deserve its legendary status? Then take a seat at the table and build your own tier list below. Compare your rankings across S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the rest of the IGN community and see how your favorites stack up.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Are you hooked on Assassin’s Creed Shadows? What historical era or region should the series explore next? Share your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to explain why you placed each game where you did.